A normal scalp sheds about 25 to 100 hairs per day. An increased rate of hair shedding or the development of bald areas on the scalp constitutes a hair loss disorder, also known as alopecia.
Hair loss can result from various factors, including:
- Abnormal hair cycling
- Aging
- Burns
- Change in hormones
- Deficiency in iron or protein intake
- Excess vitamin A intake
- Family history of baldness
- Illness
- Infection or inflammation of the scalp
- Rapid weight loss
- Trauma
- Untreated ringworm of the scalp
Note: Hair loss is not caused by:
- Poor circulation to the scalp
- Dandruff
- Excessive hat-wearing
Generally, the earlier hair loss begins, the more severe the baldness will become.
• Female-pattern baldness
Less common than in men, female-pattern baldness involves thinning across the scalp, but the frontal hairline is maintained. It rarely results in complete baldness.
• Male-pattern baldness
Often hereditary, it can begin at any age. Hair loss starts from the front, sides, or crown of the head, possibly leading to complete baldness.
• Alopecia areata
Sudden localized hair loss that may grow back in a few months. It has genetic and autoimmune links.
• Toxic alopecia (Telogen effluvium)
Triggered by illness, high fever, childbirth, or medications (like thallium or high-dose vitamin A). Usually temporary.
• Scarring (Cicatricial) alopecia
Caused by burns, infections, diseases, or skin conditions like lupus, sarcoidosis, or skin cancer. Leads to permanent hair loss in scarred areas.
• Trichotillomania (Hair-pulling disorder)
Most common in children, this behavioral disorder causes hair loss due to compulsive hair pulling.
Symptoms vary by cause but may include:
- Receding hairline due to hormonal pattern baldness
- Increased hair shedding 3–4 months after stress
- Red, inflamed scalp followed by hair loss and scarring
While many types of baldness have no cure, some can be managed or reversed. Treatment options include:
- Medications to promote hair growth (e.g., Minoxidil, Finasteride)
- Corticosteroid injections (especially for alopecia areata)
- Treating underlying conditions
- Hair transplants
- Scalp reduction
- Skin lifts and grafts
Like any surgery, hair replacement may carry risks:
- Patchy Hair Growth: May require additional procedures
- Bleeding or Wide Scars: Due to tension in scalp reduction
- Unsuccessful Grafts: Some grafts may not “take”
- Infection: As with all surgical procedures
We offer a variety of hair replacement techniques at Sarin Skin. Note that surgery is only effective for candidates with healthy donor hair at the back and sides of the head.
1. Hair Transplantation
Hair-bearing scalp grafts from the donor area are relocated to thinning or bald areas.
2. Scalp Expansion
A tissue expander is placed under a hair-bearing area. Once expanded, new skin covers the bald spot.
3. Flap Surgery
A flap of hair-bearing skin is moved to the bald area while remaining attached to its original blood supply.
4. Scalp Reduction
Bald scalp is surgically removed and the surrounding hair-bearing skin is stretched to cover the area.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can be caused by genetics, illness, medications, hormonal imbalance, stress, and nutrient deficiencies.
What is the most common type of baldness in men and women?
Male-pattern baldness and female-pattern thinning, respectively.
Is hair loss reversible?
Some types are temporary and treatable, while others (like scarring alopecia) are permanent.
What is hair transplantation?
A surgical procedure where hair follicles are moved from a donor area to a bald or thinning area.
Are there non-surgical options?
Yes, including topical medications, corticosteroid injections, and treatments for underlying conditions.