Hair Loss Causes & Treatments

Hair thinning and hair loss, also known as alopecia is a common condition that can affect all demographics.

Although alopecia is not a fatal condition, hair loss can be a challenge to manage, often affecting one’s self-confidence. Alopecia can be a source of significant psychological distress for many individuals.

The severity of this condition can vary, and can present with mild hair thinning, to excessive hair loss; androgenetic alopecia is a heredity condition which can lead to baldness.

Causes of Alopecia

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of alopecia, including:

Heredity (Androgenetic Alopecia)
This is the most common cause, often referred to as male-pattern baldness (in men) and female-pattern hair loss (in women). This is a when the individual has a genetic predisposition that affects hair follicles.

Hormonal Changes
In men, the primary hormone responsible for hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As men age, DHT levels can increase, leading to hair follicle miniaturisation and eventual hair loss.

In women, hormonal fluctuations such as a decrease in oestrogen levels, particularly during menopause, can disrupt the hair growth cycle and contribute to thinning hair.

Hormonal fluctuations can lead to temporary hair loss after pregnancy.

Medical Conditions

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss in patches. Lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition can also lead to hair loss.

Thyroid disorders/conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can disrupt the hair growth cycle.

Skin infections of the scalp can damage hair follicles which can result in hair loss.   

Chronic Illness such as cancer and diabetes, can lead to hair loss as a side effect of the disease or its treatment.

Medications

Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and certain heart medications, can cause hair loss as a side effect.   

The increase of individuals using Ozempic medication for weight loss, although primarily used for type 2 diabetes, has been linked to hair loss in some individuals. Although the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, here are some potential contributing factors.

Ozempic can cause significant and rapid weight loss, which can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium. This occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase (telogen) prematurely, leading to increased hair shedding. 

Rapid weight loss can in some individuals lead to nutrient deficiencies, including iron, protein, zinc and biotin, which are essential for healthy hair growth.

Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1. While the exact impact on hormones is still being researched, some studies suggest potential hormonal changes associated with Ozempic use that could indirectly affect hair growth.

From the research to date, hair loss associated with Ozempic use can occur, in most cases it is temporary and resolves once the body adjusts to the medication or after weight loss stabilises.

If you’re experiencing hair loss while taking Ozempic, consult your doctor to discuss potential causes and management options.

Psychological Stress
Severe physical or emotional stress can trigger a temporary type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. 

Lifestyle
Sleep deprivation, too much alcohol consumption, smoking, lots of air travel, and a generally poor lifestyle can affect the equilibrium of the body, which can lead to stress and may contribute to hair loss.

Nutritional Deficiencies
A deficiency in iron, protein, zinc, and biotin can contribute to hair loss.

Hairstyling Practices
Tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, and cornrows can pull on the hair follicles and cause traction alopecia.

Age
Hair thinning is a natural part of ageing for both men and women.   

As we age, our hair follicles undergo several changes that contribute to hair thinning.

The blood supply to the hair follicles can diminish with age, depriving them of essential nutrients and oxygen needed for healthy hair growth.   

Over time, hair follicles gradually shrink in size. This means they produce thinner, shorter hairs with each growth cycle.   

Collagen plays a crucial role in supporting hair follicles. As we age, collagen production declines, which can weaken the hair follicles and contribute to hair loss.   

These changes within the hair follicle contribute to the overall thinning and loss of hair associated with ageing.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s important to consult with an aesthetician practitioner, dermatologist or doctor to determine the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Alopecia Treatment Overview

For optimum results alopecia is best treated holistically, that is treating the person as a whole rather than treating the specific condition in isolation.

The management of alopecia, regardless of its severity, should commence with a comprehensive consultation and analysis. This appointment should encompass discussions about the nature of the condition, proper hair/scalp care practices, an overview of lifestyle and diet, with realistic treatment expectations.

Seek a professional practitioner to carry out such an assessment. They can provide guidance for the treatment most suited to your needs. Your practitioner may need to refer to a doctor or dermatologist in cases where medical interventions are required.

A proactive approach can lead to reduced hair loss and healthier hair growth over time. By selecting the most appropriate treatment for the specific hair loss it is possible to reduce further hair loss, stimulate new hair growth and improve the appearance.

Responses to a treatment may vary from each individual. Therefore, it may be necessary to make adjustments over time to the treatment regimen, to optimise both the tolerability and efficacy of the treatment.

There are a number of treatments available for alopecia, depending on the severity of the condition.

For optimum results a hair loss treatment must selectively target the scalp to stimulate vasularisation to the hair follicles, supply nutrients to the hair follicles and increase collagen levels.

There are several treatments options that can help reduce hair loss and even support new hair growth. While there’s no cure for androgenetic alopecia, these treatments can also be affective.

Treatments For Alopecia

A hair transplant surgery procedure involves transplanting hair follicles from the back or sides of the head, where hair growth is typically unaffected, to the balding areas.

The prescription medication Finasteride (Propecia) is taken orally and works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.

Topical corticosteroids can be applied directly to the scalp to reduce any irritation and inflammation experienced around the hair follicles.

The over-the-counter topical solution Minoxidil (Rogaine) can be applied directly to the scalp and works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy involves injecting platelet-rich plasma (derived from the individuals own blood) into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Low-level laser therapy devices can be used at home or in a clinic to stimulate hair growth.

Treatments available for hair loss at the Emporium Treatment Clinic in London:

Mesotherapy Bio Revitlisation provides the intradermal route in aesthetic medicine. The procedure consists of localised micro-injections of vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the scalp/hair follicles. The action of the needle triggers a physical reaction to stimulate the production of natural collagen within the hair follicle to promote hair growth repair and regeneration.

 Mpen Micro-needling is an advanced treatment designed to perforate the skin/scalp to increase absorption or pharmaceutical active ingredient and stimulate the production of natural collagen within the skin/scalp to promote hair follicle repair.

Biotin Injections are a nutritional supplement procedure, where a high dose of Biotin is administered directly into the bloodstream. Biotin injections are an effective procedure to obtain and support health and strengthen hair, skin and nails.

Home care hair products with active ingredients can support hair follicle activity, reduce hair loss and improve hair growth and strength.

Individuals who have experienced hair loss would benefit from the treatments at the Emporium Treatment Clinic and home care products that contain active ingredients which are available in clinic to take home.

With over 35+ years, The Emporium Treatment Clinic senior aesthetician, Angela is able to help you to take the appropriate measures. So why not pop in and visit us in Marylebone, London, if you feel you need a consultation.

Contact Angela For A Free Chat

07930661971

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Contact Angela For A Free Chat

07930 661971

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Author: Angela Taffinder the founder of Emporium Treatment Clinic. A practising Aesthetician for 35+ years, holistic and wellbeing advocate and yoga instructor. The creator of Yoga & Vitality.