The medical term for hair loss is Alopecia.  Studies have found up to 60% of us are affected by hair loss. Often, we don’t think of hair loss as a medical condition because in most cases it is temporary and can be slowed down.  However there are many different types of hair loss.

Patterned hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia.

This is when baldness follows a pattern. Starting with a receding hairline, then hair starts to fall out further along the head to the crown. For females pattern baldness usually only thins hair on the top of the head. In men, androgenic alopecia is hereditary. But it is not clear this is the case for females.

Alopecia areata, or patchy baldness.

This is usually temporary baldness and mainly affects teens and young adults. It thought to be caused by a defect immune system. In most cases hair grows back within a year.

Scarring alopecia.

This type is caused when hair follicles are entirely destroyed and thus hair will not grow back at all. It can be caused by conditions such as lichen planus or discoid lupus that affects the skin.

Anagen effluvium.

This is widespread hair loss that affects scalp, face and body often caused by chemotherapy.  In this case hair loss is usually temporary and hair will grow back once the treatment is stopped.

Telogen effluvium.

This type is very common and causes a more widespread hair loss rather than causing bald patches.

Hair loss can be very distressing for both men and women. However not all types of hair loss need treatment. Patterned hair loss is a natural part of ageing. If you are concerned about your hair loss speak to your doctor as there are medicines that can be used to treat certain types of hair loss.

If you feel like your hair is thinning or falling out there are a few things you could try to encourage re-growth:

1)      Stop stressing! – Stress can often be the cause of telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Hair goes through cycles of growth and rest. Stress can trigger hair follicles out of the growing into the rest or falling out stage, thus preventing re-growth and stimulating hair loss.

2)     Apply less heat to your hair – too much heat damages your hair and hair follicles making it more difficult for hair to grow back.

3)     Massage your head – Not only does this relax you (point 1 – stop stressing!) but massaging also stimulates your hair follicles encouraging growth.

4)     Eat more proteins – Hair is made up of mainly proteins, so eating more will strengthen your hair and re-growth.