Are you losing your hair too? Let's find out exactly about this (Hair Loss)

Have you ever woken up in the morning and found strands of hair on your pillow or in your comb after taking a shower? Have you ever wondered, "Oh my, will I lose all my hair?"? This is actually a problem that many people have. For some, losing a few strands of hair is not a big deal. But for others, even a little bit of thinning hair is a big deal. So today, let's talk about hair loss, or hair loss in general.

Let's first see, what is this hair?

Simply put, we have hair almost everywhere on our bodies, except for places like our palms, soles of our feet, eyelashes, and navels. But some hairs are so fine that we can't see them.

These hairs are made of a protein called 'Keratin' . They are produced in tiny follicles in our skin. They are like little factories. As these follicles make new hair cells, old cells are pushed out to the surface of the skin. The hair shaft you see is actually a chain of dead keratin cells linked together.

An average adult has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on their head. It's normal to lose about 100 hairs a day. So there's no need to worry about a few hairs on your comb.

At any given time, 90% of the hair on your head is growing. Each hair has its own unique life cycle. This cycle is divided into three main stages.

• Anagen Phase: This is the period when the hair shaft is actively growing. This period can typically last from two to eight years.
• Catagen phase: This is the stage where hair growth stops and enters a transitional phase. It lasts about two to three weeks.
• Telogen phase: This is the resting phase. It lasts for about two to three months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out, and a new hair starts to grow from the same follicle. And so the cycle begins again.

What are the main types of hair loss?

There are different types of hair loss, or medically known as alopecia . Let's look at a few of the main types.

What are the causes of hair loss?

Even doctors can't say for sure why some people's hair grows faster and others shorter. But they have identified several main reasons for this.

• Hormones: Imbalances in hormones, such as male hormones (androgens), can cause hair loss. Thyroid problems are also a major cause.
• Genes: The risk of hereditary baldness is determined by the genes you inherit from your mother and father.
• Stress, illness, and childbirth: These are times when the body experiences major changes and hair loss can occur temporarily.
• Some medications: Cancer chemotherapy, blood thinners, and some high blood pressure medications can cause temporary hair loss. Never stop taking your medications without your doctor's advice.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Hair loss increases when the body lacks nutrients, especially iron, zinc, biotin, and protein .
• Hair care: Frequent hair bleaching, dyeing, and perming can weaken hair and cause it to break. It is also not good to tie your hair tightly.

How to accurately diagnose hair loss? (Diagnosis)

The best thing to do if you suspect you're losing your hair is to see a doctor . A dermatologist is especially good. He or she can help you find the exact cause of the problem.

The doctor may do the following:

• Your medical history and family details will be asked: Does anyone in your family have baldness, what medications you are taking, and whether you have had any major illnesses recently?
• Examination of the skull: The skull is checked for redness, signs of infection, and scarring.
• Blood tests: You may be given a blood test to check things like your iron levels, thyroid hormone levels, and vitamin D.
• Trichoscopy: This is a test that uses a special camera-like device to magnify the scalp and hair follicles.
• Skin biopsy: Only if necessary, a very small piece of skin is taken from the scalp and examined under a microscope.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on the cause of your hair loss. When the cause is treated, hair loss often stops and begins to grow back.

Medications

• Minoxidil: A liquid or foam that is applied directly to the scalp. It can be used by both men and women.
• Finasteride: This is a pill given to men. It is very effective in reversing hereditary baldness.
• Corticosteroids: A type of medication given for immune system-related conditions such as alopecia areata.
• Vitamins and nutritional supplements: If there are deficiencies such as iron and biotin, the doctor will provide appropriate supplements for them.

Medical Procedures

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment: In this, plasma is extracted from your own blood and the growth factors contained in it are injected into the scalp. This stimulates hair follicles and causes new hair to grow.
• Light Therapy: Stimulation of hair follicles using low-level laser therapy.
• Hair Grafting/Transplantation: Taking hair follicles from another part of the body (often the back of the neck) and replanting them in the balding areas.

What can we do to prevent hair loss?

Not all types of hair loss can be prevented. For example, genetic causes cannot be stopped. However, there are some things we can do to protect our hair.

• Eat a balanced diet: Include enough protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins in your diet.
• Be gentle with your hair: Don't pull hard when combing or washing your hair. Avoid combing wet hair.
• Don't tie your hair tightly: Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair tight.
• Avoid excessive heat: Reduce the frequent use of appliances like blow dryers and curling irons.
• Manage stress: Calm your mind with things like yoga and meditation.

If hair loss is affecting you emotionally, don't be ashamed of it. Talk to your doctor about it. Sometimes counseling can help a lot.

Hair loss, hair loss, baldness, alopecia, hair loss Sinhala, hair treatment, causes of hair loss