A strand of hair normally has a life span of 2 to 6 years. It grows approximately one centimeter every month during its growing phase. The shaft stays on during the resting phase. 2 to 3 months later, it naturally falls out and a new one grows in its place.
On average, we lose 50 to 100 locks of hair every day. Losing more than that may be caused by several factors. Temporary hair loss may occur after having a traumatic illness or major surgery. Hormonal imbalances in the thyroid gland may also trigger hair loss. Most women experience excessive hair loss after giving birth. Some drugs such as birth control pills, antidepressants, anticoagulants, and medicines for chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Certain fungal and bacterial infections cause hair loss and most usually affect children. There are also some diseases that chart hair loss as one of the symptoms such as lupus and diabetes. And then of course, there’s common baldness which is primarily genetic and caused by the excessive secretion of male hormones which upon reaching the scalp can weaken and accordingly prevent hair growth.
There are several treatments available to treat hair loss:
- Follicular Unit Transplant entails grafting good follicles from the back and relocating them to the thinning or balding area in the front or near the hairline. Albeit the most expensive, getting a hair transplant is currently the most effective and most natural-looking treatment for male pattern baldness.
- Low Laser Light Therapy is slightly cheaper than a hair transplant but it is recommended for earlier stages of baldness where the follicles are still repairable. LLLT emits “cold” lasers which help the cells on the scalp to repair and regenerate thus allowing hair to regrow.
- Hair applicators like Rogaine can prevent hair loss and, in some cases, regrow hair. It is an over-the-counter topical solution that can
- The only orally-taken medicine that has been approved by the FDA is Propecia but it is not recommended for women because it’s also used as a treatment for the prostate gland.
First and foremost, do not try out any of these treatments until you have consulted a hair specialist. A doctor could give the assessment that’s best for you. Keep in mind that most of the best treatments are costly so you must get ready for that. Remember that different people get different results so your first try might not be that much of a success. If it is not hazardous to your health and you opt not to treat the hair loss, prepare yourself for the societal and personal impacts that may have. And like with all problems in life, it’s best to encourage the support of friends and family during this major milestone in your life.