Due to a slowdown in hair development as we age, the majority of people experience some hair loss. A thinning of the hair on our scalp is caused by hair follicles that eventually stop producing new hair. Alopecia, or hair loss, can be temporary or permanent and can just affect your scalp. It could result from genetic inheritance, hormonal changes, illnesses, or a natural consequence of ageing. Everyone can lose hair on their head, but males are more likely to do so.

Understanding Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Alopecia is a condition that results in hair loss when the body’s normal cycle of hair growth is disturbed. Hair loss can occur everywhere on the body, although it most usually affects the scalp.

The hair growth cycle has the following three phases.

While hair is actively growing, it is in the anagen phase. This stage could last for many years.

During the catagen phase of the hair cycle, the follicle, the structure beneath the skin that holds the hair in place, separates from the hair. A ten-day period is considered the catagen phase.

The follicle rests for two to three months during the telogen phase, after which the hair comes out.

As a new hair begins to grow in the same follicle, the subsequent anagen phase starts. Most people experience daily hair loss of 50 to 100 hairs as part of this normal cycle.

Hair loss symptoms and signs

The hair on top of the head gradually falling out. As people age, they are more likely to have this sort of hair loss.

On the scalp, beard, or eyebrows, some people experience bald spots that are round or spotty.

Hair can become loose as a result of trauma, whether it be physical or mental.

When combing, washing, or even with a little tugging, you might lose a few handfuls of hair. This type of hair loss, however transient, typically results in a general thinning of the hair.

Certain illnesses and medical procedures, such as chemotherapy for cancer, can cause hair loss all over your body.

Scaling appears in large patches all over the scalp. This is a ringworm symptom. Redness, swelling, broken hair, and rarely leaking may also be present.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hormones

Genes

Pregnancy, illness, and stress

Drugs

X-rays, wounds, and burns

Medical issues

Diet

Deficiency in vitamins

How the Treatment Works to improve hair re-growth?

PRP Therapy: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is a three-step medical procedure that involves drawing a patient’s blood, processing it, and then injecting it back into the scalp.

By boosting blood flow to the hair follicle and thickening the hair shaft, PRP promotes and sustains natural hair growth.

GFC, or growth factor concentrate, is one of the greatest therapies for people who have lost their hair as a result of hormone imbalances and can help in promoting new hair development. The procedure uses the candidate’s blood’s activated growth factors from platelets, which are then injected into the scalp to supply the individual’s own growth factors. GFC is directly injected into the scalp and hair roots, promoting hair growth.

Stem cells are cells that have the capacity to differentiate into many cell types and are crucial for both organic development and healing. The patient’s tissues are used to separate the stem cells, which are then processed in a lab environment where they divide and proliferate. The balding areas of the scalp are then injected with these cells once more.

Therapies for hair transplants

Transplantation of Follicular Units (FUT)

This approach is traditional. Skin from the rear of the scalp is removed during this surgery. The surgeon next takes hair follicles out of that skin and eventually places the hair follicles back into the balding area of the scalp.

The Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) treatment entails the direct removal of hair follicles from the scalp and their subsequent transplantation into the area of the scalp that is experiencing hair loss. Another name for this process is Direct Hair Implantation (DHI).

The exciting development of FUE moves hair transplant surgery one step closer to the prestigious minimally invasive rank. Both the patient and the surgeon find the prospect of a nearly scar-free procedure appealing. Avoiding a linear scar, wanting a naturally pain-free recovery period, or simply preferring a minimally invasive process may be the motivations for choosing FUE over a strip harvest.

What is the most secure method of hair growth?

When used correctly, minoxidil is both secure and efficient. Those under the age of 40 benefit from it more. According to a study from 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved topical minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.

Who is a good candidate for treatment?

Men who have experienced male pattern baldness-related hair loss for more than five years.

Men who have been losing hair for a long time, whose pattern has stabilised, and who want to regrow some more to look younger.

Both men and women who suffer from hair loss due to burns or trauma.

Men and women who have undergone other cosmetic treatments like facelifts and have lost hair.

Potential adverse effects and risk of the therapy

The area where the drug was applied may experience burning, stinging, or redness.

Less frequent– skin rash or itchiness

Uncommon– acne at the application site, red skin, a burning scalp, and inflammation at the hair’s root

Signs and symptoms of excessive drug absorption into the body include— sporadic blurred eyesight or other visual changes, headache and chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat and fainting flushes.

How to minimise the side effects?

HAIR WASH

Every patient receives instructions on how to wash their hair carefully at the clinic because it is one of the most important aspects that might determine how well a hair transplant works in the long run.

Lotion, oil, or any other appropriate moisturiser is applied to the transplanted area and kept on for 15 to 30 minutes.

After shampooing, dry your hair with a paper towel.

Daily shampooing is necessary to get rid of the scabs.

THE RIGHT POSITION TO SLEEP IN

For the first week following the operation, it’s crucial to avoid touching the recipient areas as much as possible.

AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT, WEARING A HAT

In the clinic, you will receive a panama-style hat that you should wear whenever you are outside or on your way home. Your scalp will be protected by the hat from the sun, dust, and other environmental elements.

USAGE OF ANTIBIOTICS AFTER HAIR TRANSPLANT

After surgery, antibiotics are frequently prescribed for 3 to 5 days. They are employed to protect against potential infections and promote speedy healing.

Always speak with your doctor if you experience sudden, spotty, or more severe hair loss when combing or washing your hair. Sudden hair loss may be a sign of a medical condition that has to be treated.