Why Do We Care So Much About Hair?
The Social and Health Implications of Hair and Hair Loss
Dr. Michelle Hwang
5/29/20245 min read
The Importance of Hair
Hair is one of the first things you notice when meeting someone new. Hair holds significant social importance in various cultures around the world. It is often associated with beauty, youth, and vitality. Throughout history, hair has been used as a symbol of social status, cultural identity, and personal expression. The way we style and care for our hair can communicate a lot about our personality and individuality.
In many societies, luscious and healthy-looking hair is considered youthful, attractive and desirable. It can boost self-confidence and contribute to a positive self-image. On the other hand, hair loss or thinning hair can have a negative impact on one's self-esteem and overall well-being.
A Reflection of Health
Our hair serves as a reflection of our overall health and well-being. Just like our skin, nails, and other parts of our body, hair requires proper nutrition and care to thrive. Factors such as diet, lifestyle, and genetics can all influence the health of our hair. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep also contribute to the overall health of our hair. Additionally, certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can have a direct impact on the condition of our hair. Similarly, excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and harsh hair products can damage the hair follicles and cause hair breakage.
Hair Loss:
Medical Conditions Associated with Hair Loss
Conditions like thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune diseases can lead to hair loss or thinning. Here are some common causes of hair loss:
1. Androgenic Alopecia: The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary and is known as androgenic alopecia or male/female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is due to a specific form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). There is a strong genetic predisposition and the condition is usually triggered by hormonal factors. High levels of DHT shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, resulting in overall hair loss.
2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can lead to hair loss. In pregnancy, immediately following delivery, estrogen levels fall rapidly which cause excessive shedding of hair. While most post-pregnancy hair fall is temporary, some women may take years to return to their normal fullness. Those less fortunate may never return to their pre-pregnancy hair quality, in terms of hair density, strength, thickness and shine.
3. Other Medical Conditions: Medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, scalp infections, and autoimmune diseases can cause hair loss. Treating the underlying condition often helps in restoring hair growth. These would require an evaluation by a doctor with prescription medications as treatment.
4. Stress and Trauma: Physical or emotional stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to temporary hair loss known as 'telogen effluvium'. In most cases, removing the stressors can see your hair grow back in three to six months. However, in some cases, further treatment with supplements or medications are necessary.
5. Damaging Hair Practices: Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, tight hairstyles, and improper hair care practices can damage the hair follicles, cause hair breakage or traction alopecia (a condition which results from continuous pulling force on the hair roots).
What Treatments Are Available:
Research-Backed Hair Loss Treatment
1. Minoxidil: Minoxidil, of which Rogaine is the most well-known brand, is an FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth, and preventing further hair loss. Minoxidil is available over-the-counter and comes in the form of a spray or foam that needs to be applied to the scalp twice daily.
2. Oral Medications
A. Finasteride:
Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is an oral medication that is prescribed for the treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL). It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone primarily responsible for androgenic alopecia. Finasteride is available by prescription only and should be used under medical supervision.
B. Spironolactone:
Spironolactone is a prescription medication used primarily for high blood pressure. It is used off-label for Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). It reduces testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and blocks their receptors in hair. Spironolactone has been used in FPHL for over 20 years and has been shown to arrest hair loss progression with a long-term safety profile. Spironolactone should NOT be taken when pregnant or trying to conceive as it can affect the baby's development. Blood pressure monitoring is also advised as it can cause low blood pressure in people with normal blood pressure.
3. Hair Transplantation:
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp (donor area) to the bald or thinning areas (recipient area). This procedure is considered to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for hair loss. It provides natural-looking results and requires a skilled doctor to perform the procedure. As it is a surgical procedure, there are surgical risks involved, for example anaesthetic risk, bleeding and infection risks. It is also much more costly and recommended after other treatment routes have been exhausted.
4. Hair Supplements
Many hair supplements are available on the market, but I recommend two main ones.
i. Proteoglycan-based Supplements
Brands: Nourkrin (Website, Shop)
Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy is used for the treatment of all types of hair loss in both men and women. It can be used alone and is even more effective when used in combination with other hair treatments as mentioned before.
Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy, works by inducing hair follicles back into the Anagen (Growth) phase and begin a new, revitalised Hair Growth Cycle, leading to increased hair growth and hair quality.
ii. Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides
In 2021, a large meta-analysis conducted on Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides showed that after taking them for 90 days, there was a visible improvement in skin hydration, wrinkles and elasticity. A significant number also reported thicker, fuller, and healthier hair as well as thicker and stronger nails. If you are already on the lookout for a collagen supplement, I would recommend Collagen Lift Paris for an all-in-one supplement for skin, hair and nails.
Up And Coming Treatments:
Exosomes, Stem-Cell Derived Therapies
New treatments are being developed that mainly make use of cell-signalling packages and growth factors. For example, EXOXE (Exosome treatment) and Calecim (Stem-cell derived PTT-6® growth factor treatment).
Different brands and manufacturers of exosomes will fill these cell-signalling packages with different active ingredients. These active ingredients can be animal or plant derived. The goal of these treatments are to stimulate growth, healing and regeneration in living tissues. Depending on its type and source, growth factors can boost collagen synthesis, prompt cells to produce components that improve skin firmness and elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier and repair and rejuvenate skin. They also support and strengthen hair follicles to regenerate and thicken.
Conclusion
It is important to note that the effectiveness of hair loss treatments vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of hair loss. Consulting with a doctor or hair loss specialist can help determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual needs and circumstances.
In conclusion, hair holds significant social importance and can reflect our health and well-being. Understanding the causes of hair loss is crucial in order to address the issue effectively. There are a variety of research-backed treatments that have shown positive results in combating hair loss. Supplements offer an alternative for those wary of side-effects of medications or who prefer to avoid regular check-ins with their doctor. Medications and in-clinic treatments such as exosome and stem-cell based treatments offer a viable alternative before one considers hair transplant. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance to tailor a customised protocol that meets your needs.
