There are several causes of hair loss and many of us are searching for a hair loss cure. Whether you’re considering transplants or non-surgical hair restoration, it is good to know the cause. Your best choice is to see a qualified doctor for a comprehensive assessment. Some types of hair loss may restore themselves, whilst others require hair growth treatments and therapies. These are the most common causes of hair loss, but there are many more.

1. Hormones (androgenetic alopecia)

In cases of both male and female hair loss – hormones are often to blame. For women, relative increases in testosterone (decreases in estrogen) later in life may causes hair follicles to become dormant. For men, testosterone is also an issue. Testosterone converts into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which can lead to hair loss. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or post-menopausal can also provoke hair loss in women. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, and can usually rights itself in a few months after pregnancy. However post-menopausal women can benefit from non-surgical treatment options.

2. Medication

Many medications site alopecia as a possible side effect. Whilst this may not happen for all that use that medication, it can be distressing and upsetting for those it does affect. Generally, medications that alter your hormonal balances are the most common culprits. These include: retinoids, anti-thyroid drugs, tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), lithium based tablets, warfarin, beta-blockers and many more. With over 15 years’ experience, Dr. Melamed will be able to advise on the best course of treatment for your particular type of hair loss.

3. Stress

When we are under high levels of stress, or body produces adrenaline or the ‘fight or flight response’. This creates a fluctuation in your hormones, which can cause hair loss. Stress related hair loss usually occurs several months after the stressful event. This is because the hairs are often lying dormant, becoming noticeable when no new hair grows. The hair loss solution for stress is time, better lifestyle habits and natural hair restoration.

4. Diet & Nutrition

Poor diet or limited variation in the diet can lead to deficiencies. We also see hair loss with patients changing to a strict vegetarian or vegan diet. Deficiency in iron can lead to anaemia, often characterized by thin and brittle hair. Low levels of biotin, vitamin B12 and zinc are also attributed to accelerated hair loss. Depending on the severity, there are several different hair loss cures – speak to Dr. Melamed about the best hair loss solution for you.

5. Chemicals

There are so many chemicals that can potentially cause hair loss – and so many of them are unknown. One of the common ingredients in drug store shampoos is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, the same chemical that is used to degrease car engines. Parabens, used in beauty products to kill bacteria, are also incredibly irritating and damaging to the scalp. Propylene Glycol is used to give hair a shiny and healthy appearance; however, it has been classified as ‘hazardous’ by the Environmental Working Group. These are just 3 of the day to day chemicals that may be causing mild to severe hair loss.

6. Genetics

Sadly, many cases of hair loss, baldness and thinning are due to genetics. Male pattern baldness is hereditary and affects up to 50 million men. This is also tied to hormones and the hair’s sensitivity to DHT. Despite the inevitability of the condition, it is exceptionally preventable in the early stages, and treatable in the latter stages. Hair transplant therapy, Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) therapy, and Stem Cell therapy, and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), and FUE transplantation are all viable options to restore your hair. If you’d like to know the root cause of your hair loss problem and what is the best treatment, come and see Dr. Melamed – the hair loss and restoration specialist.