Everyone loses about 50-100 hairs each day as part of the regular cycle of hair growth. However, when you lose larger amounts of hair and begin to see bald patches or thinning, you may be experiencing what is known as “hair loss.”
Hair loss can occur just on your scalp or across your entire body, and may be the result of hormonal changes, medical conditions, certain medications, or genetics. Hair loss can affect men, women, and children, but is most common in men. The most common cause of hair loss is a medical condition known as hereditary hair loss. Other names for this type of hair loss include:
- Male-pattern baldness
- Female-pattern baldness
- Androgenetic alopecia.
The leading cause of hair loss in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as pattern baldness. For men, male pattern baldness typically manifests as progressive thinning along the crown and a receding hairline, while women tend to experience hair loss along the top of the scalp that preserves the frontal hairline. Age and family history are major factors in predicting the full extent of hair loss.
To learn more about alopecia, click here:
Hair loss manifests in many ways, including:
- Patchy or circular bald spots
- Gradual thinning on the crown of the head
- Sudden loosening of hair strands
- Full-body hair loss
While hair loss caused by genetic factors cannot be prevented, there are a few things you can do to minimize the effects and prevent other types of hair loss from occurring. Here are a few tips:
- Avoid tight hairstyles
- Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing, or pulling your hair
- Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing it. For example, use a wide-toothed comb or brush.
- Avoid medications and supplements that could contribute to hair loss
- If you are being treated with chemotherapy, ask about a cooling cap, as this may reduce your risk of hair loss while receiving treatment
The most common treatment for hair loss is a hair transplant. We will discuss this and other viable treatment options with you when you visit our office.
If you are interested in pursuing hair loss treatment in Palm Desert, California, we encourage you to speak with our trained professionals about the cause of your hair loss and the best treatment options. Contact Dermatology & Plastic Surgery Specialists at 760-773-6616 today to schedule your consultation.