Alopecia: Types, Causes, Treatment Options

Recent reports show that over 320 million Americans suffer from some form of hair loss. Among them, more than 20% are under the age of 30. It means every 1 in 5 people in the U.S is losing their hair. Studies show that hair loss conditions affect more men than women. In today’s article, we will talk about a common hair loss condition known as alopecia.

What is Alopecia?

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), alopecia is an autoimmune characterized by fall out of hair in small patches. Although these patches are unnoticeable initially, they become apparent and identifiable over time.

A person suffering from alopecia has a compromised immune system, which attacks follicles and causes hair loss. According to MedlinePlus Genetics, the condition affects one in every one thousand people in the U.S. Although there are several types of alopecia, the most common types of this condition are androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Types of Alopecia

Different alopecia types are alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, alopecia totalis, traction alopecia, and Cicatricial alopecia.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a common hair loss condition and an autoimmune disorder that results in thinning hair, leading to patchy hair loss. Although the most obvious cause is genetic, some studies show that higher levels of stress hormones also trigger the condition.

Androgenic Alopecia

It is a type of alopecia that affects both men and women, leading to hair loss. The condition is called male-pattern baldness in men. Androgenic alopecia leads to a well-defined hair loss pattern that begins above both temples. The hairline forms an “M” shape over time. Studies highlight that androgenic alopecia has many causes, but in females, the condition is triggered by hormones, including ovarian cysts, contraceptive pills, menopause, and even pregnancy.

Alopecia Totalis

Alopecia Totalis is a skin and hair medical condition. It is quite different from alopecia areata that leads to complete baldness. Unlike androgenic alopecia that causes pattern baldness, the totalis leads to complete scalp baldness. Studies show that the cause of this condition is unknown, but the triggering mechanism is most often disturbances in the immune system.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a condition caused by external factors. For instance, several studies have reported that pulling on the hair repeatedly can cause traction alopecia. People can also develop this hair loss condition when they wear braids, buns, and tight ponytails. Besides, if you are using chemical products, including paraben and sulfate-based shampoos and heating products, your likelihood of getting the condition increases.

Cicatricial Alopecia

Also known as scarring hair loss, the condition is characterized by thinning and breakage of hair strands followed by scarring on the scalp. Researchers believe that the condition is caused by a group of rare diseases that directly affect hair follicles. As a result, your hair follicles are replaced by scar tissues, leading to permanent hair loss.

Causes of Alopecia

In general, alopecia has different causes because there are various types of hair loss conditions. However, the condition is most often believed to be caused by autoimmune disorders when the faulty immune system attacks hair follicles. Some of the common causes of alopecia are:

Genetics: Hereditary conditions or genetics is the most common cause of alopecia. For example, male and female pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is widely associated with genetics.

Hormonal Changes: Alopecia is also caused by changes in vital body hormones. Hair loss in women is most often triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and menopause. It also occurs due to problems in the thyroid gland.

Medical Conditions: A growing body of research evidence shows that a compromised immune system causes conditions like alopecia areata. However, hair loss also occurs due to ringworm (scalp infections) and trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder).

Medications: Everyone knows that each medication or drug available on the market produces certain adverse effects. Medicines used for cardiovascular problems, hypertension, gout, arthritis, and depression have harmful side effects, including alopecia or hair loss.

Hair Products: The use of hair styling products such as cornrows, pigtails, ponytails, shampoos, gels, conditions, and hot-oil hair treatments can lead to hair loss. For example, traction alopecia is caused by the pulling of hair and the use of hair styling products.

Treatment for Alopecia

Research shows that there is no sophisticated treatment option for alopecia. However, the symptoms or intensity of the condition can be controlled by medication and homemade remedies. Some of them are:

Topical Immunotherapy: The treatment option is useful for people with alopecia areata. It involves applying chemicals to the scalp to cause an allergic reaction, leading to hair growth eventually. However, the therapy does not work for everyone.

Corticosteroids: These are drugs with anti-inflammatory properties to treat autoimmune diseases. Health professionals and dermatologists often give this drug through injections into the scalp. However, corticosteroids are also available in the form of pills, creams, and ointments. Although corticosteroids are effective, they take a long time to regrow hair.

Minoxidil: It is an effective treatment option for curing pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia. Minoxidil is an FDA-approved drug used to treat hair loss conditions in men and women. It contains beneficial ingredients that stimulate hair growth. Some studies show that the medication may take about 12 weeks before a person sees hair growth. Remember, the treatment does not work for everyone. Therefore, it is best to consult your dermatologist.

Homemade Remedies: Although there is a need for more research, some studies show that essential oils or natural fruit or vegetable juices can treat alopecia. These include garlic juice, onion juice, almond oil, cooled green tea, coconut milk, honey, and rosemary oil. Apply a small number of oils or juices on your scalp and rub it for a few minutes. Leave it for some time, and then wash your hair with a natural shampoo.

Scalp Micro Pigmentation: Permanent and non-surgical effective scalp treatment where tiny micro size dots are tattooed onto your scalp to replicate your real hair follicles. Learn more here.

Everything You Need To Know About Hair Fibers

An imbalanced diet, inadequate hormonal production, aging, and stress can trigger hair loss in both men and women. Research shows that reduced hair volume is due to increased follicle sensitivity to androgens' normal levels. It causes follicles to shrink and produce small, thin hair strands. These strands are smaller in diameter and shorter in length.

Hair fibers are usually derived from natural hair, keratin, and cotton, add volume to your hair and improve its overall appearance. They fill the thin spots on your scalp and give it a thicker and fuller appearance. In today's article, we will talk about hair fibers, their types, pros, and cons. Read on!

What are Hair Fibers?

Also known as hair building fibers, hair fibers are products available in sprays and concealers. They are usually made from different materials, but plant-based derivatives, including cotton, are the most widely used fibers' materials. The reason is that plant-based materials are natural and cheaper.

The best hair fiber is made of 100% pure and natural keratin material. Studies show that keratin is a protein that helps build and maintain hair structure. Today, hair fibers are available in different colors and shades.

Types of Hair Fibers

Today, you can find a wide range of hair fiber brands and products on the market. However, there are two main types or categories of hair fibers. These are human hair and synthetic hair fibers. Let's take a closer look at them!

Human Hair Fibers

As the name indicates, human hair fibers are made from 100% real hair. These hair fibers come in different forms, such as wigs, extensions, and hairpieces. You can cut, wash, color, and blow-dry human hair fibers easily.

Because human hair fibers are natural, they are stronger and heavier. Research shows that human hair usually lasts longer than other types of fibers. Human hair is an excellent choice for those who want more flexibility in styling options.

Simply put, you can style human hair in different ways to maintain the most natural look. Although human hair fibers have many benefits, they also have some downsides, such as more styling time and maintenance. Every time you wash your hair, you will have to restyle it.

Synthetic Fiber

Besides natural hair fibers, you can also find different synthetic hair fibers, such as acrylic, Kanekalon, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride. Synthetic hair fibers come in various qualities, and you can determine the quality by different factors, such as shine, texture, and movement.

Synthetic hair fibers have many benefits, such as maintenance and affordability. They are a great option for people who are looking for high-quality products at affordable prices. The pre-styled synthetic fibers can save a lot of time because you don't have to restyle your hair. They maintain the original shape and look throughout time.

Advantages

Both men and women use hair fibers to target different types of hair loss and thinning, such as pattern baldness, Telogen Effluvium, postpartum hair loss, etc. Hair Fibers are easy to use, affordable, and effective products that can enhance your scalp appearance for shorter periods.

Hair fibers are often available in powder or spray form and can give your scalp a fuller and thicker appearance. The purpose is to improve your look and add some style to your personality. They are safe for most scalps and can fill in bald spots quickly.

Available in multiple colors, you can choose a product that best fits your needs. There is no need for using weaves or glue with hair fibers. Likewise, both human hair and synthetic fibers are effective and affordable options compared to hair transplant surgery.

Disadvantages

Hair fibers have many disadvantages, such as they can fall off at touch, and you may not feel them like natural hair. Most hair fiber products contain synthetic keratin, which does not work well with most scalps.

Synthetic hair fibers can be messy and impractical. Most of them can't resist water, which means you have to apply them again to have a thicker volume or hide bald patches. So, this makes them unreliable for many people. Moreover, they can cause skin problems, such as itching, irritation, and even inflammation.

Final Words

Hair fibers are an effective and cost-effective solution for people who want to conceal hair loss and thinning hair. There are many products available on the market. However, not all of them are the best and can meet your requirements successfully. That's why you have to choose a product made with natural ingredients, such as keratin, to enhance your appearance. Good Luck!

In Which Country People Have The Most Beautiful, Natural, And Healthiest Hair, And Why?

Hair health can be influenced by a lot of factors, such as sun exposure, climate, weather changes, dietary habits and lifestyle. As you can imagine, all these things play a major role when it comes to figuring out where do people have the healthiest hair in the entire world. But there are some countries where their residents have visually impressive, astounding hair.

Sweden

Livings standards, healthy lifestyles, geography, and diet are the primary factors why people in Sweden have the healthiest and beautiful hair.

The Swedish diet is big on reducing carbs and replacing calories with servings of healthy proteins, fats, and vitamins, such as locally-sourced organic vegetables and cold-water fish.

Swedes are more careful about their hair and skin. They maintain hair hydration levels and moisture, which are paramount for perennial Swedish healthy hair. The essential includes a strategic routine of cleansing, moisturizing, hair serums, etc.

Known for stunning landscapes and rich natural resources, another Swedish hair secret is getting the most out of their geography, which is a culture-wide value that can be seen in their homemade hair products.

Organic Ingredients in Hair Products

Swedes focus on using oil-based cleansing products, such as shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, spray, gel, pomades.

Online research shows that they use apple cider vinegar, baking soda, Aloe Vera, cocoa butter, coconut oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, extra virgin olive oil, and other natural ingredients in their homemade hair products.

Moreover, includes in every single hair product is the Swedish Glacier water, which is sourced directly from natural and untouched sources in the northern areas of the country. The water is pristinely clear and rich in oxygen.

The purest water is one of the main ingredients in the game-changing haircare. Swedish glacier water is priceless when it comes to cleansing, softening, and refreshing hair, especially the scalp.

In the country’s haircare brands, companies have patented SEA3oil infused into their products. It is a 100% pure and original omega oil found in the deepest waters of Swedish fjords, which stimulates elastin and collagen in the synthesis of hair.

They nourish hair follicles and help them stay anchored to the scalp. Thus, omega oil promotes continued hair growth and provides enough moisture to keep it hydrated.

Furthermore, Swedes find the balance in most aspects of health and wellbeing. For instance, they focus on what to eat, how to work out, what to apply to the hair and skin, and how to live their happiest life.

That, combined with the fact that here you don’t have severe weather changes like other countries do is actually very helpful. Genetics are also a big part too. Most northern people tend to have a healthier skin due to the climate there, and this resilience managed to carry over from one person to the other for centuries.

Spain

You will also notice that a lot of women from Spain have an amazing hair. The reason is simple, their culture as a whole is designed around the idea of eating healthily, taking breaks and just cherishing health properly. Their mid-day “siesta” is a habit that helps everyone in the country unwind, de-stress and that obviously has a positive impact on hair health. That’s why a lot of men and women in Spain have great hair, and they are one of the few countries where people don’t really change their hair color. Instead, many of them focus on keeping it natural and that alone also helps keep the hair healthy in the long run.

Japan

Japan needs to be a part of this list too, because a lot of men and women there have amazing hair. The reason behind this is definitely their unique beauty rituals. Most women learn how to take great care of their hair early on in their life. They are also not afraid of oiling their hair, with camellia oil being very popular for haircare in Japan. Then there’s also the local diet, which has plenty of vitamin C to keep your hair healthy in the long run.

Conclusion

It’s easy to see that a lot of people all over the world have a healthy hair. Japan, Spain and Sweden are widely known for having people with healthy hair, but there are also other countries like India, France and Russia that are also known for helping people keep their hair natural and not messing with any artificial coloring.

It’s important to take notice from all these things and ensure that you improve your hair health naturally. Take good care of your scalp, eat healthily, avoid hot tools, deep condition your hair every week and use hats for protection, then you will have no problem boosting your hair’s health naturally. Use that to your own advantage, and the results can be extraordinary in the long run!