Current:Home > StocksMany people struggle with hair loss, but here's what they should know-InfoLens
Many people struggle with hair loss, but here's what they should know
View Date:2024-12-23 14:12:12
The Sunday night “scaries.” The mandatory work dinner party. Going to the DMV. There are few things worse than that feeling of dread. One of the most dread-inducing moments? Realizing that your hair is falling out.
While nothing can be done about Monday eventually rolling around, maintaining your professional relationships, and renewing your driver’s license – there are steps you can take to combat hair loss. We spoke with Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon practicing at Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, and host of THE SKIN REAL podcast to learn more about the causes of hair loss and what can be done to ease some of the dread.
Why is my hair falling out?
The reasons why hair falls out are complex.
“There are many conditions that can cause hair loss so the reason for someone's hair loss can be complicated and not always obvious,” says Mina. She adds that there are a few things that need to be weighed for everyone experiencing hair loss. “First things first, an in-person evaluation by your dermatologist will be helpful to assess whether you have actual hair loss vs. hair breakage. Next, a thorough medical history needs to be taken including current medications and any big stressors in the past six months like a baby, divorce, new job, move, etc.,” Mina explains.
It is also important to identify what kind of hair loss is occurring. “Some hair loss is non-scarring, meaning that it will come back but some hair loss is scarring and it's very important to act quickly on these to maintain as much hair as possible,” emphasizes Mina.
Why is SO much of my hair falling out?
If you are noticing more hair on your hair brush or pillow – you could be experiencing hair loss. Or you could be experiencing an increase in shedding. The American Academy of Dermatology Association emphasizes that there’s a difference between the two.
The medical term for excessive shedding is called telogen effluvium, and it tends to occur after a stressor like:
- Childbirth
- Major illness
- Weight loss
- A surgery
This condition usually stops on its own after about six to nine months.
A condition that stops hair from growing is different. This is called anagen effluvium, and some of its causes include:
- Genetics
- An immune system issue
- Medications
- Some types of hair products
It’s important to see a physician who can help you determine the type of hair loss you're experiencing so that they can best treat it.
How do I stop my hair from falling out?
Mina says, “The treatment for hair loss depends on the cause. Sometimes a hair pull test is required to look at the hair follicles that are coming out versus a biopsy or even blood work.”
Some common treatments for hair loss include:
- Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Platelet-rich plasma (plasma is separated from other parts of your blood and injected into the scalp)
- Laser therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- A hair transplant
Dread, as a whole, may be inevitable – but hair loss is something that can be treated.
Explained:Your body's intense reaction to stress
Are you struggling with hair loss?It could be a vitamin deficiency.
veryGood! (457)
Related
- Jelly Roll goes to jail (for the best reason) ahead of Indianapolis concert
- Missouri House backs legal shield for weedkiller maker facing thousands of cancer-related lawsuits
- Columbia’s president, no stranger to complex challenges, walks tightrope on student protests
- Massachusetts House launches budget debate, including proposed spending on shelters, public transit
- Fire crews gain greater control over destructive Southern California wildfire
- Beyoncé surprises 2-year-old fan with sweet gift after viral TikTok: 'I see your halo, Tyler'
- Indulge in Chrissy Teigen's Sweet Review of Meghan Markle's Jam From American Riviera Orchard
- Sophia Bush Details the Moment She Fell in Love With Girlfriend Ashlyn Harris
- NFL MVP rankings: Does Steelers QB Russell Wilson deserve any consideration?
- The Latest | Israeli strikes in Rafah kill at least 5 as ship comes under attack in the Gulf of Aden
Ranking
- Tampa Bay Rays' Wander Franco arrested again in Dominican Republic, according to reports
- House speaker calls for Columbia University president's resignation amid ongoing protests
- Billie Eilish opens up about lifelong battle with depression: 'I've never been a happy person'
- Man who shot ex-Saints star Will Smith faces sentencing for manslaughter
- Golden Bachelorette: Joan Vassos Gets Engaged During Season Finale
- 8 years after the National Enquirer’s deal with Donald Trump, the iconic tabloid is limping badly
- Arizona grand jury indicts 11 Republicans who falsely declared Trump won the state in 2020
- 'Outrageously escalatory' behavior of cops left Chicago motorist dead, family says in lawsuit
Recommendation
-
MLS playoff teams set: Road to MLS Cup continues with conference semifinals
-
Broadway review: In Steve Carell’s ‘Uncle Vanya,’ Chekhov’s gun fires blanks
-
Biden signs foreign aid bill into law, clearing the way for new weapons package for Ukraine
-
The Black Dog Owner Hints Which of Taylor Swift’s Exes Is a “Regular” After TTPD Song
-
Target will be closed on Thanksgiving: Here’s when stores open on Black Friday
-
Jennifer Love Hewitt Shares What’s “Strange” About Being a Mom
-
Biden signs foreign aid bill into law, clearing the way for new weapons package for Ukraine
-
5 things workers should know about the new federal ban on noncompete agreements