Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common condition characterized by the thinning or loss of hair from areas where it typically grows, most notably the scalp. It can affect both men and women of various ages, though it’s more prevalent in older adults and men.
I suffer from hair loss.
Over the years I have come to accept it as a part of my life. But it really shouldn’t be, right?
I mean there have been a lot of medical advancements over the past few decades with different levels of success. There are countless celebrities endorsing this and that as cures for hair loss. Most notable is Joey Marquez’ ability to regain a full head of hair despite showing thinning hair on TV for decades.
So, maybe I should give it another try.
Or take up my dad’s offer to pay for some hair products to regain my full crown of hair like when I was younger.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss
First, here are the causes that lead to my hair loss.
Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia)
We have a family history of baldness or thinning hair. It originates from the back of the head to the front. Mine is the opposite, it’s originating from the front to the back. So, if you were to compare me and my youngest brother, you’d say I was suffering more because it’s more evident when he turns his back towards you. Not from the front. You’d only notice he was balding when he walks away.
Stress
This was the biggest factor that led to the greatest amount of hair that I lost. I think it started when I became a trainer. The stress level involved in creating a lesson plan, handouts, and facing an entire room of eager people my age and hoping I teach them something was tremendous. I lost clumps of hair. Becoming a manager was worse. I noticed that my stress level and massive hair loss declined when I finally decided to leave Manila and become a copywriter in Davao.
Nutritional Deficiencies
I also wasn’t eating right during this period. Fast food was the main staple of my diet. Either that or I wasn’t eating at all because I was too full of coffee. I was slim which was good but my hair was thinning or disappearing in clumps. Good thing I had long hair and I could kind of hide it. Which leads to the next part.
Hairstyling Practices and Treatments
It started with hair gel that I generously slathered over my spiky hair when I was barely out of elementary school. And then I had 2 years of rest for my hair before I did it again. I blame hair gel just as much as I blame stress and genetics for my hair loss. Hair gel, dyeing my hair every other month, putting suspicious hair products in and basically just abusing the hell out of my hair. Oh if I could only turn back time.
Of this list, I the primary reasons for me losing my hair were genetics, hairstyling practices and treatments, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
Hormonal Changes
Usually happens to women. What those factors are, I’m not really an expert of. But I did see my wife lose her hair during her pregnancy.
Medical Conditions
Hair loss can also be triggered by medical conditions like thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases. I don’t know what other medical conditions bring about hair loss but these are the things that I know of.
Medications and Treatments
The only thing that really comes to mind is chemotherapy. I’ve seen far too many cases of people undergoing chemotherapy losing hair. And you know what, when I see people suffering from hair loss because of chemotherapy, I look at myself and think about how selfish I am worrying about my hair loss when they have to worry about more than just their looks.
Types of Hair Loss:
- Male and female pattern baldness
- Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding)
- Traction alopecia (due to tight hairstyles)
- Scarring alopecia
Prevention
While not all types of hair loss can be prevented, some of these strategies may help.
- Gentle hair care: Avoid harsh treatments, tight hairstyles, and excessive heat styling.
- Balanced diet: Ensure adequate intake of proteins, vitamins (especially B vitamins and vitamin D), and minerals like iron and zinc.
- Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Regular exercise: Promotes overall health and improves circulation to the scalp.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can contribute to hair loss. I actually noticed a decreased amount of hair loss when I quit smoking.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol can lead to nutritional deficiencies. The same as smoking.
- Regular check-ups: Address underlying health conditions that may contribute to hair loss.
Treatment Options:
- Topical treatments:
- Minoxidil (generic for Rogaine): Available over-the-counter, it can be applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
- Prescription corticosteroids: For certain types of hair loss, like alopecia areata.
- Oral medications:
- Finasteride (generic for Propecia): A prescription medication primarily used for male pattern baldness.
- Spironolactone: Sometimes prescribed off-label for women with androgenetic alopecia.
- Oral corticosteroids: For severe cases of alopecia areata.
- Hair transplant surgery: Involves moving hair from areas with thicker growth to thinning or bald areas. I, seriously thought about this until Joe Rogan showed the results of his and said he gave up on hair transplant as a treatment option. But still, it is an option that people can take.
- Scalp micropigmentation: A cosmetic procedure that creates the appearance of a fuller head of hair. This was offered to me when I made a documentary for a beauty salon who offered scalp micropigmentation. I observed how it was done on a client. The only thing I’m worried about is how it would look like if I chose to go with a bald head.
- Low-level laser therapy: Uses light energy to stimulate hair follicles. I’ve seen it and it looks very uncomfortable.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: Involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own blood platelets into the scalp. This is a new treatment option.
Generic Medications for Hair Loss
Minoxidil
- Available as a topical solution or foam
- Typically used twice daily
- Can be effective for both men and women
- May take several months to show results
- Side effects may include scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth in adjacent areas
Finasteride
- Oral medication, typically 1mg daily
- Primarily used for male pattern baldness
- Can take several months to show results
- Potential side effects include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
- Not recommended for women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant
Ketoconazole
- Originally an antifungal medication
- Some studies suggest it may help with androgenetic alopecia
- Used as a shampoo, typically a few times per week
- Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects
Spironolactone
- Oral medication primarily used for women
- Off-label use for hair loss
- Can take several months to show results
- Potential side effects include electrolyte imbalances and menstrual irregularities
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of hair loss treatments can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of hair loss. Some people may see significant improvement, while others may experience minimal results.
Additionally, most treatments need to be continued long-term to maintain their effects.
Before starting any treatment for hair loss, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist or trichologist. They can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
They can also monitor for potential side effects and adjust the treatment as needed.
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended for optimal results. For example, using both minoxidil and finasteride together may be more effective than using either treatment alone for male pattern baldness.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that hair loss can have significant psychological impacts. Many people experience decreased self-esteem and confidence due to hair loss. Support groups and counseling can be helpful for coping with these emotional aspects.
Experiencing Hair Loss? It Might Not be Too Late.
In conclusion, while hair loss can be distressing, there are various prevention strategies and treatment options available, including generic medications.
The key is to identify the cause, seek professional advice, and be patient with the treatment process, as results often take time to become noticeable.