Thinning hair can cause you great upset and concern, so here
The London Centre of Trichology we explain some of the variations of alopecia,
to help you understand your condition better and to help put your mind at ease.
Alopecia can be genetic, and is not always a sign of disease or ill health.
If you have recently experienced thinning hair, our experts
at the London Centre of Trichology are able to diagnose and treat the cause of
your hair loss. We have over 50 years of experience, and will try to make your
treatment as comfortable and easy as possible.
Thinning Hair London – Click
here to find out more about how we can diagnose and treat your hair loss.
Androgenetic
Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss, is
the scientific name for male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss.
This condition is caused when enzymes in your body turn the hormone
testosterone into its predecessor, a chemical that shrinks hair follicles and
in turn causes hair loss. This type of alopecia is passed down through genes,
and effects up to 50% of both men and women.
Cicatricial
Alopecia
Cicatricial alopecia causes scarring on the scalp where hair
follicles have been destroyed. This type of alopecia has two main types,
primary and secondary. In the case of primary cicatricial alopecia, the hair
follicles become inflamed which leads to hair loss, whereas in the secondary
type scarring happens as a result of something unrelated to hair loss, such as
a knock to the head or burn.
Alopecia
Areata
This is caused by an autoimmune disorder, which causes your
immune system to attack healthy hair follicles. This will result in patchy hair
loss rather than total hair loss, as seen on many famous people such as Martin
Roberts, from the popular TV show Homes Under the Hammer, who lost hair from
the crown of his head only. Alopecia areata is thought to be triggered by
stress and fatigue, though there is no strong understanding of the causes of
this condition. In about 90% of people with this condition, hair will begin to
grow back after a few years.
Traction
Alopecia
Most commonly found in women, traction alopecia is caused by
tight hairstyles which pull at the scalp and hair over time. Tight hairstyles
can cause considerable damage to the hair follicles, which in time can thin the
hair. Ponytails, braids, cornrows, extensions and weaves all contribute to
traction alopecia, and should be worn loosely where possible.
Alopecia
Totalis
Alopecia totalis does what its name suggests – it affects the
whole scalp and causes total hair loss. This can also effect other parts of the
body, including eyelashes and eyebrows at its worst. Celebrities such as Little
Britain’s Matt Lucas suffer from this condition, also known as Alopecia
Universalis.
Treating
Alopecia
Some aspects of alopecia are not yet fully understood, but we
are able to stop the progression of hair loss, as well as preventing any
further loss. Conditions are treatable, and the first step is to get expert
advice from professional trichologists. At The London Centre of Trichology we
will give you impartial advice on your hair loss following a free consultation
with us.
Hair Loss London – Click here to find out more about how we
can help.
