From thinning to thriving

Dr Piyush Borkhatariya explores the causes, diagnostic tools, treatments, and myths surrounding hair loss, emphasising the importance of early intervention, personalised care, and realistic expectations for successful restoration.

Hair loss is no longer just a concern for those in their later years. Even young individuals are facing the distressing effects of hair thinning and baldness. But why is this happening, and how can we address it? 

To shed light on this issue, Shriyal Sethumadhavan spoke with Dr Piyush Borkhatariya, Chief Dermatologist and Founder, Director, Esthe Wellness, Junagadh, about the most common causes of hair loss, its patterns in males and females, and the diagnostic tools used to identify the underlying issues.

Hair loss in younger generations

It is not uncommon to see individuals as young as 18 or 20 years-old suffering from male pattern baldness, or women experiencing significant hair thinning as well. So, what is behind this troubling trend? 

The key culprit is hormonal changes, particularly androgenetic hair loss, which affects both men and women. In men, it manifests as receding hairlines and thinning at the crown, while in women, it typically appears as diffuse thinning across the scalp. 

Hormonal imbalance, especially androgenetic alopecia often leads to noticeable thinning at the temples and crown for men. For women, it tends to cause thinning throughout the scalp with a more diffuse pattern. 

Another key factor contributing to hair loss is nutritional deficiencies. Inadequate levels of iron, B12, and essential multivitamins can lead to shedding and rough, unhealthy hair. In such cases, the hair may also become brittle and damaged.

Then there is telogen effluvium, a condition where hair falls out in large amounts due to stress, illness, hormonal changes, or even after major life events like pregnancy. Most people are not even aware they have telogen effluvium and they often mistake it for normal shedding.

Trending treatments 

Firstly, to determine the cause, a combination of clinical examination and trichoscopy (a specialised scalp examination with a high-powered microscope) is used. By examining the scalp closely, we can identify issues such as thinning, follicle damage, or the presence of abnormal growth cycles.

Other diagnostic tests include hair pull tests for telogen effluvium, which help determine the shedding phase, and blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies such as low iron, B12, vitamin D, and thyroid imbalances.

With the right diagnosis, treatment options such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, hair restoration treatments, and nutritional supplementation can be explored. However timely intervention is key to preventing further hair loss and improving overall scalp health.

As an advanced version of PRP, Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) uses the same principle of extracting and concentrating growth factors, but with a higher potency for stimulating hair growth. Stem cell therapy is also a common treatment used to regenerate hair follicles, providing a more advanced and potent solution. Stem cell therapy is known for its potential to regenerate tissue and enhance the overall quality of the hair. 

Additionally, mesotherapy and peptide therapy treatments involve the injection of active substances into the scalp to nourish hair follicles, promote blood circulation, and stimulate hair growth. The combination of peptides and other nutrients has been found effective in revitalising hair growth. Additionally, nutritional supplements – such as iron, vitamin D, and biotin – are often used to address underlying deficiencies that may contribute to hair thinning. The integration of home care, including regular application of topical treatments and maintaining a healthy diet, can also play a crucial role in preventing the progression of hair loss and accelerating recovery. Combination treatments can leverage the strengths of different therapies to maximise effectiveness. 

Managing hair loss

Managing patient expectations is one of the key challenges in hair loss treatment. Unlike quick-fix solutions, hair restoration is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Patients often come to clinics after trying various over-the-counter products with limited success, and they expect fast results. However, it is important to set realistic expectations during the consultation phase.

Effective hair restoration requires a tailored treatment plan, consistent follow-up, and a clear understanding that results typically take several months to manifest. Most patients can expect noticeable changes in 8 to 12 months, with the process being incremental. Proper diagnosis by a qualified dermatologist ensures that patients receive a treatment plan suited to their specific needs, and this professional guidance is crucial in achieving successful outcomes. By setting expectations early and providing ongoing support, patients are more likely to see satisfying results.

“With the right diagnosis, treatment options such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, hair restoration treatments, and nutritional supplementation can be explored. ”

Post-procedural care

Post-procedural care plays an integral role in the overall success of hair restoration treatments as it ensures that the results of these treatments are optimised. Patients must continue taking prescribed medications, apply topical treatments like minoxidil or peptides, and follow proper hair care routines. A consistent lifestyle and diet also support the healing process and hair growth. 

For male patients, daily washing is recommended to promote scalp health, while female patients may follow a slightly less frequent regimen. This post-treatment care is crucial in supporting the long-term effectiveness of the therapy, ensuring that the therapeutic work done during the procedure continues to have the desired effect.

Common myths and solutions

While it is essential to understand that hair loss can occur due to a variety of factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle habits, it is equally important to address the myths that surround the issue. Here are some of the most prevalent myths in the field of hair restoration:

“As an advanced version of PRP, Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) uses the same principle of extracting and concentrating growth factors, but with a higher potency for stimulating hair growth. ”

Myth #1:

Hair loss is caused by scalp tension or poor scalp health

Many people believe that hair loss is directly linked to tension at the scalp level or a lack of proper scalp care. However, this is not entirely true. Hair follicles are located deep within the scalp, and their function can be influenced by a variety of internal factors, not merely the condition of the scalp’s surface. Conditions such as male-pattern baldness, hormonal fluctuations, or nutrient deficiencies tend to have a more significant impact on hair loss. While maintaining scalp health is essential for overall hair quality, it is not the primary cause of hair fall.

Myth #2:

Constipation causes hair fall

Another myth that frequently arises in consultations is the idea that constipation directly leads to hair loss. People often believe that clearing constipation will immediately stop hair fall. While gastrointestinal health is a critical component of overall wellbeing, constipation does not have a direct correlation with hair fall. Hair loss is typically influenced by genetic factors, diet, stress, or medical conditions. Improving gut health and overall nutrition can certainly contribute to healthier hair, but relieving constipation alone does not halt or reverse hair loss.

“Stem cell therapy is also a common treatment used to regenerate hair follicles, providing a more advanced and potent solution. ”

Myth #3:

A special shampoo will stop hair loss

A common request from patients is for a magic shampoo that can stop their hair fall. Shampoos are designed to clean the scalp and hair, not to stop hair loss. While specific ingredients in shampoos may improve hair quality – such as reducing dryness or brittleness – no shampoo will directly stop hair fall. Treatments like hair growth serums, prescription medications, or procedures like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy are more effective in addressing hair loss.

Myth #4:

Hair loss should be stopped immediately

It is not uncommon for patients to expect immediate results from hair loss treatments. However, hair fall reduction is a gradual process, and significant changes typically take time. Most hair restoration treatments, whether medical or surgical, require three to six months before noticeable improvements appear. It is crucial not to expect immediate cessation of hair loss, as hair regrowth is a gradual process that involves the natural hair cycle. Additionally, patients may experience some shedding during the first few months of treatment, which is normal as new hair begins to grow in.

Myth #5:

A few hair strands falling out is abnormal

Many individuals panic when they notice a few hair strands falling out during the day. It is important make them aware that losing 10 to 20 hair strands a day is entirely normal and part of the natural hair shedding cycle. In fact, losing up to 100 hair strands per day is considered normal for most people.

What to look for!

Hair loss is a growing concern for both younger and older generations, influenced by factors like hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and stress-related conditions. While misconceptions about its causes and treatments are widespread, it is crucial to understand that hair restoration is a gradual process requiring patience and proper care. Early intervention, a tailored treatment plan, and ongoing post-procedural care can lead to significant improvements in hair health. With the right approach and support from qualified professionals, individuals can effectively address hair loss and restore confidence in their appearance.