If you've noticed a change in your hair's volume or you're seeing more hair than usual in your brush or in your shower drain, it's important to not put off seeking help from a hair loss professional. There are a few reasons for this, not the least of which is the fact that hair loss can be indicative of an underlying medical condition. Obviously, if there's something going on medically, your chances for treating it are better the earlier you're able to catch it!
Even if your hair loss is due to something else -- like excessive stress or genetics, for example -- the earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome is likely to be. Self-examination is a great way to take control before your hair loss becomes more noticeable. Here are some signs that you may have a problem:
- Your hairline seems to be receding. (Compare it to a photo taken a few years ago to see if you notice a difference.)
- Your natural part looks wider than it has in the past.
- You're finding more hair than usual in your hairbrush or in the drain.
- Your hair's texture has changed for no apparent reason.
- You've noticed that your hair isn't as shiny as it's been in the past.
Understanding Alopecia Areata
Hair loss is sometimes caused by a condition known as Alopecia Areata, which cause hair to fall out in patches. It sometimes resolves itself within a year or so, but not always. The condition is believed to be caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. The good news? There are currently several treatments that have proven effective in reversing Alopecia Areata.
Other Things May Contribute
Aside from genetics or an immune disorder, there are other factors that can lead to hair loss, including certain medications or medical treatments, extreme stress, habitually wearing hairstyles that pull hair tightly, regular heat styling or processing (coloring, straightening, perms). Hormonal changes such as those occurring in pregnancy can also trigger or aggravate hair loss issues, as can a poor diet and unhealthy habits like smoking. Certain scalp conditions can also cause or contribute to hair loss including oily dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) -- a condition that causes scaly, yellowish dandruff-like flakes that cling to the scalp.
No One Size Fits All Solution
You may see ads for products to treat hair loss, but it's important to remember that everybody is different, and the reasons for hair loss vary from person to person. A hair professional will examine your scalp, ask questions, and come up with a hair treatment plan that's tailored to your individual circumstances, rather than relying on a "one size fits all" treatment.
Hair clinics like New Look Institute in San Jose, California, are well-versed in up-to-the-minute treatment options such as laser therapy, trichology (diagnosis and treatment of scalp conditions), and proven topicals that can reverse hair loss and hasten regrowth.
What's more, a good hair clinic will have caring professionals who understand the emotional turmoil that hair loss causes, and will use their knowledge and experience to do everything they can to find a solution that works for you. The professionals at New Look Institute, for example, have been designing great solutions for more than two decades, and have dedicated their professional lives to helping people -- both men and women -- of all ages with hair loss solutions that actually work.
If you're in the San Jose region and you're worried about thinning hair, an itchy scalp due to oily dandruff or an infection, or a more obvious problem with hair loss, don't spend another minute worrying and trying to "fix" things on your own. Contact us today for a consultation and a free scalp analysis!
