Androgentic Alopecia
This genetic condition affects both men and women and is caused by hormones called androgens. It is sometimes known as Pattern Hair Loss due to the distinct pattern the hair loss takes. In women this is a diffuse pattern of hair loss on the top of the head with the frontal hairline intact. Men can present with a recessive hairline and a patch of hair loss starting on the crown. Whilst there is no cure for this condition, we can discuss treatment options to slow down and disguise hair loss.
Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune condition which tends to cause circular patches of hair loss on the scalp and beard area. There is no cure for this condition, though in milder cases there is a good chance of the hair regrowing.
This condition may present as Ophiasic Alopecia which results in hair loss along the hairline, extending to a large patch around the back of the neck.
Alopecia Areata may also cause the loss of all scalp hair which is termed Alopecia Totalis, and Alopecia Universalis when all scalp and body hair is lost.
Telogen Effluvium
This common condition presents as an increase of hair shedding that can be seen as more hairs on your brush or in the plug hole after a shower. There are many different causes of Telogen Effluvium which include nutritional deficiencies, stress, illness and hormone imbalance. During a consultation the trichologist will take a full medical history and find out about the patient’s lifestyle to pinpoint the causes of hair shedding. Blood tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Trichotillomania
Sufferers of this condition experience an overwhelming urge to pull out their hair. This can include scalp hairs, eyebrows and eyelashes, and body hair. If the condition develops in early childhood, the patient often grows out of it and intervention is not required. If it develops in teenage years or adulthood it can be very difficult to treat and may be a lifelong condition. Our trichologist has first-hand experience of this condition and is able to give sympathetic advice and treatment options.
Scaring Alopecias
Scaring or cicatrical alopecias result in permanent loss of the hair follicle. They may be autoimmune or as the result of an infection or damage to the skin by chemicals.
Symptoms of scaring alopecia can include an itchy, tingling or sore scalp, and it is important to seek help as soon as possible to minimise hair loss.
Hair Breakage
Hair breakage may result from hair that has been over processed as a result of harsh chemicals and/or the overuse of heat. The hair fibre will be dull and brittle and the hair will snap mid length or near the scalp.
Traction Alopecia
Hairstyles which put excessive strain on the hair follicle such as tight ponytails, weaves and extensions may result in hair loss where the tension is the greatest. This typically presents as hair loss around the front, sides and back of the scalp. The hair can regrow when caught early and the tension is removed, though the damage can be permanent when there is longstanding tension put on the hair follicle.
