While it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day — according to NHS — more extreme cases of hair loss can be devastating if you don’t take the appropriate steps to prevent or solve the problem.
Hair loss can occur due to various factors, including lifestyle choices, genetics, and age. Although the causes of hair loss aren’t always clear, there are often some early warning signs that you can watch out for to protect your follicles and keep your head full of hair.
The following are some early signs of hair loss that you should look out for to catch the problem before it becomes more severe — or permanent.
A Change in Scalp Color
One of the earliest signs that hair loss is on the horizon for you is a change in your scalp color. This change can be due to an increase in gray hairs, or a decrease in melanin may cause it.
Either way, this can indicate that your follicles are not producing enough hair, and it won’t be long before they stop altogether.
However, some people experience no changes in their scalp color at all when they’re experiencing significant hair loss.
Vulnerable Hair Follicles
Hair follicles are vulnerable to damage from many sources, including the environment, genetics, and certain hair care practices.
When your hair follicles are damaged, they will stop producing new hair. The hair you have left may also look unhealthy because it no longer receives the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.
In most cases, this hair loss is irreversible and can lead to permanent baldness if left untreated.
Thinning on Top of the Head
Thinning means there is less hair on the scalp. It may start as a small bald spot on the top or back of your head, but this will gradually widen and become more noticeable.
In time, you may find that you have less and less hair on the entire scalp.
The most common causes of thinning hair, besides male pattern baldness, are stress, nutrition deficiency, and aging. While these can seem unrelated, one could be causing another issue, impacting your quality of life. For example, stress can lead to poor nutrition, which in turn can cause hair loss.
Receding Hairline
Many people don’t notice their hairline is receding until they see it in the mirror. To keep a pulse on your hair loss, it’s essential to maintain a close eye on your hairline and how it changes over time.
The first sign that you might be experiencing a receding hairline is if your part starts moving away from your face and toward the back of your head. Additionally, if you run your hand along the front of your scalp, you may feel an indentation or bump where there was once more skin.
If this happens, contact the dermatology clinic nearest to you for additional information. Your dermatologist can advise on treatments for a receding hairline and make recommendations based on the severity of the condition.
Hair Falls Out in Clumps
If you notice your hair falling out in clumps, it could signify the very start of your hair loss. Excessive shedding is typically a sign that some change is happening in your body, whether hormonal or physical. However, it could also result from using too much hair product or over-styling.
If your hair falling out in clumps becomes a problem, use lighter products and wash less often to prevent further damage. A dermatology clinic can also help identify the root cause and provide treatment options if needed.
Losing Hair All Over Your Body
When battling hair loss, you may lose hair all over your body or just in specific patches.
There are many different reasons why you may be losing hair, and it’s not always due to male pattern baldness. For example, some people experience temporary hair loss after giving birth, while others lose hair as they age. Other conditions, such as anemia, thyroid problems, and autoimmune diseases, can also lead to hair loss.
Fortunately, qualified dermatologists can reverse most cases of sudden hair loss.
Bald Spots
If you notice any bald spots on the crown of your head, this could be a sign that you are experiencing androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern hair loss.
AGA may occur due to excess production of DHT, which decreases the blood flow to hair follicles. However, not everyone who experiences AGA will have bald spots at their hairline — they can also appear in other areas.
You may also experience diffuse thinning throughout the scalp if you have suffered from it for an extended period.
Scalp Itchiness or Flaking
Scalp itchiness and flaking are both common symptoms of future hair loss. The most common cause is dry skin, which can signify dandruff, eczema, or psoriasis.
Dandruff presents white flakes on the scalp accompanied by mild to severe itching. Patches that appear scaly and inflamed characterize eczema. Psoriasis develops with silver-white scales on the head, in addition to redness or pus-filled lesions around hair follicles. An erythematous rash is also possible.
In any case, a doctor must see these symptoms for diagnosis and treatment, as these conditions may lead to permanent hair loss if left untreated.
Hair Loss Treatment With PRP Therapy
If you suffer from male pattern baldness or other forms of hair loss, PRP therapy — also known as platelet-rich plasma — offers an alternative to hair transplant surgery and traditional treatment methods with success rates that are hard to beat.
How PRP therapy works
During PRP therapy, the patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to extract platelets. These platelets are then injected into the scalp to stimulate follicles, which may help with hair regrowth.
This technique is different from other hair loss remedies because it is natural and less expensive than most alternatives.
Schedule an Appointment at The Dermatology Clinic
If you notice any signs of hair loss, it’s essential to take them seriously and make an appointment with your dermatologist.
The earlier a diagnosis, the more options are available for treatment. Depending on the cause of hair loss, treatments may vary from topical solutions to prescription medications or even surgery.
At The Dermatology Clinic, our team has decades of experience providing exceptional skin care treatment to our Baton Rouge patients, and we’re ready to help you tackle your hair loss concerns.
Beat scouring the web with “dermatologist near me” searches and schedule your appointment with a qualified dermatologist today.
- Beat scouring the web with “dermatologist near me” searches and schedule your appointment with a qualified dermatologist today.
- Beat scouring the web with “dermatologist near me” searches and schedule your appointment with a qualified dermatologist today.
- Beat scouring the web with “dermatologist near me” searches and schedule your appointment with a qualified dermatologist today.
- Beat scouring the web with “dermatologist near me” searches and schedule your appointment with a qualified dermatologist today.
