Understanding the Spectrum:
Understanding the Spectrum:
Different Conditions Affecting Hair Health
A Comprehensive Guide to Hair Loss Types
Female Pattern Hair Loss
This type of hair loss is also called Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA).
It can begin in the middle part of the hair and gradually spread out; we call this the ‘Christmas Tree” effect.
It can also begin in the temple areas; you will start to notice that the hair in the temples gradually gets thinner and begins to move back.
TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM
Hormonal Hair Loss
Throughout our life, we experience hormone changes, beginning with puberty, throughout our childbearing years, and finally, menopause.
Whether you are taking the birth control pill or are taking hormone replacement therapy, hormones can have a direct effect on your hair. You will usually begin to see the hair in your temple areas gradually move back and slowly become thinner, and this can also happen on the crown of the head.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is becoming more and more common. This particular type of hair loss involves the receding to the entire forehead.
It is unknown why this occurs, this is typically a scarring type of hair loss, however, there are solutions to manage it.
Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
CCCA is a type of hair loss that is common in African American women as a result of years of over styling.
Often occurring in the center of the head, the hair itself has been broken repeatedly, and the damage continues down into the hair shaft causing permanent damage.
Gentler styling techniques are highly recommended, and seeking the advice of a Trichologist to assess the extent of damage is recommended.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
This type of hair loss is also referred to as Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) for most men, it begins in the temple or crown area.
This loss of hair occurs due to a hormone called DHT. DHT is the by-product of testosterone and an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, causing the hair to become smaller and weaker and eventually unable to grow.
Anagen Effluvium
(Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss)
Anagen Effluvium is the sudden fallout of hair during the growing phase. This typically is the result of medications related to chemotherapy. It is important to hydrate and stimulate the scalp through massage during this time to ensure health and efficient hair growth once treatments are complete.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a condition in which the person involved has a compulsive habit of pulling their hair. Some find great comfort in it, while others are unaware that they are doing it. It often provides great relief to the individual but can cause permanent hair loss.
The pulling can break and fracture the hair strands, and in severe cases where the root is extracted, the follicle can become permanently damaged, unable to regrow hair. Seeking the advice of a medical doctor and Trichologist is often recommended.
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia occurs typically from over styling of the hair. When there is a substantial amount of pulling, from tight braids, ponytails, or improperly placed extensions, the result is damaged follicles.
This condition can cause permanent hair loss, we suggest exploring gentler styling techniques and seeking the advice of a Trichologist to assess the extent of the damage.
Lichen Planopilaris
LLP is a scarring form of hair loss, it is often accompanied with a burning sensation. ‘Island hairs’ will begin to appear, these are hairs that notibly stand out on their own.
Seek the help of a Trichologist or Medical Practitioner immediately.
Discoid lupus
erythametosus
DLE is a painful scarring type of hair loss. Symptoms include a burning sensation, thinning of the scalp skin, significant hair loss, opens sores.
A biopsy is often done to confirm the condition, seeking the advice of a Trichologist or Medical Practitioner immediately.
Children's hair loss
It is unknown why some children will lose their hair. It is certainly worth seeking the advice of a Trichologist or Medical Practitioner to assess vitamin and mineral levels.
When the hair loss becomes permanent, it is due to an auto immune issue, there is no known cause or cure.
Focusing on a healthy gut, using probiotics and digestive enzymes and maximizing the child’s ability to absorb nutrition is key.
