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FAQ
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a common problem that many people face. Although hair loss is more common with advancing age, hair loss can occur at any age, including childhood. Some people may be genetically predisposed to hair loss. However, we can also lose our hair due to stress, malnutrition or health problems.
In fact, hair loss is part of the normal growth process. Most healthy people lose an average of 100 strands of hair every day and new hair growth replaces them. However, hair loss is defined as alopecia, that is, hair loss, when hair falls out more than average due to various reasons or when new hair does not grow in place of the lost hair.
What are the Types of Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a problem seen in women as well as men. It is usually caused by genetic, hormonal or lifestyle factors. Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss. However, hair loss in children or hair loss during pregnancy is also common.
Types of hair loss (types of hair loss) can be generally listed as follows:
Male pattern baldness (Androgenic alopecia)
- It is the most common type of hair loss in men.
- It occurs as a result of weakening of hair follicles by reacting to androgen hormones
- The main cause of male pattern hair loss is genetic.
- Male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) is characterized by regression of the front hairline and thinning of the hair on the crown in men. Male pattern hair loss can also occur in women. However, this condition may not be as pronounced as in men. In women, it causes the hair to become thinner and appear lifeless.
- There are many treatment methods for male pattern hair loss, including medication. In particular, drugs that reduce or prevent the effect of the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise and stress control are also important steps in treatment.
- Male pattern hair loss is considered an aesthetic problem by many people. This condition can sometimes negatively affect people's self-confidence and quality of life.
- For this reason, hair transplantation is among the most preferred treatment methods for male pattern hair loss.
Ringworm (Alopecia Areata)
- Alopecia Areata, commonly known as ringworm, is an autoimmune disease that causes irregular hair loss anywhere on the body.
- Alopecia Areata, or ringworm, usually affects the head and face.
- Hair usually falls out in small, round patches. However, in some cases, hair loss can be more extensive.
- Ringworm is more common in children, people with a family history of ringworm and people with autoimmune disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease.
- Ringworm is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through contact or airborne transmission.
- It is possible to control ringworm with medication.
- Since ringworm is an autoimmune and recurrent disease, hair transplantation is not among the treatment options.
Telogen hair loss (Telogen Effluvium)
- Telogen hair loss is usually caused by stress or sudden hormonal changes.
- It can also occur as a result of disruption of the physiological balance in the body after trauma or illness.
- It can especially occur in women after childbirth.
- Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of rapid hair loss. The most common type of hair loss in women is Telogen effluvium type hair loss.
- In telogen effluvium type hair loss, the hair on the top of the head usually falls out, it does not cause complete baldness.
- Telogen effluvium type hair loss is not contagious.
- In telogen effluvium type hair loss, new hair usually grows after 3-6 months of hair loss.
- In telogen effluvium type hair loss, hair transplantation is not among the treatment options as the hair can regrow with medication or on its own.
Anagen effluvium
This type of very rapid hair loss is usually caused by certain medical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy to treat malignant tumors. The hair falls out in a very short time and the hair usually grows back after treatment. However, in some cases, the hair may not grow back.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss?
Hair loss is common in the society and has various causes. The causes of hair loss can generally be listed as follows:
- Genetic causes: Hair loss may be related to genetic causes. This may be more likely if family members have a similar condition.
- Fungal infection of the scalp: There are many fungal infections of the scalp that can cause hair loss. Folliculitis, Piedra, Seborrheic dermatitis are among the most common.
- Scalp psoriasis: Psoriasis can cause the skin to become extremely flaky and itchy. Excessive scratching can cause bleeding, scaling and eventually scarring.
- Some drug treatments: Antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control medications, immunosuppressants, medications used to treat epilepsy or Parkinson's disease can cause hair loss.
- Medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy used to treat malignant tumors can cause hair loss. Hair lost as a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy usually grows back after treatment.
- Some sexually transmitted infections: Some sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis or herpes can cause hair loss.
- Sudden weight loss: Sudden weight loss can lead to hair loss. Reduced protein intake, iron, zinc and vitamin D deficiency are blamed for this.
- Iron deficiency: The effect of iron deficiency on hair loss is well known. However, scientific research has not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. It is thought that iron is important for keeping hair follicles healthy, and in case of deficiency, the balance of hair growth is disturbed.
- Hairstyles such as braids and tight ponytails that gather the hair tightly: These types of hair ties cause chronic pulling of the hair, which leads to tension in the hair follicles and can trigger hair loss.
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or thyroid diseases: In case of sudden hormonal changes, low levels of estrogen or progesterone, hair grows more slowly and becomes much thinner. A decrease in these hormones also triggers an increase in the production of androgens. Androgens shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss.
- Malnutrition: Inadequate intake of iron, zinc and essential vitamins for hair health can lead to various types of hair loss. Balanced nutrition is very important in terms of preventing hair loss.
What are the Symptoms of Hair Loss?
Symptoms of hair loss may vary according to the causes, the symptoms can be listed as follows in general:
- Thinning of the hair or the hair becoming brittle is an important symptom of hair loss.
- The receding hairline is a symptom of hair loss, which is usually seen in men.
- Horseshoe-shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed.
- Itching and pain on the skin accompanying circular or irregular bald spots.
- Scaling spots on the scalp.
What is the Treatment for Hair Loss?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for hair health.
- It is important to clean the hair regularly on a daily basis. Using nourishing shampoos and conditioners can also help prevent hair loss.
- In addition, it should be ensured that the vitamins the body needs are taken in sufficient amounts by adopting a balanced eating habit.
- Stress control is also an important step in preventing hair loss.
If the cause of hair loss is a different disease, treating the underlying disease can eliminate the problem of hair loss.
- There are various medications used in the treatment of hair loss. Depending on the type of hair loss, prescription or over-the-counter medications recommended by your doctor can be obtained.
- PRP, platelet-rich plasma application, can be applied in the treatment of hair loss.
- Hair transplantation is a reliable option for people who want to have healthy and natural hair. However, a detailed examination is required to determine whether everyone is suitable for hair transplantation. Hair transplantation should generally be performed under local anesthesia and by specialist physicians. Thanks to this procedure, it is aimed for individuals with hair loss problems to have a natural and permanent appearance.
Different methods can be used in hair transplantation.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Hair Transplantation: It is the technique of extracting hair grafts one by one with special tipped devices under local anesthesia and placing them in balding areas. It can be called the basis of all FUE hair transplantation techniques currently used. It has been safely and successfully applied in Turkey for many years and the results are pleasing. With this method, you can have lush and strong hair in a short time.
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) In this method, which is defined as direct hair transplantation, hair follicles collected with the FUE method are directly transplanted with the help of a special device without making an incision in the area to be transplanted.
- Sapphire Hair Transplantation: It is a FUE hair transplantation technique in which the latest technology sapphire blades are used while opening the hair channels.
- FUT: It is a hair transplantation method that is performed by removing some skin from the donor area and cuts the donor area horizontally, leaving an obvious stitch mark. It is a method that is not preferred today and has started to be forgotten.
Is excessive hair loss a sign of cancer?
Hair loss may be caused by many different reasons. In some cases, excessive hair loss can be a harbinger of serious diseases such as cancer. But cancer shouldn't be the first thing that comes to mind in case of excessive hair loss. Hair loss is very rare in the early stages of cancer. As cancer cells proliferate and spread rapidly in the body, they can affect the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss. It is essential for people who experience sudden and excessive hair loss to consult a specialist doctor for early diagnosis of serious diseases, including cancer.
Does hair fall out with pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the growth cycle of the hair changes along with many changes in the body due to hormonal changes. However, during pregnancy, thickening of the hair strands is more frequent rather than hair loss. The thickening of the hair strands, which occurs especially after the 15th week of pregnancy, is not the result of the thickening of each hair strand, but of the hair remaining in the growth phase for a longer period of time. However, some pregnant women may also experience thinning and hair loss. Many health problems, including estrogen imbalances during pregnancy, may lead to hair loss during pregnancy. It is the right option to contact the doctor who follows the pregnancy process for this.
Hair loss after childbirth?
Hair loss after childbirth is a frequent occurrence. Most new mums experience noticeable hair loss a few months after having a baby. Changes in the estrogen level during pregnancy and after birth lead to this condition. Hair loss after birth is not permanent. Generally, the hair that falls out before the babies are 1 year old grows again.
How is postpartum hair loss treated?
Postpartum hair loss does not require any treatment. But some measures to be taken can prevent further hair loss and make it look fuller.
- Shampoos that give volume to the hair may be used
- Blow-drying and high heat styling should be avoided
- Hair should be treated more delicately when washing and combing
- Short haircuts can increase fullness
Can hair loss after childbirth affect my baby?
Postpartum hair loss is not something to be afraid of. This condition does not affect your baby's health.
Does hair loss occur in children?
Although hair loss is more frequently seen in adults, this condition may also occur in childhood. The reasons for hair loss in children are usually different from adults. The most frequent reason for hair loss in childhood is ringworm disease. Moreover, disorders such as scalp fungal disease called Tinea Capitis, impulse disorder accompanied by the compulsion to pull or pluck the hair can also cause hair loss in children.
Is shampoo good for hair loss?
Hair loss has different causes. Treatment of hair loss may require different treatment methods, including hair transplantation, depending on the underlying cause. Although there are no shampoos that will treat the cause of hair loss, it is healthier to choose shampoos that will slow down the problem. Shampoos with moisturising properties and containing ketoconazole component in the presence of fungus should be preferred for this purpose. Choosing the right shampoo affects your hair and scalp health. Shampoos containing isopropyl alcohol, triclosan and sulphate should not be preferred as they may make hair more prone to hair loss.
Is there a connection between hair loss and delayed or irregular menstruation?
Hair loss and delayed menstruation are health problems that are usually treated independently of each other. But in some cases, it is thought that there may be a relationship between these two conditions. A detailed examination is required to understand the potential relationship between hair loss and delayed menstruation. Hair loss is usually caused by genetic factors, hormonal changes or stress. Likewise, delayed menstruation can be caused by health problems such as hormonal balance disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid problems. In these cases, hair loss and delayed menstruation may have the same underlying cause. Hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome may lead to both hair loss and irregular periods. Furthermore, irregular functioning of the thyroid gland can also cause both hair loss and menstrual problems.
Which disease is excessive hair loss a symptom of?
Hair loss may be caused by different reasons. Hair loss may also be a symptom of a disease. Irregular functioning of the thyroid gland may cause excessive hair loss. If the thyroid gland secretes more or less hormones, various changes may occur in the body, which can lead to thinning and loss of hair. Moreover, iron deficiency anaemia is another factor that can cause excessive hair loss. Iron deficiency anaemia may occur as a result of the body not absorbing or using enough iron. In this case, blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen, which can cause weakening of the hair follicles. Stress is also one of the important factors leading to excessive hair loss. People who are under intense stress have increased levels of the hormone cortisol, which can cause hair loss. Stress may affect the general health of the body and lead to symptoms such as hair loss.
Will hair fall out after surgery?
Hair loss after surgery is a rare condition. There may be several reasons for hair loss after surgery. The most important of these is the stress experienced before the surgery. In addition, the surgical procedure increases the level of cortisol, known as the primary stress hormone in the body. Increased cortisol level may disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. The surgery may also affect the hormonal balances in the body and trigger hair loss. Some medications used before, during or after surgery may also cause hair loss. Anaesthesia used during surgery may cause hair loss in some people.
Is there a herbal solution for hair loss?
There are many different treatment options for hair loss. Even though methods such as chemical treatments, hair transplantation and medications are frequently preferred, some people prefer natural herbal solutions. Many scientific studies are carried out on herbal treatment methods against hair loss. Although some plants are known to nourish the hair, there is not enough data on a herbal treatment that scientifically prevents hair loss.
- Some herbal oils are known to revitalise the hair and reduce hair loss. Especially natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, argan oil and lavender oil penetrate deeply into the hair, nourish it and increase its strength.
- In additional, herbal teas such as green tea, juniper, rosehip and thyme can contribute to healthy hair growth by nourishing the scalp. When consumed regularly, these herbal teas can reduce hair loss and help hair become stronger and healthier.
- Aloe vera plant is also known as an effective herbal solution against hair loss. Aloe vera nourishes and strengthens hair follicles when applied to the scalp.
- In particular, nutritional supplements such as biotin, keratin, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc support the hair by providing the nutrients needed for healthy hair growth.
- A healthy and balanced eating habit is an effective precaution against hair loss. Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals, drinking plenty of water, avoiding unhealthy foods such as fast food may have a protective effect against hair loss by increasing the strength of the hair.
However, it is important that the methods to be applied under herbal treatment are carried out under the control and approval of a doctor. As everyone's skin structure is different, a doctor should be consulted before using any treatment or product.
What is white-rooted hair loss?
Although the part resembling a white bulb under the shed hair is generally known as the hair root, it is actually the protein capsule at the tip of the hair closest to the root. Keratin is the protein that makes up the hair, skin and nails and also forms the bulb at the end of the hair. Unless it is excessive or you notice it on every hair that falls out, it is normal for hair with a lump at the tip to fall out. Hair loss with white roots is a condition related to the growth cycle of the hair. In most cases, hair with a white bulb at the tip grows back.
Does B12 deficiency cause hair loss?
Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause various health problems. These include anaemia, nervous system damage and memory loss. However, it is known that B12 deficiency may also cause cosmetic problems such as hair loss.
Amino acids are the building blocks of hair growth and vitamin B12 enables the body to metabolise these amino acids. Vitamin B12 keeps red blood cells healthy, which promotes oxygen supply to tissues, including hair follicles.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect keratin production in hair follicles. It has also been determined that anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency may also contribute to hair loss
How many strands of hair loss is normal?
Hair falls out every day as part of the natural cycle. It is normal for about 50 to 100 hairs to fall out naturally every day.
Which doctor should I see for hair loss?
As hair loss may be due to different causes, the underlying cause must first be determined.
Dermatology (Skin and Venereal Diseases) doctors who deal with skin problems may be consulted about hair loss. However, if hair loss is related to hormonal problems, endocrinology department doctors may also address hair loss.
Stress, nutritional deficiencies and improper hair care may also be among the causes of hair loss. In this case, the process can be followed with both a nutritionist and a dermatology doctor.
Those looking for a permanent and aesthetic solution to the problem of hair loss can apply to hair transplantation clinics.