Hair fall is very common in today’s hectic and unhealthy lifestyle. Whether men or women, hair fall is a problem that everyone is facing. The most likely cause of scalp hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). The underlying cause of woman’s AGA is believed to be related to production of androgenetic (male) hormones and their effect on the hair follicle — the same underlying cause responsible for male androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness).
However, hair loss in women can occur for reasons other than female pattern baldness like breaking of hair from treatments and twisting or pulling of hair, certain skin diseases that lead to scarring of the hair follicles; hormonal abnormalities, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiency, medications such as chemotherapy and beta blockers; temporary shedding of hair after a major illness, surgery, or pregnancy.
Hair thinning in women is different from that of male pattern of baldness. In female hair thins mainly on the top and crown of the scalp. The hair loss rarely progresses to baldness in women and develop the cue-ball appearance often seen in male-pattern androgenetic alopecia. Female pattern baldness does not mean that a woman has a medical disorder.
In most cases, hair loss is mild or moderate. For a permanent and more complete solution you may want to consider hair transplantation. In most of the cases doctors even use both the manual and the most advanced Robotic System for hair transplantation with no downtime.
To stop hair fall problem many people use expensive cosmetics, conditioners and shampoos available in the market. But they don’t understand that the effect of these cosmetics might harm the scalp and hair roots. A better understanding of what shampoo and conditioner does may help with this question. Shampoo is a cleaner, it’s supposed to get all the dirt and grime out of your hair. Hair products are extensively used because hair is that aspect of your appearance which completes your look. Shampoos, conditioners, gels and serums may make your hair look perfect for the day, but in the long run they are doing nothing but damaging your hair. Such cosmetics effect the hair quantity and quality leading to excessive dandruff, thinning of hair or redness of scalp.
Hairsprays are even more dangerous as they can result in scalp damage and permanent discoloration of hair. Hair colours and hair dyes are next to toxic as allergic reactions can cause burning, redness, itchy scalp, breathing difficulties and facial swelling. The chemicals in hair dyes are toxic and can cause diseases like cancer, reproductive failure and damage to lungs.
Today, many people use modern technologies like laser to get rid of hair fall problem. But, many people have some misconceptions that laser and aesthetic medicine treatment causes hair reduction that will be harmful to health, can damage internal organs. But the fact is the depth of laser penetration is 1-4 mm, it reaches only the hair follicles and is then completely dissipated and does not penetrate deeper. Therefore, weak lasers like low level laser therapy helps to grow hair on the scalp without causing much damage.
The writer is Dr Ajay Rana Founder & Director of ILAMED, New Delhi