Hair growth has several phases, stages, and cycles. These phases include Anagen, Catalan, and Telogen. The Anagen phase is the active phase of hair growth where it grows in length. The Catagen phase is a transition phase where the follicle shrinks. Telogen phase is the resting phase of no hair growth. A lot of people take pride in having lots of luscious hair. For some of us we might begin to lose some hair in varying degrees and at varying stages of our lives. One type of hair loss is alopecia. Alopecia is a condition that progresses when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.

Types of Alopecia

Alopecia can be categorized into two broad causes, scarring or non-scarring of the scalp. When there is scarring, hair loss is caused by physical damage. Usually, the follicles are permanently destroyed. These causes include burns, trauma, infections, discord lupus erythematosus (DLE), follicular mucinosis, folliculitis keloidalis nuchae, etc. Non-scarring alopecia shows a normal scalp with no hair in the follicles. It’s more common than scarring alopecia. We’ve listed a couple of types and causes below:

Telogen effluvium: A common form of hair loss stemming from the roots. This is excessive shedding of normal hairs during the Telogen phase. Some of these causes are due to the medications used fir chemotherapy, seizures, thyroid disorder, hypertension. Another cause can be iron deficiency or stress.

Androgenetic alopecia: A genetic predisposition of hair loss. It is referred to as common baldness and can appear in men and women. Caused by an interaction of genetics and hormones. In men, its onset is earlier and faster because of the abundance of the testosterone hormone.

Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the hair follicles as though they were foreign. It could occur even in the absence of some diseases. Conditions associated with alopecia areata are atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), thyroiditis, diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis, vitiligo, etc. Alopecia areata can be classified based on pattern and the extent of involvement:

Traction alopecia: This hair loss is caused by excessive pulling on the hair. For example, wearing tight ponytails, braids, or hairstyles. It could be due to the consistent use of hair ties.

Trichotillomania (Trichotillosis): Also known as ‘hair-pulling madness.’ Due to chronic pulling or twisting of one’s hair. It is more commonly found in children and adolescents.

Extent of Involvement

• Alopecia areata: partial loss of scalp hair.
• Alopecia totalis: 100% loss of scalp hair.
• Alopecia universalis: 100% loss of hairs on the scalp and body.

Based on pattern

• Patchy alopecia areata: round or oval patches of hair loss (most common)
• Reticular: hair loss is extensive.
• Ophiasis: a band-like alopecia areata with hair loss in the sides and lower back of the scalp.
• Sisaipho (Ophiasis spelled backward): It is a rare band-like pattern of hair loss sparing the sides and lower back of the scalp. It is also known as Ophiasis inversus.
• Diffuse alopecia areata: It is a diffuse decrease in hair density over the scalp.

Treatment for Hair Loss

Laser therapy has proven over the years to be one of the leading and most effective solutions for hair loss. A good example of laser therapy used by millions and proven effective is the Kiierr Laser Caps. This device is designed to use low-level light therapy to improve cellular respiration and stimulate hair follicles. This causes the production of thicker and healthier hair. Apart from the fact that Kiierr laser caps hair loss treatment is cheaper and more readily available, it can also deliver the best result with only 30 minutes of use per day. It is the safest and fastest means of enjoying hair regeneration.

Medications such as Minoxidil and Finasteride are another way to help reduce hair loss. Some individuals also opt to have surgery. The most common surgical procedure done to treat hair loss includes hair transplants, scalp reduction, and scalp expansion. Although all these methods are alternative treatment options, they are relatively more expensive and come with possible side effects compared to the laser therapy option.

Although it might seem impossible to prevent some types of hair loss, there is hope! Lifestyle modification is very important. Especially in the case of genetic predisposition. Eat right, avoid cigarettes, and alcohol intake. Avoid overexposure to the sun and use sunscreen. Consider the use of your shampoos and conditioners for regular hair washing. Make sure you are using healthy and natural products. Avoid the ones containing harsh chemicals and opt for the milder ones. This is a great way to help maintain your hair growth and prevent hair loss early in life.

Prevention of Hair Loss

Hair loss shouldn’t be ignored! If you’re suffering from one of these types of alopecia, remember that there is hope. There are various options to help tackle it, including laser therapy, vitamins, and surgery.