It is best to consult with a dermatologist at the first visible signs of hair loss. When you notice hair thinning or large amounts of hair falling off while brushing or combing, it is a sign that you suffer from hair loss. If diagnosed correctly, many types of hair loss can be treated.
Dermatologists can prescribe the proper treatment based on a careful evaluation of the patient’s condition. Some types of hair loss might even resolve on their own, without medication and a dermatologist will be able to tell you if your condition comes under that category too. Hair loss can be extremely stressful to men as well as women. Losing a lot of hair during shampooing or combing may get you to think you are going bald. Hair loss is of different types. Some of the common types are:
Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is the condition in which round or oval bald patches appear on the scalp or beard. These patches are usually the size of a coin. In some rare cases, alopecia areata causes all the hair on the body to be lost. Hair lost due to alopecia areata usually grows back, except in cases where the loss is too widespread. In such cases re-growth is unlikely. The exact scientific cause of alopecia areata is not still known.
Telogen effluvium: The word telogen means ‘resting’. Telogen effluvium is a condition where hair follicles prematurely go into resting phase. This condition causes hair thinning. Telogen effluvium is commonly caused by lack of certain key nutrients in the diet. Stress, childbirth, some surgical operations, and illness or diseases like febrile illnesses can also cause it.
Male pattern hair loss: Hair loss in men is most commonly caused by male pattern hair loss. It is a hereditary type of hair loss, caused by genes forwarded to the male child through his parents and can affect males at any time after puberty. Hair usually begins thinning at the temples and crown. The hairline keeps receding at the temples and with time, causes a bald spot at the crown, leaving just a little hair at the front. Also known as andorgenetic alopecia, this is one of the most common causes for hair loss among men. Andorgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of many factors, mainly a genetic predisposition to hair loss and hormones called androgens.
Medication: Certain medications prescribed to teenagers may cause hair loss as a side effect. Amphetamines found in some diet pills are also responsible for hair loss.
Hair treatment and styling: Certain hair treatments make use of chemicals that can damage your hair. Chemicals are used in procedures like hair coloring, bleaching, perming or straightening. These treatments may cause hair to break or fall off. Although most types of hair loss from such treatments are temporary, in some cases, it might even be permanent.
Vitamins For Preventing Hair Loss
Biotin - Biotin produces keratin, which is effective in preventing hair loss and premature graying. Biotin is present in brewer’s yeast, milk, liver, whole grains etc. The recommended daily dose for biotin is 150-300 mcg.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has known properties which make skin and hair healthier. Vitamin C is present in a lot of citrus fruits and dark green vegetables and the recommended daily dose for vitamin c is 60 mg.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant too. It helps control hair loss by enhancing circulation to the scalp. Vitamin E is available in nuts, green leafy vegetables and cold pressed oils the daily recommended dose is not more than 400 IU. Please be warned that vitamin E is known to reduce blood clotting and increase blood pressure. If you are taking medication for high blood pressure or anticoagulants, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking vitamin E supplements.
Vitamin B6 – This helps the formation of melanin which gives your hair the color and also prevents hair loss. You’ll find it in liver, cereals, yolks organ meats and brewer’s yeast. The recommended dose is 1.6 mg per day. However, taking high doses of vitamin B6 may cause numbness in hands and feet.
Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 helps prevent hair loss and is available in chicken, fish, eggs and milk. The recommended dose a day is 2 mg.