Hair Loss Awareness Month 2024

Did you know that August is Hair Loss Awareness Month? The Institute of Dermatologists is committed to shedding light on the different types of hair loss and the effective treatments available. Hair loss is a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and understanding the specific type you may be experiencing is key to finding the right treatment.

Types of Hair Loss

1. Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, this genetic condition affects both men and women, leading to thinning hair and baldness, particularly on the crown and along the hairline.

2. Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. It can affect people of all ages and may progress to more severe forms, such as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis.

3. Telogen Effluvium: Often triggered by stress, illness, or significant life events, this type of hair loss is characterised by widespread shedding of the hair. It occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase simultaneously. Thankfully for most people this is usually a temporary issue and is most commonly seen post pregnancy.

4. Traction Alopecia: Caused by prolonged tension on the hair, often due to tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions. If caught early, it can be reversed, but continued tension may lead to permanent hair loss.

5. Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia: A rare group of disorders that destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further damage.

Treatment Options

Understanding the type of hair loss you are experiencing is the first step towards effective treatment. There are a number of different treatments available:

• Topical Treatments: Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp to stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss. This is often used to treat androgenetic alopecia and may be used to help with hair regrowth in those suffering from Telogen Effluvium For those who are intolerant of topical minoxidil there is an oral version available also.
• Oral Medications: Finasteride, an oral medication, can be prescribed most commonly for men or postmenopausal women with pattern baldness. It works by reducing the hormone that causes hair loss.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This innovative treatment involves injecting a concentration of your own platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and encourage new growth. This is suitable for those with androgenetic alopecia.
• Hair Transplant Surgery: For those with significant hair loss, hair transplant surgery offers a more permanent solution by moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another. This is not suitable for scarring conditions affecting the scalp.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For conditions such as alopecia areata, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth.

Don’t let hair loss define you. During Hair Loss Awareness Month, take the first step towards regaining your confidence and exploring the treatments that could make a difference. 

If you’re concerned about Hair Loss, we would advise you to contact your GP/Dermatologist today to explore your treatment options.