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Hair Loss – Signs and Symptoms

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, affects millions of people worldwide. It can occur in both men and women, and can be triggered by various factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and even lifestyle choices.

Hair loss is a very common problem among people of every age. No matter how old are you, it is possible to experience hair loss.

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What are The Types of Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide. This common problem can be caused by many reasons and have various types.

There are several common types of hair loss, each with its unique characteristics and causes. Along with causes and reasons, treatments and prevention also differ with hair loss types.

  • Androgenetic Alopecia: Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss which can affect both men and women. It is commonly known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. The main reason for androgenetic alopecia is genetics and hormonal changes.
  • Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is also another common type of hair loss. This type of hair loss occurs when a significant number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously, leading to excessive shedding. It is often triggered by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, or illness. Simple lifestyle changes or vitamin treatment can solve this problem.
  • Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is another common reason for hair loss. This type of hair loss is primarily caused by an autoimmune disorder. This type of hair loss occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss. Alopecia areata can appear suddenly and may progress to complete baldness (alopecia totalis) or hair loss all over the body (alopecia universalis).
  • Traction Alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused by excessive tension or pulling on the hair due to tight hairstyles, such as ponytails, braids, or extensions. Over time, this tension can damage hair follicles and lead to hair loss.
  • Cicatricial Alopecia: Also known as scarring alopecia, this type of hair loss occurs due to inflammation that destroys hair follicles, causing them to be replaced with scar tissue. It can be caused by various conditions, such as lichen planopilaris, folliculitis decalvans, or discoid lupus erythematosus.

It doesn’t matter what type of hair loss you are experiencing, it is possible to regain hair with the proper treatment of hair transplantation. Rehair Istanbul’s experienced surgeons can help you to regain your hair with expert hair transplantation operations.

Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by many reasons including genetics and other factors. When you see your hair getting thinner or bald spots, it is recommended to get professional help to stop hair loss.

Regardless of your age, it is always possible to find a proper treatment for hair loss.

The signs and symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on the type and cause, including;

  • Gradual thinning: The most common symptom of hair loss is the gradual thinning of hair on the top of the head. This hair loss symptom can be seen affecting both men and women.
  • Patchy or circular bald spots: Especially if you are experiencing alopecia areata, you can see sudden hair loss shaped like smooth, round patches. Patchy or circular bald spots are known as very common and can happen at every age.
  • Sudden hair loss: Especially if you are experiencing physical or emotional stress, sudden hair loss caused by telogen effluvium can be seen.
  • Hairline receding: This is a common sign of male-pattern baldness, where the hairline recedes in a characteristic “M” shape.
  • Thinning along hairline or temples: Hair breakage and thinning along the hairline or temples can be caused by tight hairstyles or other external stress factors.
  • Itching, scaling or redness on the scalp: These symptoms can be associated with cicatricial alopecia, indicating an underlying inflammatory condition.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a very common problem. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors including;

  • Genetic hair loss: A family history of hair loss can make you open to hair loss problems. Genetics are especially effective on certain hair loss types, such as androgenetic alopecia.
  • Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or due to thyroid disorders, can lead to hair loss. Along with these reasons, medicines or other treatments can cause hormonal changes and hair loss.
  • Stress and lifestyle: Physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium or exacerbate other types of hair loss.
  • Diet and nutritional deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, protein, and vitamins, can contribute to hair loss.
  • Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like alopecia areata and lupus can lead to hair loss when the immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles.
  • Infections: Fungal infections, like tinea capitis, or bacterial infections can cause hair loss. Hair loss caused by infections is usually temporary and can be fixed by simple treatments.

How to Prevent and Manage Hair Loss?

Especially if you have a genetic history of hair loss or already experiencing it, it is important to make some changes in your lifestyle to prevent hair loss. There are a few suggestions that can help you to prevent losing hair;

  • Maintain a healthy and balanced diet: You must ensure that you consume adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support hair growth. Foods rich in iron, vitamin D, and biotin can be particularly beneficial.
  • Reduce stress:  Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help minimize the impact of stress on your hair.
  • Be gentle with your hair: Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat, and harsh chemical treatments that can damage your hair. Instead, opt for loose styles and use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.

In cases where hair loss is extensive and other treatments have not been successful, a hair transplant surgery may be considered. This involves transplanting healthy hair follicles from one part of the scalp to the affected area. Rehair Istanbul’s expert surgeons and high-tech operations can help you to regain your hair!