Permanent hair fall, also known as permanent alopecia, is hair loss that occurs when the hair follicles are damaged, causing them to no longer be able to regenerate, grow, and maintain hair. It is caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, medications, and physical trauma, such as extreme heat or chemicals.
Some of the most common types of permanent hair fall are alopecia arreata, androgenic alopecia, trichotillomania, telogen effluvium, and anagen effluvium. Depending on the cause, the pattern of hair loss can vary, ranging from diffuse thinning to spot baldness or complete baldness.
Treatment for permanent hair fall is typically limited to managing symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, or seeking psychological help for conditions such as trichotillomania. In some cases, hair transplant surgery may be an option.
Do you always go bald with alopecia?
No, not everyone with alopecia will go bald. Alopecia can affect people in a variety of ways and there are different types of alopecia. In the most common type, Alopecia Areata, hair loss occurs in round patches in areas on the scalp, face and body.
Some people may have very few patches with only slight thinning, while others may experience large amounts of hair loss. Others may experience more diffuse hair loss throughout the scalp, which can result in a more diffuse thinning of the hair but not complete baldness.
For some, hair loss may be permanent, while for others it may be temporary, with normal hair regrowth. As such, whether or not someone will go bald with alopecia may depend on the severity of their condition and the type of alopecia that they have.
Is hair loss from alopecia reversible?
That depends on the type of alopecia. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss, can sometimes be reversed. With treatment, the hair loss may stop and the hair may grow back.
Treatment may include topical corticosteroids, injected corticosteroids, and/or topical minoxidil. Some people may need oral medications, such as anti-inflammatory pills, as well.
In cases of androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern and female-pattern baldness, the hair loss is permanent, although some treatments may slow its progress. Possible treatments include minoxidil medications or finasteride medications, as well as hair transplants and other kinds of surgery.
Alopecia totalis, which results in complete scalp hair loss, and alopecia universalis, which results in total loss of body and scalp hair, have few medical treatments. For these, hair loss is typically not reversible.
Some treatments, such as topical immunotherapy, may be able to stop hair loss, but may not be able to regrow hair.
What are the 3 types of alopecia?
There are 3 main types of alopecia:
1. Androgenic alopecia (male- and female-pattern baldness): This is the most common type of alopecia and typically has hereditary factors. It is characterized by a gradual recession of the hairline, usually starting above the temples, and thinning of the hair on the crown of the head.
2. Alopecia areata: This type of alopecia is an autoimmune disorder, caused when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. It can lead to patchy hair loss or complete baldness on the scalp, or even complete body hair loss.
3. Scarring alopecia: This is a type of hair loss caused by inflammation or trauma to the scalp that damages the hair follicles and causes them to be replaced by scar tissue. This type of alopecia is often seen in people who have had scalp surgery, tight hairstyles (like tight braids), or skin diseases like lupus.
How long does hair loss from alopecia last?
Hair loss from alopecia can last for different lengths of time depending on the type and severity of the condition. For some cases, hair may grow back within a few months, while for others it may take up to a year or longer.
It is normal to experience cycles of hair loss and regrowth, but if the hair loss is due to a medical or psychological condition, the effect may be long-term or even permanent. It is important to have a patient who experiences alopecia evaluated by a health care provider to determine the cause of the hair loss, as there are treatments available that can help slow or stop the progression of the condition.
Can alopecia go away?
Yes, it is possible for alopecia to go away in some cases. Alopecia is a condition which causes hair loss and occurs when the immune system inappropriately attacks hair follicles, causing them to become damaged, leading to hair loss.
In some cases the hair follicles may heal themselves and this can often be seen as small patches of hair slowly regrowing or gradual full regrowth of the hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, regrowth has been seen in about half of the cases.
In some cases, medical interventions may be necessary. For example, corticosteroids can be used to suppress the immune system and may be injected directly into the area of hair loss, resulting in hair regrowth.
Other treatments such as topical minoxidil and laser therapy could also be helpful.
Another form of treatment is called biologic treatment. This is a medication such as Otezla, which is taken orally and helps reduce the immune system’s ability to attack the hair follicles, which can help regrow hair in some cases.
It is important to note that the majority of people with alopecia will not have a complete reversal of hair loss, and therefore it is important to discuss with a doctor which treatments will be most suitable for each individual.
How long does it take to reverse alopecia?
The length of time it takes to reverse alopecia depends on the underlying cause, type, and severity of the condition. For example, the most common type of alopecia, androgenic alopecia (also known as pattern baldness), that is caused by genetic factors can take up to one year or longer to reverse, while alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes patches of baldness, can take several months to several years depending on the severity of the condition.
It is also important to note that many treatments can help to slow the progression of alopecia or even reverse the effects of existing hair loss but typically hair will only regrow in areas that currently have hair remaining and not in bald patches.
Additionally it is important to note that while medications, vitamins or topical treatments can greatly improve the appearance of the hair, they cannot completely reverse the balding process. Ultimately, it is best to consult a physician or dermatologist, who can assess the underlying cause of the alopecia and determine the best course of treatment for reversing the condition.
Can hair thinning reversed?
The answer to whether hair thinning can be reversed depends on the cause and extent of the hair thinning. If hair thinning is caused by age, genetics, or hormones, reversing it may not be possible. That being said, in the case of hair thinning caused by lifestyle and dietary factors, there are a few steps that can be taken to help reverse or slow the process of hair thinning.
First, it is important to determine the cause of the hair thinning and ensure any underlying medical conditions are addressed. For example, if the hair thinning is due to insulin resistance, then addressing this with lifestyle changes, diet, and/or medication would be beneficial.
Additionally, there are a few dietary and lifestyle changes that can be implemented to help reverse or slow the process of hair thinning. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, making sure to get daily nutrients and vitamins that are essential for healthy hair growth.
Similarly, stress management is important. Experiencing high levels of stress can cause hair thinning, so implementing daily mindfulness practices can help reduce stress and improve overall health. If necessary, medications such as Minoxidil can also be applied to areas of the scalp to help promote hair growth.
Lastly, there are some surgical procedures that can be done to help reverse hair thinning. Hair transplantation involves transplanting hair follicles from donor areas to balding areas to help regrow hair in those areas.
This procedure is usually recommended for those experiencing advanced hair thinning.
In summary, the answer to whether hair thinning is reversible depends on the cause of the hair thinning and the extent of the hair loss. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action to take.
But, in many cases, there are lifestyle and dietary changes that can be implemented to help reverse or slow the process of hair thinning.
What does concerning hair loss look like?
When it comes to concerning hair loss, it is important to look for patterns and changes in your hair. Generally, concerning hair loss manifests itself in two forms: diffuse and patchy. Diffuse hair loss occurs when the entire scalp experiences hair loss, resulting in thinning hair that is spread evenly across the scalp.
Patchy hair loss occurs when the scalp experiences round or oval-shaped hair loss patches, typically at the crown or temples of the head. It is normal to experience some level of hair loss on a daily basis, but if you notice a dramatic increase in hair shedding, continued thinning of your hair, or bald patches where there once was hair, it may indicate a more concerning issue.
Additionally, more severe cases may include a noticeable itching or burning sensation on the scalp. If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, it is best to consult with your doctor or a certified hair specialist to rule out any underlying medical issues or illnesses that could be causing your hair loss.
How can you tell if your hair follicles are permanently damaged?
To tell if your hair follicles are permanently damaged, it is important to look for signs of traction alopecia, which is the permanent destruction of recently active follicles due to excessive styling or pulling of the hair.
Symptoms of permanent hair follicle damage include loss of hair in the area where the pulling occurred, decreased density of the hair, slow regrowth in the area, and little to no regrowth in the area after several months.
Permanent hair follicle damage will often lead to permanent baldness in the affected areas. If you think you may have permanent hair follicle damage, it is important to visit a dermatologist or trichologist for diagnosis and therapy.
They may be able to provide you with options to help stimulate hair growth, such as Minoxidil or an automated scalp massage.
How long does temporary hair loss take to grow back?
The amount of time it takes for temporary hair loss to grow back can vary greatly. Factors such as the extent of the hair loss and the underlying cause can influence the rate at which the hair grows back.
In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the hair to start growing back. Stress-related temporary hair loss usually regrows on its own after a few weeks, whereas conditions like alopecia areata or telogen effluvium can take several months or longer to see significant regrowth.
The most important thing is to determine the root cause of the hair loss, as the underlying issue will need to be addressed if the hair loss is to be reversed.
How do I know if my hair is coming back?
The most important and sure way to know whether or not your hair is coming back is to visit your doctor or dermatologist. A physical exam and hair sample analysis can help tell you if your hair loss is being caused by an underlying medical condition.
Your doctor may also be able to suggest treatments, such as medications or laser therapy, to help you regrow your hair.
Another way to tell if your hair is coming back is to pay close attention to the shedding process. You may have more hair in the sink or shower after washing and styling, or you may find more loose hairs on your comb or in your hairbrush.
If you notice less shedding over time, that could be a sign that your hair is growing back.
You can also look for signs of new hair growth, such as shorter hairs at different angles in your part or around your ears or temple. You may also see fuzz or stubble in places where you notice hair loss.
If you have any of these signs, it could be a clear indication that your hair is coming back.