Most Common Types of Alopecia -Hair Loss

Alopecia

Alopecia is a blanket term for hair loss of any kind.  There are many types and causes of hair loss (alopecia), most of which can be effectively treated.  Hair loss may be genetically inherited, or it may be caused by a variety of other factors including protein or other dietary deficiency, hormonal imbalance, and stress.  Hair loss can also be the first sign of an otherwise undiagnosed or undetected underlying illness.

Scarring Alopecia

This can occur after infectious scalp disorders or, more rarely, they are auto-immune conditions. (When the body attacks the hair follicle as it would invading bacteria)

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness)

The main type of hair loss for which there is no effective treatment is genetically inherited hair loss (known as Male Pattern Baldness or androgenetic Alopecia).  It is important to note, however, that this condition can and does affect females too, particularly after menopause even though it is called Male Pattern Baldness, it is gene-linked, not sex-linked.

In women, it is likely to lead to diffuse hair loss; that is a general thinning of the hair density rather than obvious bald patches.  Although there is no cure for this condition, hair loss can be limited or slowed down in some cases and treatments are likely to be more effective on women than on men.  The important thing to understand is that the best that can be said of treatments for genetically inherited hair loss is that they can be effective to some degree on some people some of the time.  Hair loss can cause great distress, and there are many misunderstandings about its causes and treatment.  This is a problem that requires sympathetic handling, and a qualified Trichologist has to understand the patient’s anxiety and help him or her come to terms with the loss of hair.

Other Types of Alopecia

Other types of alopecia that you may have heard of include Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, and Traction Alopecia (there are others as well).  These are all entirely distinct from Androgenic Alopecia (above) and have a much better chance of responding to professional diagnosis and treatment.

Other Types of Hair Loss

Many other types of hair loss can and do respond to treatment and advice without medical assistance.  Some types of hair loss can have a natural or spontaneous recovery.  Excessive hair loss can often be a symptom of some other problem or a variation in the metabolism of the body and for this reason, co-operation between the patient’s doctor and the Trichologist is often necessary.

There is no actual cure for hair loss, but with recent technology and research into stem cell technology, a cure for baldness is closer than before.

Scalp Disorder

These can range from dandruff to more inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema which are scalp problems that occupy much of a Trichologist’s time.  As with the hair, these problems can be symptomatic of some other metabolic variations.  Stress, poor diet, or even some allergies to certain foods, can be responsible for the buildup Disorder and shedding of dead skin cells.

The management of hair and scalp that are excessively oily is another area in which the advice of a qualified trichologist is often sought.  Here, guidance on the right type of shampoo for any individual, and on its frequency of use, might be particularly relevant.

Seborrheic Eczema

An inherited, itchy, inflammatory, scaling scalp condition which can cause much discomfort and embarrassment.  The condition is treatable with much success but is not fully curable. Anti-yeast cream or anti-dandruff shampoo has been proven to help the problem.

Hair Pulling

This is often stress-related.  People become compulsive about pulling their hair out and it can be a very difficult habit to break.  It is difficult to treat as people have to be taught how to break the habit.  It can take a few months and treatment can work if people set realistic goals and can stick to them.

Hair Texture Problems

Problems with hair texture can be caused by overexposure to heat or strong chemicals or by many of the other stresses and strains to which we subject our hair.  With the advent of hair straighteners, more and more women are having problems with breakage and poor hair conditions.

Treatment can include cutting back on straighteners and other damaging hair products as well as using protective serum or even getting a good haircut.

Holistic Approach to Hair Loss

Solutions Hair Restoration and Wellness Center go beyond the use of (LLLT) Low-Level Laser Light Treatments for your scalp. Designed to provide the most effective results possible, our program blends a schedule of Low-Level Laser Light Treatments with our completely safe, naturally formulated growth-stimulating hair care products.

Solutions Hair Restoration and Wellness Center’s LLLT Program uses stimulation therapy to activate your body’s mechanisms designed to create a healthier and cleaner environment for your hair and scalp. This permits a more effective application of our natural organic hair care products, greatly increasing the potential for the maturation of hair. Click here

In addition to our Low-Level Light Laser Treatments, clients will receive Nutritional Supplements for hair growth, Scalp Detoxification Services, and all-natural Shampoo and Conditioners.