Hairstyles are just as diverse as the women out there wearing them. Some like to rock an alternative pixie cut, others own the boardroom bob, for many it’s all about the freedom of long bohemian waves, and of course there’s everything else in between. No matter what you want your hairstyle to say about you, having healthy, full hair is crucial to pulling off any look. If you suffer from hair loss, it may be difficult to find a flattering hairstyle. Chances are you are frustrated, embarrassed, and fed up with your hair loss. You’re not alone. Hair loss is quite common in women and happens for a variety of reasons.

Physical Stress

Physical trauma like surgery, a car accident, or sickness can throw off your body’s balance. Hair growth has a normal cycle: the growth phase, the resting phase, and the shedding phase. Physically stressful events can cause a shock to the system, throwing off the hair cycle.

Emotional Stress

Like with physical stress, emotional stress messes with the body’s hair growth cycle. When stressed, the body can release elevated levels of hormones that cause hair loss, and some people find that they may also develop stress-related ticks that involve hair pulling. These ticks cause the hair to become weak, and the hair will eventually become prone to breakage.

Diet

Poor diet can affect the life and quality of your hair. The main component of hair is protein, and when your body doesn’t get enough it will begin to ration by shutting down hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency can affect the strength of hair. However, an overabundance of Vitamin A can cause breakage. People who have undergone dramatic weight loss might experience hair loss, which can signify a vitamin or mineral deficiency in their diet.

Over-Styling

Probably the most common reason for hair loss is the wear and tear it goes through. Color treatments, heating tools, and extensions all damage hair. Over time, hair may become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It is recommended to keep color treatments minimal and only use hot tools on your hair once a week.

Hormones

Hormones play a vital role in telling your body what to do and when to do. Birth control and menopause can affect hormone receptors, and this can lead to eventual hair loss. Hair loss is also common after pregnancy while the body tries to reestablish its normal hormone levels, but this is only temporary and will correct itself naturally.

Aging

Hair loss is a common result of the aging process. It usually sets in around menopausal age and can be associated with hormone fluctuations, but it may also occur in postmenopausal women.

Medications

Hair loss is a common side effect of many medications, such as beta-blockers and antidepressants.

Diseases

There are a few common diseases for which hair loss can be a symptom. Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition that causes female baldness. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is marked by hair loss because the thyroid controls growth hormones. Hair loss is also common in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Treating Hair Loss

Many causes of hair loss are only temporary and may be corrected through lifestyle changes. However, there are cases in which medical treatments can help regrow, strengthen, or replace your hair. Dr. Agulo and Dr. Palladino perform hair loss assessments and will determine if hair transplant is absolutely necessary. They believe in fighting hair loss nonsurgically as well as surgically, tailoring their treatment plan to each patient.

Medication

Medication is the best treatment option for early-stage hair loss. It can be used for people experiencing hair loss because of genetic or other natural factors.

• Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical medicine applied to the affected areas that stimulates hair follicles to grow. Women who use Rogaine may experience temporary facial hair growth as well as scalp hair growth.
• Formula 82M combines medications with a high strength steroid. It is only available by prescription.

Protein Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Protein Rich Plasma injections utilize concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood. These platelets are rich in protein (thus the name) and injected into the problem areas of the scalp. The proteins stimulate dormant follicles and activate hair regrowth. Studies have shown this procedure to be 80 percent effective.

Hair Transplant

For patients who have advanced genetic hair loss, hair transplant is usually the best course of action. Medical history and stable donor areas are both important for determining if hair transplant is a possible treatment for you. New technologies and techniques have been developed to provide the most effective and pain-free process possible. Hair transplant procedures transfer healthy, working follicles to the sites of bad follicles.

Schedule your hair loss consultation today and have Dr. Agullo or Dr. Palladino evaluate the severity of your hair loss. They will help you develop a plan to restore your beautiful, full locks. Call us at (915) 590-7900 or fill out our online contact form here.