September is Alopecia Awareness Month, a dedicated time to educate the public, reduce the stigma around hair loss and support those living with hair loss conditions. It is estimated that around 2% of the global population will experience alopecia at some point in their lives, which means that roughly 1 in every 50 people may be affected.
The word “alopecia” means “hair loss.” Alopecia is the medical term for partial or complete hair loss from the head or body. There are many different types of alopecia. Some of the most common types are:
Alopecia Areata: An immune system condition that leads to sudden, round, or oval bald patches on the scalp or body.
Androgenic Alopecia: A genetic condition also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.
Traction Alopecia: Hair loss caused by tight hairstyles such as high ponytails, braids or extensions.
Telogen Effluvium: Temporary shedding that occurs when severe stress, illness or hormonal shifts push large numbers of hair follicles into a resting phase all at once.
Alopecia Totalis: The complete loss of hair on the scalp.
What causes alopecia?
Many different factors can cause each type of alopecia. These include, but are not limited to, genetics, certain medications, hormonal shifts or imbalances, environmental stressors, illnesses, stress, and lifestyle habits such as wearing tight hairstyles.
Can alopecia be prevented?
Preventing hair loss entirely is challenging, especially when genetic and hormonal factors drive it. However, several strategies and treatments can slow hair loss and, in some cases, regrow hair. Here are some key approaches:
Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): A scheduled product that is suitable for both men and women.
- Finasteride (Propecia): A prescription oral medication for men that reduces DHT levels, a hormone linked to hair loss. It is not recommended for women, especially those who are pregnant.
Lifestyle Changes
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin D, biotin, Vitamin B12, and zinc, can support hair health.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss. Techniques like meditation, exercise, and sufficient sleep can help manage stress levels.
- Avoiding harmful hair practices: Limiting the use of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles can prevent hair damage and breakage. Avoid hair products that contain sulphates.
Medical Aesthetic Treatments
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Involves injecting the patient's own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy: Uses laser devices to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
Hormonal Treatments
- For women: Hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptives or anti-androgens like spironolactone, can be effective in managing hair loss related to hormonal imbalances.
Hair Transplants
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Involves removing a strip of scalp and transplanting hair follicles to the thinning areas.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Involves extracting individual hair follicles and transplanting them.
Regular Scalp Care
- Scalp health: Regularly cleansing and massaging the scalp can improve blood circulation and follicle health.
Avoiding Triggers
- Medications: Some medications such as cortisone can cause hair loss.
Can alopecia be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no universal cure for alopecia, but home care and professional treatments can stimulate hair growth and help prevent hair loss.
Professional treatments include prescribed medication, scalp treatments such as massaging, microneedling, infusion of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and hair transplants. Injectables and scalp topical applications containing hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) help calm inflammation on the scalp and provide the moist environment a hair follicle needs to respond optimally.
Home care treatments include specialised shampoos and conditioners, as well as scalp serums that contain ingredients to calm inflammation and stimulate hair follicles.
When should you seek medical advice?
See your doctor if you are distressed by persistent hair loss, or if you notice sudden or patchy hair loss. Sudden hair loss can signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. While alopecia is a physical condition, it can have a major impact on one’s confidence and mental health, and is often associated with anxiety and depression.
Biomedical Emporium’s treatment options Biomedical Emporium’s Scalp Serum combines hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin E, caffeine and peptides to deliver a potent formula that stimulates hair follicles to promote healthy hair growth. This soothing treatment reduces scaling and irritation while nourishing the scalp for optimal hair health.
Enjoy optimal benefits when used in conjunction with Biomedical Emporium’s professional Microneedling Scalp Treatment. This treatment was designed for individuals who struggle with hair loss and hair thinning due to static hair follicles and inflammation on the scalp. Mild scalp microneedling is performed on the scalp using biological ingredients to stimulate hair follicle growth again.
