How much hair loss is considered abnormal?
We consider abnormal hair loss when it exceeds 100 hairs per day. It corresponds to the percentage of hair that is in the final phase of its life cycle. Hair goes through three phases: growth (anagen), transition, and regression (telogen, less than 20% of hair is in this phase).
What care should be taken of the hair?
Hair should be washed as many times as necessary for each person, not by washing it less frequently, it will fall less. It is necessary to make a reasonable use of shampoos, with a neutral pH and that are not aggressive. Avoid frequent use of the dryer, hair dyes or permanents, since they weaken the hair and favor its breakage. Avoid doing regular hairstyles with extremely tight up-dos, since there have been cases of traction alopecia, where a regression of the hair implantation line is observed.
In what situations can there be an increase in hair loss?
There are different situations that can cause an increase in hair loss. They are generally identified according to the distribution, evolution and reversibility of the process. From this point of view, we can differentiate two processes in hair loss:
Effluvia (generally diffuse hair loss) where a sudden hair loss occurs. Some effluvia manifest shortly after the process is established and become evident after one or two months. They are secondary cases to the use of chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of cancer, to hormonal alterations, protein or vitamin deficiencies. In other cases, the diffuse fall manifests itself in the head of 2 or 3 months of various triggering factors such as emotional or physical stress secondary to major surgeries, after childbirth, a febrile episode, other infectious processes or even as a consequence. of iron deficits.
Alopecia: due to a process that directly affects the scalp. They can be with a certain distribution, such as androgenetic alopecia, which is one of the most frequent (common baldness). Others manifest in the form of claps without specific distribution, such as those due to direct fungal infection of the hair, autoimmune processes in alopecia areata, or other diseases that can affect the skin. There are cases of alopecies that are irreversible and for which you should consult as soon as possible.
Is hair loss inherited?
Of all the types of alopecia discussed, the one that is considered specifically hereditary is androgenetic. In alopecia areata there is also a family association.
Is hair loss reversible?
In most cases it is, as long as the causative factor is recognized and can be treated. The most important thing is that, frequently, they do not require specific medical treatment.
What effective treatments are there for hair loss?
The most effective treatment is to avoid the cause. But when this is not possible or sufficient, we can resort to medical treatment, always under the supervision of the specialist, given the side effects of these.
The most effective topical treatment (direct application to the area) is minoxidil. It has shown efficacy especially in cases of androgenetic alopecia, but it is also given as a treatment for other forms of alopecia. The drug administered orally that has been shown to be scientifically effective is Finasteride, especially for androgenetic alopecia, since it treats the cause directly (for more information see androgenetic alopecia).
Are vitamin supplements useful?
Vitamin supplements are only effective when the cause of hair loss is secondary to a vitamin deficiency, which is rare in Western countries. Yes, it can be observed in people who follow moderate-severe hypocaloric diets, or in cases of anorexia nervosa.
