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Have you ever experienced that moment- running your fingers through your hair, only to notice more strands than usual coming out. Whether it’s a few extra hairs in the shower drain or thinning patches that weren’t there before, hair loss can feel frustrating and even a little scary. But why does it happen, and more importantly, what can you do about it? In this blog, we’ll dive into the common causes of hair loss, what’s normal versus what’s not, and the best ways to keep your hair as healthy as possible. Let’s get to the root of it!
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is the condition of losing hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can be temporary or permanent and may occur due to genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, stress, or lifestyle factors. Hair loss can range from mild thinning to complete baldness, depending on the cause.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of alopecia (hair loss) can vary depending on the type and cause, but common signs include:
Gradual Thinning – The most common type, especially with aging, where hair slowly becomes finer or recedes (common in male and female pattern baldness).
Patchy or Circular Bald Spots – Sudden, round bald patches on the scalp, beard, or other areas.
Sudden Hair Shedding – Large amounts of hair falling out when brushing, washing, or running fingers through it (often caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes).
Full-Body Hair Loss – Hair loss across the entire body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair (seen in conditions like alopecia universalis or chemotherapy-related hair loss).
Scalp Redness, Itching, or Scaling – Some types of alopecia (like scarring alopecia or fungal infections) come with inflammation, burning, or flaking of the scalp.
Hair loss can be frustrating and take a toll on your confidence. It’s not just about appearance—it can affect how you feel about yourself and even impact social interactions. You might catch yourself avoiding mirrors, worrying about how others see you, or stressing over every extra strand in the shower. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but you’re not alone. Many people experience hair loss, and while it can be tough, there are ways to manage it and regain confidence, whether through treatments, styling changes, or simply shifting your perspective.
Treatments for hair loss:
Medications:
- Minoxidil (Regaine) – A widely used over-the-counter topical treatment available in the UK that helps stimulate hair growth and slow hair loss. It’s suitable for both men and women.
- Finasteride (Propecia) – A prescription-only oral medication for men that reduces the hormone responsible for hair loss. It’s not suitable for women, particularly those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Hair Transplant Surgery: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) are common hair transplant methods available through private clinics in the UK. These procedures involve removing healthy hair follicles from one area and transplanting them to areas with thinning or no hair.
Topical Steroids: For certain types of hair loss, like alopecia areata, doctors may recommend corticosteroid creams or injections to reduce inflammation and encourage hair regrowth.
Wigs and Hairpieces: Wigs, hairpieces, and hair extensions are a popular non-medical option for those looking to cover bald or thinning spots. The NHS may provide wigs for patients with medical hair loss, like after chemotherapy.
Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet, stress management, and gentle hair care can help reduce hair loss related to poor nutrition, stress, or over-styling. Consult with a GP or dermatologist for advice on how to manage these factors.
If you're experiencing hair loss, seeing your GP is important to identify the underlying cause and determine the best treatment. They can help rule out any medical conditions, provide advice on effective treatments, and guide you through managing your hair loss in a way that suits your needs. Early intervention can make a big difference in preventing further hair loss.
Support:
If you are currently facing hair loss, we hope this blog has brought you some help during this challenging time. If you are looking for further support, please visit the links below.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From helping you face alopecia, to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.