Don't rub or twist with a towel: doctors tell you how to prevent hair loss

Beautiful hair adorns people and gives them confidence in their own beauty. That's why we devote a lot of time and effort to thorough care of our hair. Unfortunately, sometimes our desire to maintain our hair is not enough, because there are factors that affect not only their beauty, but also their health, causing hair loss.

In the course of our lives, we constantly lose hair, but at the same time new hair grows. When this doesn't happen, experts talk about alopecia, which is abnormal hair loss. Healthline spoke with dermatologist Rachel Cochran Gathers, M.D., about the types of alopecia and how to manage it.

People usually begin to notice that they lose more hair as they get older, but hair loss can even affect children. It can develop evenly, or it can be temporary or permanent.

Often people only notice the problem when the loss becomes significant and rapid. Specialists advise to pay attention to the early, less noticeable symptoms:

Hair parting. When splitting the hair, you may notice that the parting has widened, indicating thinning of the hair.

Balding. Pay attention to the edge of the hair growth - if it changes, it may mean that there is hair loss.

Hair brush. We lose 50 to 100 hairs every day, but if the amount of hair left after combing has increased, you should monitor the process.

Pain and itching. Some conditions that cause hair loss can cause your scalp to feel sore.

What kind of hair loss is it?

Depending on the causes, there are different types of hair loss. The main ones include:

Focal alopecia: This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the person's own hair follicles. With this type of loss, a person can lose hair not only on the head but also on the eyelashes, eyebrows, and other parts of the body.

Androgenic alopecia: the most common type of hair loss, caused by hereditary factors and differing between men and women. For example, women may complain of thinning scalp, while men may complain of hair loss above the temples and on the top of the head.

Anagen alopecia: involves rapid hair loss, usually after chemical or radiation therapy. This process can be reversible.

Telogenic alopecia: A sudden phenomenon caused by an emotional or physical shock, such as stress or a serious illness. It can also be caused by hormonal causes, such as pregnancy, endocrine disorders, taking birth control or other drugs.

Traction alopecia: Constant pressure and tension on the scalp, for example due to too tight a hairstyle, can lead to this type of alopecia.

Shingles: A fungal infection that can affect the scalp and hair. It causes small spots that are covered with scales and cause itching.

How do I diagnose and treat hair loss?

Since there can be many reasons for hair loss, it is better to see a doctor. A specialist will be able to assess your complaints and conduct a comprehensive examination of the body to determine the factor. In addition, laboratory tests or a scalp biopsy may be ordered.

Depending on the underlying cause of hair loss, doctors may offer several treatment options.

Topical and drug therapy. As a general rule, it is recommended to start with topical remedies, such as gels, solutions or shampoos, which are applied directly to the scalp.

If the cause of alopecia is autoimmune or other disease, the doctor may prescribe oral anti-inflammatory medications that affect it directly.

Medical procedures. If alternative treatments don't work, surgery may be necessary. For example, transplant surgery can help move a certain amount of hair to a bare surface. Because the hair loss sometimes progresses, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure in the future.

In addition to treatment, you can also follow certain tips in your daily life to minimize hair loss. Some of the main ones include:

Choose a loose hairstyle. Don't keep your hair in a bun or braid all the time, give it a break from excessive pressure.

Dry it properly. After washing your hair, don't rub it too hard or twist it with a towel.

Do not traumatize your hair. Try not to touch your hair or scalp unnecessarily.

Take care of your diet. Enrich your diet with the nutrients you need for overall hair health and growth and beauty.

The problem of hair loss is quite common, and each case requires an individual approach. Take proper and thorough care of your hair, and if there is excessive hair loss, don't hesitate to contact a professional for timely help.

Previously OBOZREVATEL told about the cause of hair damage. Experts noted that excessive friction during washing can lead to hair brittleness and increased skin sensitivity.

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