Causes of Hair Loss

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is scientifically known as ‘Anagen Effluvium’ because it affects all hairs in the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. There is a common misconception that when experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, that the hair is falling directly from the root, but this is not the case. The toxins within the chemotherapy, cause the hair to fracture at scalp level, resulting in the hair breaking off and ‘falling out’ – this means that the hair bulb is actually retained in the hair follicle. Once chemotherapy is finished, the hair will begin to grow immediately, as the hair bulb was still there all along! Generally speaking, patients will begin to notice hair loss between days 14 – 21 after their first session of chemotherapy.

When Should I Start To Look For My Wig?

We advise patients who have a start date for their chemotherapy, to book in with us a week or two before their treatment begins. This is so we can get the best idea of what your needs are, particularly if you would like a wig similar to your existing hair, and so you have a wig ready and waiting for you, for when the time comes around that you need it.

What Should I Do When My Hair Grows Back?

At the end of your treatment, your hair will begin to grow back, but oftentimes patients find there is a slight change in the texture or curl of the hair. PINK are here to help you in every aspect of your recovery, and there are ways to encourage growth, and promote strong, healthy hair, when it does begin to return. Regular trims, which can be done here at PINK, will help keep your hair strong and take off any split ends. We also offer a targeted range of medicated shampoo and conditioners by La Biosthetique that are nourishing and scalp-kind.

Alopecia

Alopecia is the umbrella term for many types of hair loss. The most common forms of alopecia are: Areata, Totalis and Universalis.

Alopecia Areata, Totalis and Universalis are autoimmune disorders, whereas Androgenic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss) is genetically predisposed. With autoimmune conditions, your immune system sees your hair follicles as a foreign body and begins to attack them, resulting in hair loss.

Alopecia Areata – Presents as partial hair loss in the form of small round patches. These can be roaming (move from one area of the scalp to another) and can progress over time. However, there is the possibility of the hair returning on its own, without treatment.

Alopecia Totalis – This type of Alopecia results in total hair loss on the scalp, and can affect eyebrows and eyelashes as well, but this is the extent of the condition.

Alopecia Universalis – This alopecia causes total hair loss across the body. It may begin as another form of alopecia and develop over time.

There is no medical clarity as to why people suffer from alopecia, but there has been links between stress and other traumas.

What Are My Options If I Have Alopecia?

The first step towards your hair loss solution is to obtain a diagnosis – we have an in-clinic Trichologist able to provide diagnosis and prognosis information for all forms of alopecia. You can then book in for your FREE consultation with one of our consultants to advise on our concealment products, wigs and hair pieces.

If small round circles appear, but they are not affecting your hair style, and you are simply looking for coverage, our hair thickening spray can be used to give the illusion of full hair coverage. The pigmented spray is used in direct contact with the scalp, to cover any areas of hair loss. The hair thickening spray is specifically developed to provide instantly thicker, natural looking hair. Using micro-mineral particles, the spray will bond to existing hair around the areas of hair loss, and sit on the scalp, sealed in with a seal and control spray – changing the way you look and feel within seconds! The spray is available in different shades, which can be mixed and matched to create the perfect colour tone to blend in with your own hair. The spray is easy to use, and offers a great alternative to buying a wig or top-piece if you aren’t quite ready to do so, or if your area of hair loss is still actively moving or growing. You can purchase our hair thickening spray, and seal and control spray, directly through reception.

Alternatively, if your alopecia is over a wider area (Totalis/Universalis) we have hundreds of top-pieces and full-head wigs here in stock. If your alopecia is non-roaming, one of our experts will advise how a wig or top-piece can work for you.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a rare impulse control disorder in which the sufferer compulsively pulls out their hair from the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or pubic area. Some will pluck each hair out at the roots; others may pull large handfuls at a time.

Trichotillomania often begins in childhood and can subside as children enter adulthood. However, it is common for the condition to manifest in adults if they have suffered with the condition as a child.

The direct causes of Trichotillomania are unknown, some evidence suggests stress and other traumas can provoke the condition. This behaviour can lead to some people hiding the condition without seeking help or support. In extreme cases the swallowing of the extracted hair can cause internal blockage.

What Are My Options If I Have Trichotillomania?

If you, or someone you know, has Trichotillomania, it is important to seek the right help. If you are looking for a clinical diagnosis, our Trichologist can provide diagnosis and prognosis information for Trichotillomania. You can then be advised on the most appropriate treatment and coverage solution.

In small areas, our hair thickening spray can be used to give the illusion of full hair coverage and is available in various different colours to match your natural hair colour. If the area of hair loss is large or affects the style of your hair, a partial or full head piece could be considered. There are a variety of different types of hair pieces and wigs available here in stock. In some cases, to prevent repetitive pulling, a hair piece can be attached to the affected area, as some sufferers find if they are unable to reach the area they usually pull from, it lessens their impulse.

Female Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a condition resulting in diffuse hair loss through the vertex (top) of the scalp. With FPHL you may begin to notice thinning throughout the top of your scalp, with gradual widening in your parting. FPHL is caused by a sensitivity to androgens (male hormones), linked to a genetic predisposition.

FPHL is very common is women over 30, but some women may not experience thinning until their 50’s or later. To determine if you have FPHL, you can see our in-clinic Trichologist for a diagnosis. We will use the Ludwig Scale to measure the extent of your hair loss, and advise on the appropriate course of treatment.

What Are My Options If I Have Female Pattern Baldness?

For concealment, our hair thickening spray works well for thinning throughout the parting and gives the illusion of fuller hair. Alternatively, our pre-designed top-pieces provide maximum coverage and can be fully customised by or team to fit your specific sizing, style, and colour requirements.

Top-pieces can be clipped into your existing hair, giving you the freedom to remove the piece as and when you please. Or for a more ‘permanent’ attachment, we offer Micropoint, a method used to bond your own hair with the system, which can last up to 4 weeks. Top-pieces give a very natural finish, giving height and density that may have been lost.

Other Causes

There are many reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss. For more conditions that we see here at PINK, please click here.

Free Consultation

At PINK we offer FREE one-to-one hair loss consultations. Our discretion extends far beyond our clinic frontage; as we have 7 private consultation rooms and an elite team with years of first-hand understanding and experience, to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease when you visit us.

Fill in the form below or call us on 0121 350 3826 or WhatsApp or email info@pinkhairsolutions.com