Hair Loss - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Not sure what is causing your hair loss? When you talk to an expert and get yourself properly examined, you will have a clear vision on the best course of treatment.

What is Hair Loss ?

Losing hair is common but losing hair in excess is a problem. Hair is considered as the crowning glory and everyone dream of healthy, thick, soft, shiny and lustrous hair. Hair loss is thought to affect around 70% of men and 40% of women. It obviously hits the confidence of a person and in many cases, affects work and social life as well. Each day, our scalp sheds approximately 100 hair per day normally. But anything more than is number may be an alarm for hair loss beginning.

The cause and types of hair loss can vary, so evaluating and treating hair loss is an important part of primary care. The most common cause of the Hair loss or baldness is a genetic trait. Due to advances in medical sciences, we have come to learn that the hair loss genes are actually passed down from both sides of the family and affect both men and women. There are many patients who contact us for hair loss solution but before that let us understand how hair loss progresses.

What are the stages of Hair Loss?

Anagen Phase

Anagen Phase

This phase is considered as the longest phase of the growth cycle or active growth cycle. The life span of this cycle is usually 2-8 years, during this time period, the hair follicle is active and actively produces new dermal papillae cells, resulting in the hair growth at a rate of an approximately one-half inch per month. However, this time period of active growth cycle may vary from patient to patient.

Catagen Phase

Catagen Phase

The catagen phase is considered as a short transitional phase that only lasts for about 2-3 weeks. The first sign of the catagen phase is the cessation of melanin production in the hair bulb. During this phase, hair follicle detaches from the bulb slowly which leads to hair shaft shedding and the hair follicle enters into a dormant period. Eventually, the hair follicle is 1/6th of its original length at the end of this phase.

Teloge Phase

Telogen Phase

The life span of this phase is 3 months when the hair follicle “rests” before converting into the anagen phase again. Due to unhealthy conditions or stress more and more hair start entering Telogen Phase permanently. This span is known as ‘Telogen Effluvium’. It is necessary to nourish your scalp with the healthy diet, hair vitamins, amino acids etc during this phase.

Main Causes of Hair Loss?

What are the main causes of hair loss?

As mentioned before, losing a few hair a day is normal, but when you start noticing hair everywhere, including your towel, pillow and shoulders, you know that it is snowballing into something much more serious or moving you towards baldness treatment. Balding can be a hereditary condition or it could be an indication of certain types of illnesses. Here are some of the most common causes of hair loss:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chemical injuries such as acid burns or physical trauma such as an accident or surgery
  • Certain genetic disorders
  • Infectious diseases such as herpes, leprosy and tuberculosis
  • Skin diseases such as Lichen Planus and DLE

Hair loss in women

Hair loss in women is generally of three types and is summed up as- Androgenetic alopecia, Telogen effluvium & Non-pattern hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia is the most common reason for hair loss and pattern is difficult to predict as compared to men. Telogen effluvium can be due to medications, stress etc. There are other reasons too for hair loss in women like hormonal imbalance which fall into the non pattern hair loss category.

women hair loss pattern
wmen hair loss pattern

Hair loss in men

In men, receding hair line is the most common pattern of hair loss. Men, who start losing hair at an early stage, tend to develop the more extensive baldness. In male pattern baldness, hair loss mostly occurs in the crown area or in the frontal region. The main signs of the male pattern baldness are; vertex thinning (losing hair from the top of the head), thinning crown, receding hair line around the temples. (Hairline looks like M shape).

Types of Hair Loss in Men & Women

Androgenetic Alopecia

It is commonly known as Male pattern baldness. Signs of Androgenetic Alopecia include hair loss which;

  • Starts from sides & progress towards back of scalp
  • Horseshoe shaped bald area
  • May also affect other body areas too

Alopecia Areata

It is characterized by sudden bald patches. Signs of Alopecia Areata include patchy hair loss which

  • Circular in shape
  • Can appear anywhere on the head
  • May also affect other body areas too

Alopecia Universalis

It is the rarest and extreme alopecia. Signs of Alopecia Universalis include hair loss which;

  • Total hair loss on scalp & body
  • Damages & distorts the nails
  • May also causes genetic mutations

Telogen Effluvium

It is usually caused by stress or shock and takes 3 months. Signs of Telogen Effluvium include hair loss which;

  • Increased shedding of hair
  • Hair thinning
  • Bald patches

Traction Alopecia

It occurs due to excessive strain on hair shaft. Signs of Traction Alopecia include;

  • Hair loss around hairline & temples
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Fluffy or frizzy hair around receding hairline

Trichotillomania

It is the self inflicted hair loss due to pulling. Signs of Trichotillomania include hair loss which;

  • Tug on the hair
  • Twisted hair
  • Pulled Hair

Alopecia Cicatrisata

It is also known as pseudopelade. Signs of Alopecia Cicatrisata include patchy hair loss which;

  • Well defined patches
  • Bald patches among surviving hair
  • Long lasting condition

Follicular Degeneration Syndrome

It is a form of scarring alopecia. Signs of FDG include;

  • Diffuse hair loss patches
  • Hair loss from scalp vertex
  • Area of hair loss expands gradually with the time

Alopecia Totalis

It is an autoimmune condition. Signs of Alopecia Totalis include;

  • Total hair loss on the scalp
  • Other facial hair like eyebrows, eyelashes also fall out
  • Nails become brittle, thin and

Hair loss assessment at AK Clinics

Hair diagnostic tools in our trichology consultation comprise of a thorough medical history, physical examination and hair analysis test. Always talk freely with the consultant and describe properly about your problems as it will help the physician to prepare a best treatment plan for you.

Medical History

To determine the cause of your hair loss, physician may ask about the:

  • Your family history of hair loss
  • Hair characteristics including hair thinning, noticeable hair loss pattern
  • Your hair styling habits
  • If you have encounter any severe illness
  • If you are on any medications

Photographic Evaluation

Physician may also ask to bring pictures of your head for the reference so that he can make assessment of your previous hair loss pattern and also for the future reference. He may ask you to bring pictures of:

  • Frontal region
  • Hair line
  • Back of the scalp
  • Vertex or crown area

Hair Analysis Test

At our clinic, we use the advanced software and devices for the hair analysis test which will provide the correct assessment of your hair condition and hair loss. The software’s we use for the analysis are:

  • Caslite: Caslite is the computerized hair scalp analysis to identify the cause of hair loss. It is the world’s most advanced scalp & hair diagnosis software which is trusted and tested by the dermatologists around the worldwide. It helps to keep the record of patients with images, do Norwood classification and also calculate the hair density, growth and thickness along with many other features.
  • Hair Check: Hair check is other advanced software used by our physicians. Hair check examines the hair and scalp with high magnification and illumination. With the magnified high resolution views of scalp and hair shafts, balding areas are easily identified. It also shows the dramatic and detailed vision of the hair and scalp on the screen to capture pictures and to record video.
  • DermLite: DermLite is another hand held dermoscope device attached with the digital camera. It is valuable in evaluating the structural abnormalities of the hair. It helps to capture the images in the polarized mode. DermLite is used to calculate the hair density, hair diameter, hair growth rate and anagen/telogen ratio.

Scalp Biopsy if Required in case of any Disease

The scalp biopsy is performed when your hair loss cause is not identified with the above mentioned methods. It gives the exact number of hair follicles in the specific area and for the assessment of their hair growth cycle. Scalp biopsy is considered as the important tool in diagnosing the female pattern hair loss.

Treatment for Hair Loss at AK Clinics

The most common hair loss problem in men & women is Androgenetic Alopecia which is mostly observed in patients. But there are also other reasons behind the hair loss which varies from person to person and therefore the treatment should be different too. After the detailed diagnosis of your hair loss, our physicians then led through a best and tailored treatment plan accordingly. Your treatment plan may include;

Get a free Assessment Report

Based on the relevant information, we tailor Hair Transplant assessment report for each patient helping him to make an informed decision.

Why choose AK Clinics?

AK Clinics is India’s leading & pioneer Hair restoration and aesthetic dermatology center. We have the experience of more than 2500 procedures and provide the highest quality of results at affordable cost at our exclusive centers across India, with the highly trained team of doctors. We strive to provide the best results. Apart from this we have;

  • Experienced Surgeons
  • Experienced Counselors
  • Trained & friendly technicians & staff
  • Ultra hygienic OTs
  • Natural Results
  • Best Guidance about the treatment
  • Proper post op care instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair loss is an extremely common occurrence and can affect anyone in their lives. The common causes of hair loss can be stress, hormonal imbalance, menopause, certain medications etc. One of the major causes of hair fall is DHT (dihydrotestosterone) hormone. The hormone testosterone gets converted into dihydrotestosterone which causes miniaturization of the hair follicles, resulting into hair fall.
Both men and women can experience hair loss and is triggered by hormones & genetics. As compared to women, hair loss often occurs faster in men. In men, hair loss can occur near the temples and appear as “M” shaped hair line. While in women, diffuse thinning at the top of the head which shows the part line. Diffuse thinning can occur in early 20s & 30s, due to hormonal changes, aging, thyroid or anemia.
Telogen effluvium is a condition that can be easily confused with genetic female hair loss if it is misdiagnosed. Telogen effluvium, is a condition where hair is pushed into its resting phase and then several months later is shed. This can be caused by several medications and many different medical conditions. Fortunately, telogen effluvium is usually reversible.
Alopecia areata causes patches of hair to fall out in a number of dissimilar places and in most instances causes’ baldness. Alopecia areata makes the body attack its anagen follicles which stops the hair growth. Alopecia areata is one of the most common causes of hair loss.
When our body is deprived of essential nutrients, it may lead to hair fall. Diets lacking in iron and protein will affect hair growth because these are the nutrients required by the follicles to grow hair. Excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking a lot can also be a trigger for hair loss.
There are various treatments for hair fall. Consult with the hair restoration experts about the exact cause of your loss. He or she will suggest you whether you should try topical medications for hair fall or you should try hair restoration therapies.

Reviews

Raj Jaswal
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Raj Jaswal

I started facing hair loss at the age of 26 but it was not very noticeable. But at 29 the hair loss progressed very quickly and crown almost became empty. And further my hair line receded quickly. Now at the age of 31 I started looking very old. I tried many medicines like homeopathic etc etc but nothing seems to work. Then I started searching for my options and finally decided for a hair transplant.

Raj Jaswal
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Vikalp Gaur

I can see good results post-transplant. Overall good. As suggested, I may go for further transplant for crown area. I am currently taking 6 months cyclical therapy again to stop hair fall. Then will take the decision accordingly. I can say I would prefer someone for A K Clinic. As it is giving person the way to live more happily..?

Raj Jaswal
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Rahul Bhatia

"Had a hair transplant at AK Clinics under care of Dr KAPIL DUA. And after treatment it has been 3 month now and I have very much inproved growing hair. He is best surgeon ever seen and very experienced in this art. They also provided very good atmosphere while surgery. With his experience he gave very confident to his patients while surgery.

Raj Jaswal
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Suresh

"After talking to Dr Kapil I have decided to go for a hair transplant surgery which turned out to be very good. Total of 6000 grafts were transplanted. The density was medium density. The procedure was FUE without any scar. The procedure was by done both Dr Kapil and Dr Aman. I strongly recommend anyone who is looking for a FUE surgery in India."

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AK Clinics' Hair Loss Treatment Centres in India

Hair Loss Treatment in Ludhiana

  •   +91-82838-12207
  •   info@akclinics.com
  •   51-E, Sarabha Nagar, Opp Kipps Market, Ludhiana, Punjab 141001, India

Hair Loss Treatment in Delhi

  •   +91-78385-99227
  •   info@akclinics.com
  •   M-20, Greater Kailash I, Near M Block Market, New Delhi-110048, India

Hair Loss Treatment in Bangalore

  •   +91-81464-42207
  •   info@akclinics.com
  •   1st Floor, 316 The Mayfair, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038, India
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