Hair loss, balding, receding hairline and many more descriptions of losing hair were once upon a time mostly associated with men. But soon enough, it became a women’s hairy problem too. And with all the advancements in hair loss treatments, when one starts to lose their hair they know it’s not the end; and consider it just a minor setback. After all, it is estimated that we lose 100 strands of hair per day (that’s a lot). But then again, at what point should you be really concerned about losing your mane?
I caught up with a Dubai-based celebrity hair transplant surgeon and a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) – Dr Cagatay Sezgin – who gave me the low-down on certain circumstances under which you should be concerned if you are losing your hair.
SEE ALSO: Hair Transplant as a Hair Loss Solution
Hair Loss: When to be Concerned
When the Hair Loss is Noticeable
When you start losing hair to the point where you notice that your entire mane is becoming thinner and thinner, or your hairline is receding, then it’s time to consult your dermatologist or Trichologist. This is because it is not the normal 100-strands-a-day hair shedding. There are a lot of reasons why you could be losing hair, and one of those is your health; hence why you should see a specialist right away instead of taking chances or waiting for your hair to see the light and come around.
Large amounts of Hair in your Drain After Taking a Shower
If you have not yet realized that your hair is already thinning but you notice large quantities of your hair in the shower or after combing / brushing it, then you’ll be right to be concerned. The cause might be stress-related or certain medications you might be taking. Either way, it’s time to pay your doctor a visit to get to the root of this hair-shedding matter.
When you Notice Hairless Patches on your Scalp
In most cases, this type of hair loss condition is known as Alopecia Areata. The condition develops very fast and sometimes it attacks the entire scalp leaving you completely bald. The condition can be characterized by some mild irritation, burning, itching and redness on these smooth patches. If you have this type of hair loss, then you should see a specialist because there are chances it’s been caused by an autoimmune disease.
A Receding Hairline
It’s true that women also face a receding hairline, which more often than not is caused by traction; leading to the name Traction Alopecia. The receding hairline is caused by pulling your hair too tight, for instance through braiding or holding it in a ponytail (a certain supermodel comes to mind). Most of the times you won’t realize the damage you are causing to your scalp/hairline until you notice your forehead becoming more prominent. To prevent this, try to loosen the hair a bit, or change your hairstyle to something different.
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Your Hair Loss is Sudden Rather than Gradual
Hair today gone tomorrow anyone? When you look at yourself in the mirror and realize that within a couple of weeks you’ve lost quite a huge chunk of your hair, then that is a reason for you to run towards a Trichologist. It can be medicine-related, bad hair products or something else which the specialist might be able to tell you.
Although hair loss can begin from as early as 20 years of age, there are people who can have a full head of hair well into their 50s then start losing it as they approach their 70s. According to studies, 50% of women are facing hair loss, while as little as 20% of men approach old age with a full head of hair. In most cases, hair loss and hair thinning is caused simply by age and genetics, something most of us have zero control over.
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