Are you experiencing signs of hair loss?

Alopecia, commonly known as “balding” or “hair loss” is a condition that affects millions of men and women worldwide.

According to the Canadian Hair Loss Foundation, female pattern balding will affect 50% of women during their lifetime. The same condition in males will affect 30% by age 30 and 50% by age 50.

But, this is not the only type of alopecia. There are several causes that result in loss of hair. These include various diseases, such autoimmune disease, physical and psychological disorders, side effects of medications and medical treatments, scarring, hormonal imbalance and skin disorders. In addition to men and women, children can also experience hair loss. The condition can affect one or more areas, including your head, eyebrows, body hair, and eyelashes.

If you’re worried about losing your hair, you should know the signs to look for. Read on to find out the signs of hair loss.

Recognizing the Signs of Hair Loss

The first step to getting treatment for the loss of hair that you’re experiencing is understanding its cause. That’s why it is important to be on the lookout for specific symptoms, including the area that the loss was first observed, and any additional symptoms that you may be having.

Always give your doctor the most detailed explanation of your symptoms as possible. It could direct them to the exact cause, and lead to faster treatment of your condition.

Signs of hair loss can vary between men, women, and children. You might also notice different signs depending on the various causes associated with the condition.

Where Did the First Signs Appear?

Depending on the cause and type of hair loss you are experiencing, you might observe that the first symptoms usually appear in a certain place.

For example, you may first notice the loss of hair is concentrated in a specific area on your scalp, whether it be the centre, frontal region, near the back of your neck, or around the edges of your forehead.

Concentrated Hair Loss

Some of the reasons that you might notice the loss of hair in the frontal region include:

• Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia – a type of hair loss common in Caucasian women that can affect the front of scalp, as well as other areas of the scalp, and a variety of additional areas, such as eyebrows, lashes, and body hair
• Seborrheic Dermatitis – a skin disorder that may cause itching and redness and may affect the facial hair as well

You may first observe the loss occurring in the back of scalp or near the neck for causes including:

• Acne keloidalis – a scarring process, most common in African American men, that occurs in back of neck region and consists of itchy bumps
• Ophiasis – a form of alopecia that causes hair loss in the back of scalp

Some types of hair loss that tend to begin at the crown, or centre of your scalp, include the following:

• Folliculitis-decalvans – a scarring hair loss that affects both men and women
• Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia – affects mostly African American women and may be accompanied by a burning sensation

Explaining where signs first occur can be instrumental in getting treatment as soon as possible and avoiding further hair loss.

Signs of Shedding

You could also experience shedding, or an overall thinning of your hair, which is a type of hair loss that typically is associated with over 50 different conditions that can cause it. When shedding occurs you may notice the following signs of hair loss:

• Excess hair collecting on your brush or shower drain
• Abnormal amounts of hair on clothing, pillows, in your car, or on your furniture
• Noticeable thinning of hair on scalp, body, eyebrows, beard or eyelashes

If these you notice these symptoms, reporting them to a professional who specializes in hair treatment as soon as possible may help you to avoid extreme loss. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances in a quick recovery for many conditions associated with the loss of hair.

Additional Signs to Look For

You may also notice additional signs that can occur in men, women, or children. If you notice any of these signs, report them to a professional immediately:

• “Patchy” hair loss on scalp, body, or other areas
• Complete loss of body hair
• Excessive or patchy areas of hair that have broken off on scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes
• Pulling at hair or eyelashes
• Receding Hairline
• Horseshoe-shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed
• General patterns of hair thinning

Some of these signs of hair loss may simply be a genetically inherited symptom related to the ageing process. While other signs might potentially indicate a more serious problem, such as autoimmune disease.

The Impact of Hair Loss on the Individual

Hair loss can not only affect one’s physical appearance, but it may also have a negative influence on one’s self-esteem. The Canadian Institute of Hair and Scalp Specialists released a study that reported 81% of men think that physical appearance can influence career advancement and one in four Canadians believe that hair loss is an obstacle in romantic relationships.

Luckily, there are treatments that can help sufferers of hair loss.

Treatment for Hair Loss

No matter what the cause, there’s a solution that can help you get your confidence back and help you to cope with your condition in a healthy and productive way. It’s suggested that 80% of our health is based on how we live daily. By taking charge of your condition and taking healthy steps towards recovery, you can feel better and look your best.

Depending on your type of hair loss, and the cause behind it, there are a variety of options available that may be able to:

• Prevent hair loss
• Reverse hair loss
• Prevent further hair loss from occurring
• Stimulate new hair growth

The important thing is that you begin treatment as soon as possible. If you’re concerned that you may be losing your hair, it’s time to speak with a professional who can help you identify the cause of your condition and create a program for you to look and feel healthy.

Don’t Wait, Start Your Treatment Today!

If you’re experiencing signs of hair loss, don’t wait. It’s best to start treating hair loss as soon as possible to prevent further loss and begin healing the source.

We believe in a multi-dimensional approach to the prevention and treatment of hair loss. Our specialists work with you to develop a program to fit your needs and help you to look and feel your best.

Contact us today to find out more or make an appointment with one of our trained specialists!