The Comprehensive Hair Loss Guide

The Comprehensive Hair Loss Guide

When it comes to hair loss, identifying the type and degree of the hair loss you are experiencing is extremely important. Correct identification helps you choose the most effective treatment or wig product. As wig experts, we have put together a comprehensive and concise hair loss guide to explore the different causes of hair loss, areas of hair loss, and effective hair loss management.

Different Types of Common Hair Loss

Alopecia

There are many different types of alopecia, but it is broadly used as a general medical term for hair loss. Some of the common types of alopecia include:

  • Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an auto-immune disease whereby the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. This covers all types of balding, often starting with patches of hair loss or sometimes hair thinning rather than balding. Alopecia does not always cause permanent hair loss; some individuals experience hair growing back in some areas and hair loss in new areas.

  • Androgenic alopecia

This form of hair loss is a genetic condition that appears a lot later in women than men, usually experiencing thinning of the hair from 40 years or later. Androgenic alopecia is defined by a receding hairline alongside the eventual but gradual disappearance of hair on the crown and frontal scalp.

  • Traction alopecia

This hair loss is primarily caused by excessive pulling of the hair. This is commonly a result of hairdressing methods that pull, damage and twist the hair, resulting in hair loss. This also includes trichotillomania, a psychiatric disorder whose sufferers compulsively pull their hair, resulting in bald patches. Learn more about trichotillomania and how to stop pulling hair on our blog.

  • Scarring/cicatricial alopecia

This permanent hair loss results from inflammatory skin conditions and other skin disorders. These conditions cause scarring that takes away the hair’s ability to regenerate. For women who experience this type of hair loss, it most commonly begins with small patches of hair loss, which may increase in size over time. This hair loss can take hold in various ways; some women only notice small or gradual symptoms, whilst others can experience itching and pain with rapid progression.

Hair Cycle Disruption

  • Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium describes hair loss caused by any damage to the hair follicle that impairs its metabolic activity. This type of hair loss is commonly associated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy treatment targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, and hair follicles can be greatly affected by the treatment.

  • Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss occurs when your body has been through a traumatic ordeal, including malnutrition, surgery, extreme stress, and pregnancy. Experiences that put your body through this kind of stress level can greatly impact your hair, and hair loss can occur from six weeks to a few months after the event. Severe telogen effluvium can cause you to lose handfuls of hair at a time.

With this form of hair loss, people can make a complete recovery and experience full hair regrowth, depending on how the individual has recovered after the stressful event. For others, the hair loss may last for months or years.

Other

As well as the conditions mentioned, excessive stress, mental illness, and a poor diet can also lead to hair loss. Identifying the type and cause of your hair loss is the key to choosing your treatment or preventing further hair loss.

Hair Loss Treatment

Depending on the type of hair loss, some women choose a treatment to try and slow down, reverse, or prevent any further hair loss. However, we strongly advise speaking to a GP or other medical professional to find the best and safest steps for managing and treating your hair loss.

Some of the most common hair loss treatments include:

  • Corticosteroid injections 

Corticosteroids are typically used to treat patchy hair loss. The injections contain steroids, which are injected into the patches of hair loss several times. They suppress the immune system’s attack on the hair follicles. The injections also stimulate hair growth in those areas for around four weeks.

These injections are repeated every few weeks and are thought of as the most effective treatment for small patches of alopecia. Although this treatment can be highly effective, hair loss may return after stopping the injections.

For those who aren’t a fan of injections, topical corticosteroids can be an easier alternative. Usually prescribed for three months, this is commonly prescribed in treating alopecia areata. The treatment can also take the form of a lotion, gel, or foam, depending on personal preference.

  • Minoxidil lotion 

Another option in hair loss management, minoxidil is clinically proven to be effective in both men and women experiencing hair loss. Applying this to the scalp stimulates the regrowth of hair.

It is important to note that this treatment can be a slow process, usually taking effect after 12 weeks or up to a year. It also isn’t available on the NHS; it can be prescribed privately or bought over the counter.

  • Immunotherapy 

Immunotherapy is available in specialist centres to treat extensive or complete hair loss. Despite this, less than 50% of people who opt for the treatment see hair regrowth which is worthwhile.

Application of a chemical solution named Diphencyprone (DPDP) is made to a small area of the bald skin. Each time, a stronger dose is used, with the application repeated every week.  The solution works by inducing an allergic reaction in the skin, which causes mild eczema. In some cases, this results in hair regrowth after about 12 weeks.

This treatment isn’t for everyone; possible side effects include developing a rash, patchy-coloured skin, or experiencing a more severe skin reaction. In addition, this treatment requires individuals to wear a hat or scarf over the treated area for 24 hours, as light can interfere with the chemical.

  • Hair transplant

Some individuals – including celebrities like John Travolta and Wayne Rooney – opt for a more permanent solution and get a hair transplant. This involves surgery and going under local anaesthetic. A small section of the scalp from an area with plenty of hair is removed, and the section is divided into single hairs or small groups of hairs. These are then grafted onto areas where there is no hair.

Hair transplants are done over several sessions. The hair tends to settle and start to grow after six months.

Wearing Wigs

Hair treatments involving injections, solutions, creams or surgery aren’t for everyone and aren’t always an effective treatment. However, in many cases, wig-wearing can be a great option. There is an amazing range of wigs available for both men and women, and you can choose a wig that matches your natural hair or experiment with a new style or colour.

With an extensive range of wigs available, there is something for all types of hair loss. Choosing a wig does not mean that you have to cover your head completely with a full wig; depending on the area and extent of hair loss, you may be able to cover your hair loss with alternative hairpieces.

For thin or fine hair, hair toppers can be used to disguise these areas, offering a thick and fuller appearance to the hair. For thinning that occurs at the front hairline or temples, clip-in fringes can effectively hide the thinning. If light to moderate hair loss occurs at the parting or crown, short hair toppers can effectively cover this area of hair loss. In cases of extensive hair loss at the parting or crown, longer hair toppers will be more suitable. And finally, for substantial or complete hair loss, full wigs might be the best option.

At Simply Wigs, we are experts in helping you find a wig that can bring back your confidence and help you to feel like yourself again! You can read about some of our customers’ hair loss experiences over on We, That Wear Wigs.

If you have any questions about hair loss or need advice on choosing the perfect wig for you, our dedicated team of experts is always on hand to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact our team today for more information.


Comments

One thought on “The Comprehensive Hair Loss Guide

  1. I have been told I have telogen ellfluvium and have start treatment applying steroid oinntment nightly and shampooing in the morning daily. I am extremely self conscious of my hair thinning and wondered if I could use a hair topper until hopfully my natural hair grows again. I just wondered if it was safe to use a hair topper whilst I’m using the ointment?


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