Hair Loss in Bangalore’s Youth: Causes, Treatments and Prevention

• 1. Anagen: Growing Phase
  It is the longest phase, lasting about 2 to 8 years, during which the active hair growth occurs.
• 2. Catagen: Transition phase
  This phase lasts for 2 to 3 weeks, during which hair growth slows and the follicle shrinks.
• 3. Telogen: Resting phase
  This is the final phase of the hair growth cycle, lasting around 2 to 3 months. During this stage, the old hair is shed, allowing new hair growth to begin.
  Hair loss occurs when this cycle is disrupted. Among Indian youth, certain factors are now disrupting this natural process more than ever.

What are the types of hair loss?

The most common types of hair loss are:

• 1. Androgenic Alopecia: It is hereditary hair loss. It is the most common hair loss type worldwide in both men and women(male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss).
• 2. Alopecia Areata: It occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss.
• 3. Telogen Effluvium: It is a temporary and reversible condition where excessive shedding of hair occurs in a short period, due to stress, hormonal changes, or medications.
• 4. Anagen effluvium: It is a rapid and abnormal hair loss caused due to medical treatments like chemotherapy.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

• Gradual thinning of hair on the scalp (A sign of female pattern hair loss)
• Receding hairline (A sign of male pattern baldness)
• Loss of hair from the crown of the scalp (most common in Indian males)
• Patchy bald spots
• Widening apart
• Complete loss of hair on scalp and body

What are the causes of hair loss?

• Hereditary hair loss (caused by genes inherited from parents)
• Stress-related hair loss (career pressure, academic pressure, and financial concerns)
• Nutritional deficiency (not getting enough iron and protein)
• Environmental factors (such as air pollution, water quality issues, and climate extremes)
• Modern lifestyle factors (such as sleep deprivation, irregular eating patterns, and no physical activity)
• Grooming practices (such as chemical treating, heat styling, gels/waxes, and hair styles that pull hair tightly like ponytails)
• Medical conditions and treatment (PCOS, chemotherapy, and certain medications)
• Hormonal changes (during pregnancy, childbirth birth and menopause)

Treatment

How to treat hair loss?

Treating hair loss involves diagnosing the cause of hair loss. If the hair loss is due to medicines, treatment, or hormonal imbalances, your doctor will focus on treating the underlying issue.

Most hair loss treatments focus on treating male and female pattern hair loss. These treatments involve:

• Nutritional interventions: Addressing common deficiencies and ensuring adequate intake of iron and protein through balanced meals and supplements.
• Medical interventions: Over-the-counter medicines like minoxidil are often the first step in treating hair thinning. Followed by PRP therapy, Hair transplant, and GFC therapy depending on the hair fall condition.
• Stress management: Yoga practices and better sleeping practices reduce stress hormones that disrupt the hair growth cycle.

When to seek professional help?

You should visit your doctor if you are experiencing

• Excessive hair loss in a short period
• Hair loss accompanied by scalp burning or itching sensation
• Loss of hair on your body as well as your scalp
• Noticable thinning of hair in a short period

Prevention

How can I prevent hair loss?

Here are some tips to keep your hair healthy and minimise hair loss.

• Establishing hair care routines ( gentle while brushing, avoiding harsh treatments, and patting hair dry) before hair loss begins.
• Eat healthy and balanced food that includes iron and protein
• Find ways to manage stress
• Monitor hair and scalp health regularly