Common Hair Loss Conditions Treated at The Hair Clinic Include:
Female Androgenic Alopecia (Female Pattern Baldness)
This condition appears predominately throughout the upper part of the scalp.
It is usually a slow progressive problem and is due to hair follicles being
genetically sensitive to male-type hormones. Medical tests are sometimes required
to check for any underlying hormone imbalances such as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Treatment is in the form of topical anti-androgen therapy-as directed where
appropriate by the Trichologist.
Male Androgenic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that attacks the hair follicles along the
front hairline and through to the crown area of the scalp. Diminishing hair
follicles result in thinner and shorter hairs being produced. Recent advances
in science have lead to two prescribed treatments capable of managing this condition.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen is the final stage of the hair growth cycle. Normal telogen shedding
results in 80-100 hairs being shed from the scalp on a daily basis and under
normal circumstances a brand new hair is evident soon after. During telogen
effluvium this daily quota of shed hair can double for some months to come
without hair re-growth occurring for around a further three to six month period.
This results in up to a 40% reduction in overall hair density. Common causes are
severe shock, childbirth and excessive weight loss.
Alopecia Areata
This results in patches of smooth hairless areas of scalp appearing over the
scalp and/or body. One or two small patches may be evident; sometimes much larger
areas of scalp are involved. It is due to the auto-immune system “attacking”
hair follicles as if they are an invading bacteria or virus for example. Hair
follicles suffer badly but can stay alive and can often re-grow hair again quite
normally.
Anagen Effluvium
This is a dramatic and immediate release of hair from the active growing stage
of the hair growth cycle. This condition is caused by toxic abuse of the hair
follicles, chemotherapy is a common example. Once the cause is removed, hair
will re-grow.
Diffuse Alopecia
Sustained thinning of hair throughout the entire scalp, narrowing hair shafts
and lack of hair growth are distinct signs of such a condition. Persistent
hormone problems and iron deficiency can often cause this problem.
Cosmetic-Linked Hair Problems
Over abuse of hair chemicals is widely seen. Highlighting the hair, colouring
the hair and daily blow-drying and use of straightening irons can all reduce its
strength and elasticity. Extreme damage results in extensive hair breakage that
can encourage the hair to appear thinner throughout by 10-20%. Breakage can also
occur so close to the scalp that bald patches can emerge. Hair care advice is vital.
Afro Hair
Due to the unique formation of Afro hair, problems can quickly develop. Along
the hair shaft many different textures are found, from fine to thick, to curly
and straight. Quite often hair processes such as chemical relaxing or straightening
are used to make the hair easier to manage and to even out the texture. Over time,
these processes can cause hair loss, hair breakage and scalp problems.
Trichological advice on chemical relaxing and straightening are often required
as well as trichological treatment to restore hair elasticity and hair growth.
All wording by Vanessa Bailey MIT MRIPH author of The Good Hair Guide: All Your Questions Answered.
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here
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www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Hair-Guide
If you would like futher information please contact The Hair Clinic.
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