While hair loss is usually associated with older men, it is a condition that can affect almost anyone, including women. Everybody loses about 100 hairs a day as a part of the normal hair growth cycle, but excessive hair loss is something that can be devastating and affect people’s confidence and overall well-being. There are several ways to slow down and curb hair loss and clinical trials are beginning to show reversal on patients with hair loss – even alopecia. Most people’s hair grows approx half an inch each month and 90 percent of our hair is in a growth phase at any given time. The other ten percent of the hair is in a dormant phase and after 2-3 months it will fall out and new hair will begin to grow in its place. Hair loss is different than shedding because when the hair falls out, it does not grow back. It can be triggered by stress, grief, and many other factors:

Harsh chemical treatments or hairstyles can inflame hair follicles. Dyes, bleaches, or straighteners can also trigger permanent hair loss. Hormone imbalances from birth control pills, pregnancy, or menopause can cause more hair follicles to enter the dormant phase leading to excessive hair loss and illness or surgery can cause stress, or specific thyroid disorders or autoimmune conditions can cause hair loss as well.

Treating hair loss has many remedies that range from mild to extreme and also vary in cost from low to very high. The mode of treatment depends on how extreme your hair loss is and how difficult it is to mask or replace. Hair weaves or wigs, topical creams, anti-inflammatory medications, or even surgery may be necessary to restore your hair or slow down balding. There are also some natural therapies available, but it is important to follow the treatment plan devised by your dermatologist. At Kwan Dermatology, we understand that hair loss can be alarming. We suggest that you schedule a consultation appointment with one of our specialists the second you notice this condition and we can determine the best treatment plan to treat hair loss.