Why Are You Losing Hair And What To Do About It?

Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Whether you're noticing a few extra strands in the shower drain or experiencing more significant thinning, understanding the causes and potential solutions is crucial. In this article, we'll delve into the basics of hair loss, exploring its various causes and offering some simple strategies to manage and potentially reverse it.

1. What are the causes of hair loss

There are many potential causes of hair loss, ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle choices. One of the most common causes is genetics or hereditary hair loss. Male pattern baldness, for example, is a condition that is passed down from generation to generation. If hair loss runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. 

Other medical conditions that can cause hair loss include alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder that attacks hair follicles), thyroid problems, chemotherapy, and lupus. In some cases, hair loss may also be due to medications or nutritional deficiencies. Fungal infections and skin disorders may also precipitate this problem.

Lifestyle choices such as smoking, crash dieting, and excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to thinning hair. Some may actually experience hair loss due to the side effects of using harsh chemical treatments during hair styling.

Excess sebum is also a common cause of hair loss. Sebum is an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous glands that help keep our skin and hair moisturized. However, when there is an overproduction of sebum, it can clog the hair follicles and prevent them from getting the nutrients they need to grow. This can eventually lead to hair loss.

2. How to determine if you are losing hair

If you are concerned that you may be losing hair, there are a few things you can look for to determine if it is truly hair loss or just a temporary shedding phase.

First, take a look at the overall thickness of your hair. If you feel like your hair is thinner than it used to be, seeing more of your scalp than usual or diffuse thinning, this could be a sign of hair loss.

Another way to tell is to look at how much hair you are shedding on a daily basis. While it is normal to lose around 50-100 hairs per day, anything more than that could be a sign of excessive hair fall. For example, finding an unusually large amount of hair in your brush or pillow.

Finally, pay attention to the pattern of your hair loss. If you are noticing patchy bald spots or unusual patterns of shedding, this could indicate a more serious problem such as alopecia.

There may be other symptoms like itchy scalp which may indicate other problems such as dandruff and fungal infections.

Baldness pattern

There are several different patterns of baldness, each with its own unique set of causes and treatment options.

Androgenetic alopecia or androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss in men caused by hormonal imbalances. It typically begins with a receding hairline and progresses to a partial or complete loss of hair on the crown and temples. In some cases, the hair loss may extend to the back and sides of the head as well.

Cicatricial alopecia, on the other hand, is a type of hair loss that results from damage to the hair follicles. This can be caused by infection, autoimmune disease, radiation therapy, or other forms of trauma. Cicatricial alopecia often leads to permanent hair loss and can result in scarring on the scalp.

Telogen effluvium is another common type of hair loss that can occur in both men and women. It is characterized by the shedding of large quantities of hair, often in patches. Telogen effluvium is usually caused by an interruption to the normal hair growth cycle, such as severe stress or illness.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors

There is also another rare pattern of baldness like alopecia universalis which is a form of hair loss that affects the entire body and alopecia totalis which is a form of hair loss that affects the entire scalp. Both can be caused by genetic factors, autoimmune disease, or other unknown triggers.

Is there female pattern hair loss? Yes, there is such a thing as female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It is a type of hair loss that typically affects women over the age of 50. However, it can occur at any age and may even affect men. FPHL is characterized by a gradual thinning of the hair on the top and sides of the head. In severe cases, the hair may become so thin that it is difficult to see.

FPHL is thought to be caused by a combination of hormonal changes and genetics. It is also more common in women who have undergone menopause. There is no cure for FPHL, but treatment options are available to help manage the symptoms.

3. How to prevent hair loss and encourage healthy hair growth

Hair loss can be a very distressing problem for both men and women. While there are many potential causes, there are also some simple steps that can be taken to prevent or slow down the process.

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of protein and vitamins is essential for maintaining healthy hair. In addition, avoid using harsh chemicals or heat styling tools too often, as this can damage the hair shaft and lead to hair breakage.

Finally, try to reduce stress levels, as high levels of stress can lead to hair loss. You can also try massaging your scalp for several minutes each day. This will stimulate blood circulation to the area for healthy hair follicles.

Coral calcium shampoo is an effective way to prevent hair loss. It is a type of shampoo that contains coral calcium. This natural ingredient has many benefits for the hair, including the ability to prevent hair loss. Coral calcium is rich in minerals and nutrients that help to keep the scalp healthy and promote hair growth. In addition, this type of shampoo is gentle on the scalp and helps to keep the hair soft and shiny.

We know that excess sebum is one of the causes of hair loss. Here are some tips to remove excess sebum.

• Wash your hair regularly with a mild shampoo.

• Avoid using harsh chemicals or heat styling tools.

• Massage your scalp for several minutes each day.

Scalp treatment oil is a great way to improve the health of your scalp and encourage hair growth. It helps to improve the health of the scalp by providing it with moisture and nutrients. In addition, scalp treatment oil can help to stimulate hair growth.

A plasma scalp massager is a device that can help to improve the health of your scalp and encourage hair growth. It is a device that uses low-level electrical stimulation to improve the health of the scalp. It helps to increase blood circulation to the area and provides the scalp with nutrients.

4. What are the treatments for hair loss available in Malaysia?

Hair loss is a common problem faced by many people in Malaysia. Hair regrowth treatment is a type of treatment that helps to encourage hair growth. There are many different types of hair regrowth treatments available, but they all work to improve the health of the follicles and stimulate hair growth. Some of the most common hair regrowth treatments include minoxidil, finasteride, mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and hair transplants. Hair loss can be a very distressing problem, but there are many options available.

Some of the most common treatments for hair loss in Malaysia include:

1. Minoxidil - Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied to the scalp to encourage hair growth. It is available in both over-the-counter and prescription formulations. Minoxidil is most effective when used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments.

2. Finasteride - Finasteride is a medical treatment that is taken orally to treat hair loss. It is available in both over-the-counter and prescription formulations. Finasteride is most effective when used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments.

3. Mesotherapy - Mesotherapy is a treatment that involves injecting a solution of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the scalp. This treatment is said to improve hair growth by stimulating the follicles. Mesotherapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments.

4. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy or twilight PRP scalp - Platelet rich plasma therapy is a treatment that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets into the scalp. This treatment is said to improve hair growth by stimulating the follicles. PRP therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments.

5. Hair Transplants - Hair transplant surgery is a procedure that involves taking hair from one area of the head and surgically implanting it in another area. This procedure is permanent and is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for hair loss.

6. Surgery - Surgery is a last resort option for treating hair loss. There are various surgical procedures that can be used to treat hair loss, but they are usually only recommended in severe cases. Surgery is most effective when used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments.

7. Coral calcium treatment - Coral calcium treatment is a type of treatment that uses coral calcium to prevent hair loss. This natural ingredient has many benefits for the hair, including the ability to prevent hair loss. Coral calcium is rich in minerals and nutrients that help to keep the scalp healthy and promote hair growth. In addition, this type of treatment is gentle on the scalp and helps to keep the hair soft and shiny. If you are looking for a natural way to prevent hair loss, coral calcium treatment is a great option.

8. Stem cell therapy - Stem cell therapy is a type of treatment that uses stem cells to promote hair growth. This treatment is said to be effective in treating both male and female pattern baldness. Stem cell therapy is still in the early stages of development, but it shows promise as a treatment for hair loss.

If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to consult with a hair loss specialist to determine the best course of treatment. There are many effective treatments available, and the best treatment for you will depend on the cause of your hair loss and your individual preferences.

5. What are the side effects of hair loss treatments

Although there are many products and treatments available that claim to promote hair growth, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects before starting any type of treatment.

Some common side effects of hair loss treatments include scalp irritation, dryness, and redness. In addition, some treatments can cause temporary shedding, which may result in thinning of the hair. It is also possible to experience more serious side effects, such as skin infections or allergic reactions.

As with any type of medication or treatment, it is important to speak with a doctor before starting any hair loss treatment to ensure that it is safe and effective for you.

6. Hair loss treatment cost

The cost of hair loss treatment will vary depending on the type of treatment chosen. In some cases, multiple treatment options may be recommended in order to achieve the best possible results. As such, the cost of hair loss treatment can be significant. However, many patients find that the cost is worth it in order to regain their confidence and improve their quality of life.

7. Natural solutions for hair loss

​If you're looking for natural solutions for hair loss, there are a few options to consider. For example, castor oil is a natural hair loss treatment that has been used for centuries. application of castor oil to the scalp can improve circulation and promote hair growth.

Another option is rosemary essential oil, which has properties that can strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss. To use rosemary essential oil, add a few drops to a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil and massage into the scalp.

Finally, aloe vera is another natural remedy that has been shown to be effective in treating hair loss. Aloe vera contains enzymes that help to promote hair growth and prevent scalp inflammation. When applied to the scalp, aloe vera can also help to reduce dandruff and itchiness.

8. When to see a doctor about hair loss

Hair loss can be a normal part of the ageing process, or it can be the result of an underlying medical condition. It is important to see a doctor if you are concerned about your hair loss, as there are treatments that can be effective.

Look for signs of hair thinning, patchy baldness and excessive shedding which may help you to differentiate what's normal from not. You should also be aware that, other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss and other skin changes that accompany your hair loss may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Therefore, you should have it checked.

DoctorOnCall offers convenient online appointment booking for hair loss treatment with qualified hair care centres and specialists. Book yours today!