To her horror, her trichologist described this patch as an auto immune reaction brought about by stress, leading to a stress related baldness called Alopecia areata. More and more young children in today’s modern world are coming up with stress related symptoms of hair such as Alopecia areata and Trichotillomania. Dr Apoorva Shah, Founder of RichFeel, lists out the various hair problems that children suffer from.

Alopecia areata: Children with this condition have a complete loss of hair in some areas of the scalp, sometimes up to two inches in diameter, without scalp redness or scaling. Another finding can be pitting of the nails in children with this condition. Why the hair falls out from the roots is still a mystery. What is known is that the condition is not contagious, nor caused by foods. This is an auto immune problem. The main cause is stress – physical or mental. In 20% of cases, another family member has been affected.  Because the hair loss can sometimes be psychologically devastating for the child, immediate help is a must. It is advisable to consult a trichologist who is qualified to tackle hair related issues and will treat the problem with specific amino acids. Oddly, the new hair may temporarily be white, but eventually the hair returns to its natural colour.

Alopecia Totalis: This is the next stage of Alopecia areata. In this, a person starts losing hair on the entire scalp.

Alopecia Universalis: This is the next stage of Alopecia Totalis. Here, a person starts losing hair on the entire scalp and also body hair including eyebrows, eyelashes and facial hair.

Pseudopelade: This is a stage which comes when the above three stages are crossed. In Pseudopelade, non-scarring Alopecia becomes scarring alopecia (the hair roots are dead and there is no chance of regrowth). In this, the skin of the scalp becomes very hard.

Trichotillomania: This is a condition in which a child actually pulls the hair out, leaving an irregular patch of hair loss with broken off hair of different sizes, mainly on the scalp, but may involve the eyebrows and eyelashes as well. The habit of pulling out one’s hair is usually practised in bed before falling asleep or when the child is studying or watching television. Interestingly, parents are usually not aware of the habit and frequently find it hard to believe that their child would pull out their own hair. Affected areas of hair loss often appear on the left side of right-handed children and on the right side of left-handed youngsters. Most cases of trichotillomania resolve spontaneously. The best treatment is to ignore the hair pulling and concentrate on why the child is anxious, nervous or frustrated. Since it is a psychological problem connected with the hair, treatment will involve counseling.

Hair problems due to poor hygiene

Lice: Lice are a very common problem, especially for kids ages 3 to 12 years (girls more often than boys). Lice aren’t dangerous and they don’t spread disease, but they are contagious and can just be downright annoying. These bites may cause your child’s scalp to become itchy and inflamed and persistent scratching may lead to skin irritation and even infection. For some kids, the irritation is mild; for others, a more bothersome rash with crusting and oozing may develop. It’s also not unusual for kids to develop some swelling in their lymph glands. Excessive scratching can also lead to a bacterial infection (the skin would become red and tender around the bite area).

Dandruff: Dandruff is the result of the normal growing process of the skin cells of the scalp. In a normal scalp, the process of sloughing off old cells and manufacturing of their replacements is very orderly and complete. In a scalp with dandruff, there is mass disorder and often the departing cells are not dead before leaving the scalp. Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with itchy white flakes that may be waxy or greasy or dandruff can manifest as an oily, greasy scalp with scales. Dandruff is usually seasonal. It is most severe during the winter and mildest during the summer. Dandruff scales usually occur as small, round, white-to-grey patches on top of the head. Scaling can occur anywhere on the scalp, in the hair, on the eyebrows, the beard and can spread to the neck and shoulders. Dandruff is often known as ‘dry scalp’, but people with oily scalps tend to suffer the most. Since dandruff is a natural process, it can not be eliminated. It can only be managed and controlled.

Tinea capitis: Tinea Capitis or ringworm is a common cause of hair loss in children. The condition is caused by a fungus (not a worm!) that invades the hair shaft and causes the hair to break. It can cause patches of hair loss, with broken hair (black dot ringworm), scales, enlarged lymph glands, or the formation of a kerion – a large, red, boggy nodule on the scalp. There may also be mild scalp itching and scaling. Ringworm of the scalp is not dangerous. Without treatment, however, the hair loss can be considerable and some children will develop a boggy tender swelling of the scalp known as a kerion. The condition is transmitted by contact, from one infected child to another through the sharing of combs, brushes, hats, barrettes, pillows and bath towels. Minor bruising of the scalp occasionally provides an entry for the microscopic fungus. Children three to ten years of age are more susceptible to ringworm infection and boys are affected more than the girls.

Hair related problems may affect children leading to severe hair and scalp disorders ultimately affecting the confidence of a young child. Tender care, proper food habits, good hair hygiene, allowing the child to grow up normally without putting peer pressure and a regular hair check-up with a trichologist is a must for all growing children.

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Despite the development of multitudes of hair products and treatments, why are so many men balding in their 20s? Excessive hair fall is a major indicator of alopecia.

Is premature balding a hereditary problem?

Although heredity is one of the major factors that causes balding, these genes do not kick in so early in life. In the current world, there are several other elements including stress and poor living habits that accelerate permanent loss of hair. What’s more, the balding bug is not just restricted to men but is also victimising women also.

Stress

High stress has become the most common cause of numerous problems. Trichologists and hair experts agree that stress triggers problems such as alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and trichotillomania that lead to balding. The silver lining is that balding caused due to stress can be reduced by adopting stress management techniques.

Poor nutrition

Bad diet might not be the cause of what is technically defined as ‘balding’. However, lack of essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals can lead to severe hair fall that could account to baldness. Balanced meals ensure proper supply of nutrients to hair follicles. Moreover, healthy food suppresses hormones such as DHT. Dihydrotestosterone or DHT is a hormone that plays a major role in causing hair loss in men.

Hormonal changes

Unhealthy lifestyle and certain kinds of medications or diseases can lead to hormonal imbalance in men. This imbalance could trigger excessive secretion of DHT hormone. As a result, hair begins to fall off.

Smoking

Your hair feeds on oxygen-rich food, supplied through the blood. Smoking reduces oxygen levels in your blood. The carbon monoxide, which you inhale, not only makes hair unhealthy, but also damages hair follicles. Additionally, nicotine hampers blood flow and affects hair growth.
Undisciplined life and lack of sleep are also causes of hair loss. Some of these causes can be controlled and balding can be prevented.

Ways to prevent premature hair loss

• Take a diet enriched with proteins and vitamins, particularly B3, B5, B9 and E.
• Minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium are essential to maintain optimal health of not just your body but hair as well.
• Simple changes in the lifestyle like a 7-8 hours of sleep and a glass of water every hour to replenish hair strands will surely bring a noticeable change.
• Milk, almonds, spinach, broccoli, oranges, whole grains, spinach, fish, soya beans, egg yolk, leafy greens are all hair-happy foods, which boost hair growth.
• Green tea is also effective to block out DHT.

In some cases, balding is beyond control. In such cases, men need to change their attitude towards balding and agree with Sheng Wang. He says, ‘Going bald is not about hair loss. It is about face gain. I hear the term ‘receding hairline,’ I say, ‘expanding facial frontier.’

Also read rub your fingernails to say goodbye to hair problems

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Content sourced from BollywoodShaadis.com

#1: Stress: Fast-paced and hectic lifestyles can sap a lot of energy out of us and increase our stress levels. Numerous studies hold stress responsible for many health problems ranging from smaller ones like a headache to life-threatening ailments like a heart attack. True, a good percentage of people who shed a bit of extra hair are susceptible to a lot of stress, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that stress is the only factor responsible for baldness.

#2: Family history: As far as family history is concerned, there’s pretty much nothing you can do. You can only reduce your chances of losing a lot of hair by following a proper diet and lifestyle, and avoiding things that could contribute to accelerating hair loss.

#3: Hair styling tools: Blow drying your hair after a shower may seem to be an easy and no-fuss method, but numerous studies suggest that blow drying your hair on a daily basis could contribute to a lot of hair fall. Other styling treatments like straightening and curling if done frequently, contribute to a few extra strands on your hairbrush.

#4: Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in the levels of hormones, especially those during pregnancy and childbirth may also contribute to extensive hair loss. Thyroid imbalances, menopause and other hormone related conditions can also be held responsible for hair fall.

#5: Frequent use of chemical products: Shampoos, conditioners and even hair oils today are loaded with chemicals that mess up with your hair in more ways than one. Most cosmetic products that we buy today contain harmful chemicals that contribute to weakening of the hair shaft, making your more prone to split ends, hair loss and other hair related issues.

#6: Junk food: Junk food is criticised and held responsible for almost all health conditions, and it’s mostly because junk food hardly gives your body any nutrients. Living on junk food could lead to nutritional deficiencies, which may contribute to baldness. People having eating disorders are also more likely to suffer from extensive hair loss.

#7: Harsh weather conditions: The air conditioner in your office and home may seem comfortable and cozy, but it may not be the same for your hair. Being fragile and susceptible to damage, hair responds most severely to any atmospheric changes. In such cases, a good way to prevent hair fall is to condition your hair as often as possible.

#8: Gender: Though hair loss and baldness is observed in both the sexes, women tend to lose hair uniformly – all around the scalp, whereas men tend to lose hair in a distinctive pattern (the receding hairline). Auto-immune conditions, which most commonly occur in men, are also thought to be responsible for baldness.

#9: Sleep deprivation: Sleep deprivation shows under your eyes as well as on your head. Insomnia, narcolepsy and other sleep disorders can influence the health of your hair, and over time, it may also cause baldness.

#10: Medications and treatments: A severe life-changing incident like an accident builds up a lot of mental pain and trauma. To add to this, the treatments and medications that follow it only worsen the health of your hair. Overuse of certain drugs and heavy dosages (like that in chemotherapy) are linked to excessive hair loss and baldness.

So now that you’ve figured out what may be causing your hair loss, it’s time to browse through what you can do about it.

Medications: Steroids and immunosuppressants are common medications that may be used to treat baldness. Triamcinolone, a steroid which is injected into the scalp to induce hair growth is also a good treatment option. Medicated shampoos containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide can reduce infection on the scalp in those suffering from ringworm of the scalp and thereby reduce hair fall.
Treatments: Popular treatments to restore hair growth include PUVA therapy, ultraviolet light therapy and contact immunotherapy. These treatments are particularly effective for those suffering from alopecia.

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Hair growth using stem cells

Before you jump the gun and start imagining yourself wearing a wig or toupee which shifts or comes off at the slightest movement, relax and read on. Stem cells are also used to treat hair loss. In this process, a small amount of fat is taken from the waist area of the person whose hair is being treated through a mini-liposuction process. This fat, which contains dormant stem cells, is then put in a centrifuge and spun to separate the stem cells from the fat. Once that is done, an activation solution is added to these cells. The cells might have to be multiplied in number depending on the size of the bald area that needs coverage. Once activated, the solution is washed off so that only cells remain. Now, the stem cells are injected into the scalp where hair loss has appeared. One can find some hair growth in about two to four weeks.

Also read: Five herbal oils to prevent hair loss

How does it work?

All hair follicles contain stem cells but once these get old or damaged, they become incapable of regenerating the hair growth process. Once the activated stem cells have been injected in the scalp, molecular signals can be sent to the follicle which in turn results in hair growth.

The process is safe and natural as it uses stem cells from the patient’s body itself and clinical results have proven that the hair growth is also almost permanent in most cases.

Dr Coen Gho, Founder of the Hair Science Institute’s Hair Stem Cell Transplant says that this technique relies on modified follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure where partial units are removed, inspected, treated with a ‘fertiliser solution’ (either to keep the grafts viable or to add a matrix to help induce follicle growth), and implanted into the balding recipient area of the scalp.

Also read: What type of hair loss are you suffering from?

Anagrow treatment

Another breakthrough in the hair industry is the newly launched Anagrow treatment by Richfeel. Its team of experts have conducted a series of research on hair regeneration using plant stem cell technology. Claimed by them to be a first-of-its-kind in the world, this technology aims to slow down and reduce the ageing process by working on stem cells within the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin.

A product called PCT Rejuva Max extract is inserted in the hair follicles using a machine, RF Anagrow 10X. It contains apple and pea stem cells which in turn help fight signs of hair thinning like decreased density, less volume etc.

Other non-surgical methods

An additional non-surgical option for people suffering from extensive hair loss consists of different kinds of hair enhancements like wefts and strand-by-strand procedures. Though these differ slightly, the underlying principle remains the same. In this technique, a thin and transparent membrane containing human hair is applied to the scalp and woven with rest of the hair for a natural look.

The process involves selecting the hair type and membrane that matches best with the patient so as to give the hair a very natural look and feel. The colour, hair type etc. need to be similar to their existing hair. Next in line is the adhesive used for bonding the membrane to the scalp. Due to technological advancements, the adhesive used these days is very strong and does not come off due to sweat or water.

Also read: Hair loss treatments: Cosmetic and surgical methods

Is it expensive?

Though this non-surgical method is cheaper than surgery, it does come with a maintenance cost. After the bonding is done, one needs to maintain the membrane in good shape to let it look real and blend in with rest of the hair. This requires visits to one’s hair clinic at regular intervals. 

The procedure costs also depend on the kind of treatment you choose. Human hair is always expensive than synthetic ones and the membranes too differ in pricing depending on their quality. The highest bidder is always the one who gives the most natural looking hair.

While there may be some disadvantages regarding the maintenance bit, the overall result of this procedure meets the client’s expectation of covering their bald spots and thus boosting their self-esteem in general.

People who plan to go for non-surgical hair loss treatments should do their research before selecting a clinic for the procedure. While cost concerns are a valid point, one should check-out results of other patients who have undergone similar treatment and make an informed choice. There are various clinics that have opened shop these days, claiming to be the best in the market. It is vital that people do a thorough comparison between them keeping quality, results, pricing and general satisfaction in mind.

Suffering from hair problems? Find out the symptoms of hair loss on our symptom search.

‘The most common problem that inflicts people across all age groups is hair loss. This is a big concern for women and young males. The second most common problem is dandruff. This is usually related to climate, type of water and soap and shampoo used, Concerns about hair loss are usually more in men and at a younger age, starting as early as in their 20s’, Mohan Thomas, cosmetic surgeon at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital. The reason for hair loss could be anything – bad lifestyle, poor diet, pollution, hormones or even genetics. But stress is the big culprit behind the increasing hair woes among people, doctors say.

‘Stress is a major factor behind hair loss. Hair is the fastest growing organ in the human body but has less stability. So when there is a change in season, or an exam coming up, it is generally accompanied with hair loss. Plus, there are other factors, like not enough exposure to sun and vitamin D deficiency, peer pressure or anxiety,’ Mahajan said. Nitin Walia, consultant in the dermatology department at Delhi’s Max Hospital, said that women usually suffer from hair loss post-pregnancy, after menopause, or when there is a hormonal imbalance. While doctors unanimously agree that an increase in awareness among both the sexes, and at an early age, is benefitting in early detection of problems; random use of hair care products should be discouraged.

‘Some patients come to us after trying every possible product bought over the counter. A majority of them have tried home therapies or have gone by their hairdresser’s advice. A word of advice – companies try to push the sale of their products through beauty parlours; so be careful,’ Walia said. Instead of relying on hair care products, doctors suggest medical intervention for problems so as to pinpoint the exact reason. For instance, women with dry and thinning hair need their thyroid hormones checked. Dandruff and boils on the scalp, if not treated early, can also lead to hair loss later. ‘Most of the shampoos don’t carry scientific evidence of solving hair problems. They are just cleansers,’ Walia said. Breach Candy’s Thomas recalled the case of a 38-year-old woman with grey hair who had been using a branded hair dye for years. Seeing a new product on TV, she decided to try it. ‘After a couple of weeks, she noticed tiny eruptions on her scalp. This led to flaking of skin and dryness of hair, further leading to hair breakage. When she approached us, we stopped the product usage and put her on low dose steroid-based creams and sun screens. It took months before the hair grew back to normal,’Thomas said. ‘I therefore advise people to use medicated products under a doctor’s supervision. Shampoos should ideally have a pH of 4.5-5; otherwise it makes your hair alkaline and dry,’ he added.

Source: IANS

You’ve tried everything – lotions, potions and pills – but nothing seems to stop that receding hairline. Don’t you wish there was something you could do once and for all and get back your crowning glory? There is one sure-fire solution and that is hair transplantation – a one day procedure that will do away with your baldness permanently. Dr Akshay Batra, Senior VP, Trichological Society London and Director B Perfect answers some common queries about hair transplantation.

How does hair transplantation work?

How it works is we take hair from other areas of the head which has more dense growth like the back of the scalp and transplant it in the balding region, thus creating new hair. After hair transplantation, you can get your own natural hair growing back on the scalp – permanently.

Is hair transplantation safe?

There are absolutely no side effects. The procedure is so comfortable (under local anaesthesia) that you can watch TV, read a book or talk to your friends on the phone while it is underway.

When can I see the results?

Though you can see the transplanted hair immediately after the surgery, it would take around 9-12 months for it to grow to your hair’s normal length. That is when you would be able to appreciate the actual results.

 How do I maintain the transplanted hair?

You do not need any special maintenance for the transplanted hair. It can be washed, combed, oiled, cut and styled normally giving natural and excellent aesthetic results.

 Is hair transplantation expensive?

It is a lifelong investment for your self-image and self-confidence. In order to bust the myth of it being an expensive procedure, B Perfect has introduced a special offer of hair transplant for only Rs 70,000 for unlimited number of hair and using the latest microscope – without any hidden costs.

To learn more about procedures to stop hair loss click here. 

www.drbatras.com

Firstly, you need to get your basics about hair growth. The average scalp contains about 100,000 to 150,000 hair. The normal hair life cycle lasts for 2 to 3 years. At any given point of time, about 90% of the hair on your scalp is growing and about 10% of the hair is in a resting phase. After 2-3 months, the resting hair is shed and new hair starts to grow in its place. It is normal to shed some hair every day. You lose roughly 100 hair strands every day. But, some people may experience more than normal hair loss. Such partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.

Involutional alopecia

The rate of hair growth slows as you age causing the thickness as well as volume to reduce. In this type of hair loss called Involutional alopecia, the hair follicles gradually go into the telogen (resting) phase. The remaining hair becomes shorter and fewer in number.

Telogen effluvium

You may experience temporary hair loss weeks to months after a stress episode like child birth, fever, severe illness, stress or sudden weight loss which decreases gradually in a few months. Such type of hair loss is called Telogen effluvium. This happens due to changes in the growth cycle of hair when a large number of hair go into the resting phase (telogen) at the same time. 

Male or female pattern baldness

If you are a male with a receding hairline and gradual disappearance of hair from the crown, you may be suffering from Androgenic alopecia(also called male pattern baldness). In this condition, you may experience hair loss as early as in your teens or early 20s. Men with androgenic alopecia may notice hair loss at the top of the scalp and a receding hairline particularly along the temples. The typical pattern begins at the hairline which then gradually moves backward and forms an ‘M’ shape. Finally the hair becomes finer, shorter and thinner creating a U-shaped pattern of hair around the sides of the head. Miniaturization of hair (progressive decrease of the hair shaft’s diameter and length in response to hormones) is characteristic of androgenic alopecia. Hair follicles that are producing healthy hair begin to produce thinner, shorter, more brittle hair with weaker shafts. It is a genetically predisposed condition that can affect both men and women.

If you are a woman with general thinning of the hair over the entire scalp, extensive hair loss at the crown with your hairline at the front intact, you may be suffering from female pattern baldness. Your hair part may become wider with time. As hair thinning occurs, the scalp becomes progressively more visible. The hair loss rarely progresses to total or near total baldness. You may notice hair thinning in your 20s but you are not very likely to experience noticeable thinning until your 40s or later because the pace of hair loss tends to be gradual.

Alopecia areata or patchy hair loss

If you have a child or are a young adult with one to two totally smooth, round patches of hair loss mostly on the scalp, you may be suffering from Alopecia areata or patchy hair loss. The hair loss may also be seen in the eyebrows, arms, legs or on facial hair. It is often sudden in onset and the hair usually grows back in six months to a year. However, when the hair grows back in one area, it may fall out in another. In some people the hair may become thinner without any patches of baldness. In others, it may grow and break off, leaving short stubs which resemble ‘exclamation points’. Alopecia areata is generally considered an autoimmune condition, in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. In alopecia totalis, an extensive form, the entire scalp goes bald.  

Ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis)

Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) is a fungal infection of the scalp which usually affects school-age children and goes away at puberty. It’s rare in healthy adults. It involves only parts or whole of the scalp. Hair breaks off at areas that are infected causing bald scalp with small black dots. The skin has inflamed (red swollen), round, scaly areas with pus-filled sores called kerions. The child may have a low-grade fever or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. It is contagious and can spread from sharing combs and hats. Once the infection is cured, the hair grows back. 

Traction alopecia

Hair loss can also occur due to pressure on hair because of particular hairstyles causing small, localized areas of hair loss. This type of hair loss is called Traction alopecia. 

Hair pulling disorder (Trichotillomania)

Some people have the habit of voluntarily twisting or pulling their own hair from the scalp and eyelashes. This is referred to as Trichotillomania or Hair pulling disorder. It is a psychological disorder seen most frequently in children. Hair patches in this condition show broken-off hair.

 One important point to remember is that the quality of your hair is a direct outcome of the kind of nourishment you provide it. Since times immemorial, certain oils have been used by people because of their nourishing properties. Although growing back lost hair is a tall order, the judicious use of these oils can help you stem further hair loss and this, in itself, will give you hair that has volume and a healthy sheen and bounce.

 Olive Oil

Olive oil is great for hair because of the several properties it has – it is nourishing oil that manages to penetrate the hair shaft much more effectively than other oils; it has good moisturizing action, and is also an excellent hair conditioner. If you use the extra virgin variety, your hair also receives vitamin E and mono unsaturated fatty acids that play an important role in promoting hair growth.

 Health.india.com tip: Take a little olive oil in a bowl and microwave for a few seconds until it feels warm, but is not uncomfortably hot. Slowly massage this warm oil into your scalp and onto the strands of hair until their tips. After leaving the oil on for 30 to 45 minutes, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Coconut Oil

Ever wondered why people from Kerala have such thick and healthy hair? It has a lot to do with their hair care routine that involves coconut oil. Probably one of the best oils for hair, coconut oil penetrates well within the hair shaft and prevents hair from losing moisture by acting as a sealant. As a result, hair is less likely to suffer damage and stays dense as well as strong. The lauric acid that coconut oil is rich in has significant action against viruses, bacteria and fungi and this ensures you keep away from infections of the scalp, too.

Health.india.com tip: Massage a little warm coconut oil onto your scalp every day. This helps to moisturize your scalp and prevent dandruff and scalp infections.

Once a week, massage a greater quantity of warm coconut oil on to the scalp and hair strands. Leave on for about an hour or two and then wash with a mild shampoo, but do not wash out all the oil. This allows a little oil to be retained which acts as a wonderful moisturizer for hair.

Almond Oil

When it comes to hair care, sweet almond oil is highly effective because of its emollient or softening action. Rich in vitamins D and E and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, almond oil acts as a natural moisturizer for your hair, preventing it from turning dry and brittle. As a result, there is lesser hair loss. And the nutrition your hair receives ensures it stays healthy, thick and strong, and also grows faster. However, if you have an allergy to nuts, it is best to avoid almond oil.

Health.india.com tip: Warm a little almond oil for a few minutes in the microwave oven and gently rub it over your scalp, allowing the oil to penetrate. Stay with the oil for as long as possible – preferably overnight – and then wash with a mild shampoo.

Lavender oil

Long in use for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender oil is highly effective against nits and lice. It increases the circulation of blood in the scalp and also provides an antibacterial effect that keeps the scalp free from infections, improving the health of your hair.

Health.india.com tip: Take a little lavender oil and mix with either coconut or olive oil. Apply daily to your scalp.

To make your own fresh lavender oil, take some olive oil in a glass bottle, drop in a few lavender sprigs, ensure they are submerged within the oil and keep in a dark place for a month or so. Massage a little of this oil daily onto your scalp and leave overnight. Wash your hair the next morning using a gentle, herbal-based shampoo.

Castor Oil

For ages, people in India have consumed castor oil that is obtained from the castor seeds as a home-made laxative to periodically cleanse their intestinal system. Applied externally, the oil has excellent hair growth-promoting properties and is considered an effective remedy for thinning hair. Most of these benefits are due to the oil’s contents: triglycerides of ricinoleic acid that have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and vitamin E that has antioxidant action.

Health.india.com tip: Massage the castor oil onto the scalp and spread it evenly on hair strands, too. Keep for at least one or two hours and then wash the hair using Shikakai (Acacia concinna) or Reetha (Sapindus trifoliatus) powder.

If you find that castor oil alone is too thick for your comfort, mix it with a little coconut oil or olive oil to thin it and follow the same procedure.

While these oils seem like the panacea to all your hair-related issues, they may not be very effective in cases where your hair loss is due to some other underlying medical condition. Besides, hair loss may also be a result of certain medications you take and in such cases, you need to consult your doctor regarding any substitute without this side effect. Along with the regular use of herbal oils, consume a healthy and balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins and keep yourself away from stress and you are bound to notice a definite improvement in the quality of your hair. 

COSMETIC MEASURES

You can disguise your hair loss by various hairstyles or wigs, hairpieces, hair weaves and extensions, hair fibre powders or artificial hair replacement.If your hair loss isn’t very apparent, you can easily cover up or comb over the affected areas. If it is more severe and chronic, you can wear hairpieces. You can also go for the fashionable look - shave your head and go bald.

Hair fibre powders:  You can cover up thinning hair areas with coloured, powdery fibre sprinkles that are commercially available. These coloured sprinkles attach to hair and give a fuller appearance!

Hairpieces: They are often the least expensive and safest way to deal with baldness. You can use hair weaving to add hair temporarily. A mesh is attached to your remaining hair and artificial hair of similar colour and texture is woven with existing hair or attached to the scalp with glue, metal clips or tape. Hairpieces are made from human or synthetic hair. However, you need to be aware that they may stretch, oxidize and loosen.

SURGICAL HAIR RESTORATION

Includes various types of hair transplantation (taking hair from the back and adding it in areas of hair loss) or scalp reduction (cutting away bald areas and stitching the rest together).

Hair transplants: Surgical restoration is the only permanent solution to baldness; they are useful to ‘fill in’ bald areas. Tiny plugs of your hair are removed from areas where hair is thicker and placed in areas that are balding. You may have minor scarring at the site of hair removal. The procedure also carries a slight risk for skin infection. You may need many transplantation sessions. However, the results are often excellent and permanent. More about the hair transplant procedure from our interview with Dr Akshay Batra, renowned trichologist.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Platelet rich plasma is concentrated blood plasma and contains the growth factors PDGF and VEGF and other proteins that aid in wound healing. It is being actively tested in hair transplantation.  PRP can be used to stimulate the growth of follicles, thereby reversing hair miniaturization seen in androgenic alopecia and even preventing hair loss.

Scalp Reduction: In this procedure, bald areas are cut away and the rest of scalp is stitched together. This procedure is done if you have well-defined bald spots in the crown area of the scalp. It is sometimes done along with hair transplantation to reduce the size of the bald scalp.

Tissue Expansion: Tissue expanders are inserted beneath an area of hairy scalp and gradually inflated with saline water over a period of six to eight weeks. This stretches the hair-bearing skin, thus increasing the amount of hair-bearing scalp. After removing the bags, expanded hair bearing skin is moved to an adjacent bald area where a similar sized patch of scalp has been excised or cut away. It is most useful when you have hair loss associated with scarring due to burns and other injuries to the scalp.

Astressin B Peptides: Stress plays a major role in the loss of hair. Blocking a stress-related hormone called corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) associated with hair loss can help regain hair. The stress hormone blocker, known as astressin-B, has strong and long-lasting effects. Investigations and trials are being done to determine the efficacy of astressin-B in human hair growth.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM): It is a natural biological material that can be implanted at the site of damaged tissue to stimulate healing. It stimulates the body’s own cells to form new tissue specific to that site (Auto-cloning). It also facilitates the healing after a hair transplant.

Capixyl: It prevents hair miniaturization, favours better hair anchoring and reduces inflammation (an aggravating factor in hair loss).

Hair multiplication (or hair cloning) Still in the research phase, the concept of hair multiplication is to extract donor hair cells from the existing hair follicles and then multiply them in a lab. Once enough hair cells are multiplied, they are then injected back into your balding areas, thus stimulating hair growth. Considerable work remains before hair cloning methods become a viable treatment for hair loss.

With so many treatment options available for hair loss now, you don’t need to lose your head over losing your hair. Consult your Trichologist today!

Also read: Hair loss treatment: Medications

Have you been noticing your scalp through your hair? Are friends and family pointing out to you that you’re looking older? Maybe it’s time you considered consulting a skin specialist or a trichologist for the problem.

Firstly, you need to understand why you are losing hair. In certain cases like menopause or childbirth in women, the hair growth often returns to normal six months to two years later. For temporary hair loss due to illness (such as fever), radiation therapy, medication use, no treatment is necessary. The hair will usually grow back when the illness has ended or the therapy is completed. If the hair loss isn’t due to any of the causes mentioned above, there are good medical and surgical options for the problem.

When you do visit the trichologist (a doctor who deals with hair and the scalp), a thorough history is often noted down. Depending on your case, your doctor might suggest you get some blood tests done to find out if there are any hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiency etc.

In some cases, where the hair loss isn’t too bad, the doctor may start the treatment more conservatively. He/she may try correcting the hormonal imbalance if any or suggest a high protein and an iron-rich diet.

Click here to read about food items that can prevent hair loss. 

The doctor will also discuss the type of hair loss you have and suggest various treatment options – medical (using medications that can be taken orally or applied on the scalp) or surgical. Here are a few of the medical options:

If you suffer from male pattern baldness (or androgenic alopecia):

Minoxidil: Used for both men and women, it is a solution that is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. It slows down hair loss for many men and some even grow new hair.  It works best on the crown compared to the frontal region. However, one needs to be very careful while applying it since application to the face or neck skin can cause unwanted hair growth in those areas! And you may have to continue using it for a really long time since stopping the usage has often been linked to increased hair loss.

Finasteride: It is a pill that blocks the action of natural hormones in scalp hair and reduces hair loss. Approved for use in only men with androgenic hair loss, this drug is found to be safe in postmenopausal women. 

Dutasteride: It  may help in hair loss by blocking the production of or binding of testosterone in the scalp hair follicles. You are not permitted to donate blood before the six-month clearance time after taking this medication.

Prostaglandin analogs (bimatoprost): Primarily used for eyelash enhancement, have the potential for hair regrowth in men and women. However, their efficacy in scalp hair loss is yet to be established.

If you suffer from patchy hair loss (or alopecia areata):

This is a very unpredictable condition and hence slightly more difficult to treat.

• If your hair loss is not widespread, the hair is likely to regrow in a few months without treatment.
• For severe forms, small amounts of steroids like triamcinolone may be injected into your affected scalp patches to stimulate hair growth. 
• Other options such as oral steroids, immune-suppressants or ultraviolet light therapy are available for severe cases but they have potential side effects or risks.
• Contact immunotherapy may be the most effective treatment for severe alopecia areata. A medicine is applied on your scalp once a week which irritates the skin and makes it red and scaly. Hair growth may appear within 3 months of beginning treatment. Side effects include a severe rash (contact dermatitis) and swollen lymph nodes.
• Psoralen with Ultraviolet A Light (PUVA) therapy may also be used to treat alopecia areata if you have large areas of skin affected by the disorder or you cannot use other treatments. A medicine, called psoralen, is used to make the scalp more sensitive to ultraviolet A (UVA) light before exposing it to the same.

If you suffer from ringworm of the scalp (or Tinea capitis):

Tinea capitis may be hard to get rid of and it may return after treatment.  Griseofulvin, terbinafine or itraconazole are used for 4 – 8 weeks to treat ringworm in the scalp (Tinea capitis). Keep the area clean. A medicated shampoo containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide maybe helpful to slow or stop the spread of infection. However, the shampoo alone cannot get rid of the ringworm. Wash towels in warm, soapy water and dry each time they are used by someone who is infected. Soak combs and brushes for an hour a day in a mixture of one-half bleach and one-half water for 3 days. Do not share combs, hairbrushes, hats, towels, pillowcases, or helmets with other people.

Also read: Cosmetic and surgical treatments for hair loss