Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition that can affect both men and women at any stage of life. While some hair thinning is a normal part of the ageing process, excessive or sudden hair loss can be distressing. Whether it’s due to genetics, hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, or other factors, the impact of hair loss can be significant on a person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.

At Domain Dermatology, we understand the challenges that hair loss can present. We offer expert diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and compassionate care to help restore your hair and confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore three of the most common types of hair loss: male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), female pattern hair loss, and alopecia areata. We’ll also discuss their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options to help you understand your condition and the best way forward.

What is Alopecia (Hair Loss)?

Alopecia refers to any form of hair loss that affects the scalp or other parts of the body. While hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, excessive or noticeable hair loss can indicate an underlying condition. Hair loss may occur gradually or suddenly, and it can affect both men and women, though the causes and patterns may differ.

There are several different types of alopecia, each with its own characteristics:

Androgenetic Alopecia (commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss)
Alopecia Areata (an autoimmune disorder)
Telogen Effluvium (temporary hair shedding due to stress or illness)
Traction Alopecia (caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair)
Scarring Alopecia (hair loss due to inflammation or scarring of the scalp)

The causes of alopecia can be broadly divided into genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, and environmental factors, but the good news is that many types of hair loss can be managed or treated effectively.

1. Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

What is Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It typically starts in the late 20s to early 30s and progresses gradually. This condition is hereditary, meaning if your father or grandfather experienced hair thinning or baldness, you are more likely to experience it as well.

How Does Male Pattern Hair Loss Develop?

Male pattern hair loss is influenced by two main factors: genetics and hormones. The hair follicles are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. Over time, DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, leading to thinner and shorter hair. This eventually results in a reduction in the number of hair follicles that are able to produce new hair, leading to noticeable thinning or baldness.

The progression of male pattern hair loss typically follows a predictable pattern:

Receding Hairline: The first sign of hair loss is often a receding hairline at the temples or the formation of an "M" shape.
Thinning at the Crown: Another early sign is thinning at the crown of the head, which may eventually lead to bald patches.
Complete Baldness: In more advanced cases, men may experience total baldness on the top of the head, leaving hair around the sides and back.

Symptoms of Male Pattern Hair Loss:

Receding hairline, particularly at the temples
Thinning hair around the crown of the head
Overall reduction in hair volume
Eventually, noticeable bald spots

Treatment Options for Male Pattern Hair Loss

There are several treatment options to manage male pattern hair loss and help maintain or regrow hair:

Topical Treatments: Over the counter lotions and foams is a widely used topical treatment that can help slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth in some individuals.
Oral Medications: There oral medications that works by blocking DHT, helping to prevent hair follicle shrinkage and slowing down hair loss. Oral medications can also be compounded to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density.
Hair Transplants: For more severe cases, hair transplant surgery involves moving healthy hair follicles from areas with thick hair to balding spots. The results are permanent and natural-looking.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy uses your own blood to promote hair regeneration by injecting growth factors into the scalp.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This non-invasive treatment uses light to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair growth.

2. Female Pattern Hair Loss

What is Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Female pattern hair loss is a common type of hair thinning that affects women, particularly after menopause. Unlike male pattern hair loss, which often leads to bald patches, female pattern hair loss generally results in diffuse thinning of hair across the scalp, with the most noticeable thinning occurring around the crown and top of the head.

How Does Female Pattern Hair Loss Develop?

Similar to male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss is primarily influenced by hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause. This hormonal shift causes hair follicles to shrink and leads to thinning hair. Genetic factors also play a role, and women with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience it themselves.

Female pattern hair loss can be subtle at first, but over time, the hair becomes thinner, flatter, and less voluminous, with the scalp becoming more visible.

Symptoms of Female Pattern Hair Loss:

Thinning of hair around the crown and top of the head
A widening part or noticeable thinning at the hairline
Overall reduction in hair volume
Scalp may become more visible, especially under bright light

Treatment Options for Female Pattern Hair Loss

There are several treatments available for female pattern hair loss that can help to slow down the progression and restore hair volume:

Topical Treatments: prescription topical treatment exist for female pattern hair loss, helping to promote hair regrowth and reduce further thinning.
Oral Medications: Certain oral medications can block androgens (male hormones) that contribute to hair loss.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy is also an option for women seeking to regenerate hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Hair Transplant Surgery: In cases of advanced hair loss, hair transplant surgery may be an option to restore hair in thinning areas.
Nutritional Support: Supplements and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall hair health.

3. Alopecia Areata

What is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss. This condition leads to round or oval patches of baldness, which can occur anywhere on the scalp or body. While it can affect both men and women of all ages, it typically starts in childhood or early adulthood.

How Does Alopecia Areata Develop?

The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In people with a genetic predisposition, an external factor such as stress, illness, or infection may trigger the immune system to attack hair follicles. This leads to hair loss in small, round patches, which can range in size.

Alopecia areata can progress in a few different ways:

Alopecia Areata: The classic form, characterised by small, round patches of hair loss.
Alopecia Totalis: Total hair loss on the scalp.
Alopecia Universalis: Total body hair loss, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.

Symptoms of Alopecia Areata:

Sudden, round patches of hair loss
Smooth, shiny scalp in the affected areas with no scarring
Tingling or itching in the affected areas (in some cases)
Changes in the nails, such as pitting or ridges

Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata

Although there is no cure for alopecia areata, there are several treatments that can help manage the condition and stimulate hair regrowth:

Corticosteroid Injections: Steroid injections into the affected areas can help reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth.
Topical Immunotherapy: A treatment that involves applying a chemical to the scalp that stimulates an allergic reaction, which can help stimulate hair regrowth.
Oral Medications: Certain oral medications, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, may help manage the immune system's attack on hair follicles.
JAK Inhibitors: A new class of oral medications that are showing promise in treating alopecia areata by targeting specific immune system pathways.

When to Seek Professional Help for Hair Loss

If you're experiencing excessive or sudden hair loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. Early intervention can help diagnose the cause of your hair loss and allow for timely treatment. A dermatologist can conduct a thorough examination, including scalp analysis and blood tests, to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

Book a Consultation with Domain Dermatology

At Domain Dermatology, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for all types of hair loss, from male and female pattern hair loss to autoimmune-related conditions like alopecia areata. Our team of experienced dermatologists works closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that suits your individual needs and goals.

If you are concerned about hair loss, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with one of our expert dermatologists today. We are committed to helping you achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair and boosting your confidence.

At Domain Dermatology, we’re here to support you with expert care and personalised treatment plans designed to deliver the best results.