Let's Talk About It: Thinning Hair
I am not sure if it is the stress of COVID, not being able to get a haircut or if I am now just picking up on it, but at least once a day I have a client who sits in my chair worried and explaining to me that their hair is shedding more than ever. So much so that I felt the need to dig into it deeper, so I could better understand for myself to be able to guide my clients.
Let me start this off by saying I am not a doctor. I am not an expert. I wrote this for informational purposes only and is not to be perceived as professional advice in regard to health or any other field.
Now that is done…Here is what I have learned:
There are 4 main types of hair loss
For some hair loss is a factor of their environment for others it is a factor of who they are, their genetic makeup. Which ever it is for you, it will most likely come down to one of these 4 types of hair loss:
1. Androgenetic (Androgenic) Alopecia – Male/Female Pattern Baldness
2. Telogen Effluviom – Stress Induced Thinning
3. Alopecia Areata – Genetic Disorder
4. Traction Alopecia – Pulling of the hair
Androgenetic (Androgenic) Alopecia
Androgenetic (Androgenic) Alopecia is more commonly known as male/female pattern baldness, the cause of this is part genetics and part hormones. It is the type of baldness we often relate to aging mostly because of its gradual onset. There is also often a transition in the hair from large and thick to thinner and short and finally short and wispy. It is most important to seek treatment for this before the hair follicles shrink and become covered by non follicle containing skin. If you think you fall into this category, get to your dermatologist!
Telogen Effluviom
Please do not ask me to pronounce this one... Telogen Effluviom is often stressed induced baldness - it presents itself usually as clumps of hair falling out all at once. You would start to notice it on your brush, or in the shower drain. The biological reason for this is a large percentage of your hair follicles entering into the telogen or shedding phase, left in this resting phase for too long the hair will fall out. Telogen Effluviom is usually caused by a ‘shock to the system’, think stress, postpartum hormonal changes, low iron, thyroid, and surgery. In order to determine if a treatment is necessary you would need to figure out the trigger, and is best to talk to your healthcare provider to help you do so.
Alopecia Areata
This form of hair loss is what most of us commonly refer to as Alopecia. At it’s most basic level it is an auto-immune disease, meaning it is very complex, and the causes are usually unknown. Some of the more common causes are genetic predisposition, internal and external environmental factors, such as infections, medications or physical scalp trauma. Alopecia Areata shows up as a singular bald patch or series patches across the head. Alopecia Areata can impact other areas of the body eyebrows, legs, arms, etc.
Traction Alopecia
This one is fairly straight forward. Traction Alopecia is caused by constant tension on the hair follicle. We cause this simply from wearing our hair “too tight” think tight ponytails, braids or constant head coverings, such as a headband. If you feel that you are falling into this category try switching up your style to something looser - I know a few good stylists if you need help :)
So I can appreciate that was text heavy and not a ton of actionable information but here is what I took away from it:
There most likely a reason behind the increase in shedding - don’t ignore it listen to your body and seek help!
Early intervention is key to reduce any long term hair loss where possible
Hair Thinning is mostly internal, shampoos and conditioners for thin hair can not make your hair grow back, they can only enhance the hair you have.
Your hair health is the most important thing to me… Let’s Talk About It