Hair loss can be caused by many reasons including hereditary factors, poor diet, hormone changes and certain medications.
Alopecia is an umbrella term for conditions characterised by hair loss. It is not contagious, though sometimes it can be a sign of other health problems. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, is one of the more common types of alopecia. Not all of them are related to an unusual immune system response, though. Some types of alopecia are related to genetic, lifestyle, or environmental factors, as well as psychological conditions that lead to hair pulling. Treatments for many types of alopecia are the same and may involve oral medications and topical therapies. For some alopecia types, behavioural changes are needed to reverse hair loss. Seek the advice of a Dermatologist as soon as you notice hair loss – there is a lot that can be done.
Alopecia is an umbrella term for conditions characterised by hair loss. It is not contagious, though sometimes it can be a sign of other health problems. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease, is one of the more common types of alopecia. Not all of them are related to an unusual immune system response, though. Some types of alopecia are related to genetic, lifestyle, or environmental factors, as well as psychological conditions that lead to hair pulling. Treatments for many types of alopecia are the same and may involve oral medications and topical therapies. For some alopecia types, behavioural changes are needed to reverse hair loss. Seek the advice of a Dermatologist as soon as you notice hair loss – there is a lot that can be done.
Densely populated with hair follicles, the scalp serves as the fertile ground for hair growth. It is within these hair follicles rooted in the scalp that our hair finds its origin. A nourished and healthy scalp creates an optimal setting for hair growth, encouraging robust, lively, and luxuriant hair strands.
Numerous factors influence the condition of the scalp, directly impacting hair growth. A compromised scalp can lead to issues such as dandruff, dryness, seborrheic dermatitis, excessive oil production, inflammation, and infections, acting as obstacles to proper hair growth, resulting in hair thinning, breakage, and loss.
Internal and external elements, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, stress, environmental pollutants, inadequate hair care routines, and medications, can affect the wellbeing of the scalp. Beyond mere aesthetics, an unhealthy scalp can cause psychological distress, influencing an individual’s confidence and mental well-being. Therefore, scalp care is not only a matter of aesthetics, but should be considered an essential component of overall health and self-assurance in the medical context.
Proper care for the scalp is crucial for maintaining its health and promoting optimal hair growth.
1. Cleansing Frequency
Regular and gentle cleansing is key. Look for a pH-balanced shampoo suitable for your hair and scalp type. This could mean using a treatment shampoo if they suffer from an itchy and flaky scalp. Infrequent washing can lead to oil build-up, causing issues including itchy hair. The hype on social media encouraging others to wash their hair as little as possible is not good advice. Your scalp is an extension of your face, and you wash your face twice a day, so why neglect your scalp. A dirty scalp with a build-up of dead skin is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive – typically, washing two to three times a week is recommended, more frequently if you have scalp conditions or greasy hair.
2. Scalp-Friendly Products
Vary what you use throughout the week, use a clarifying shampoo once a week – an option might be head and shoulder’s shampoo and Nizoral shampoo – Dead Sea Magik mud scalp mask has beneficial properties, as do the shampoos and conditions in the range. It is an inexpensive range that we carry at the Spa, or you can pick it up at a health store. Look for ingredients such as tea tree oil, piroctone olamine, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole, as they are known for their beneficial effects on the scalp. Allow the shampoo to sit on the scalp for at lease 60 seconds.
3. Regular Scalp Massages
Scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting circulation and enhancing the delivery of essential nutrients. If your patient prefers to massage their scalp while their conditioner is on in the shower, remind them to be gentle on their hair as it is at its weakest when wet so it can lead to breakage if they are too rough. Massaging the scalp for five minutes, twice a day will increase blood flow and can encourage hair growth.
4. Balanced Diet and Hydration
Eat a fresh healthy wholesome locally sourced diet. When it comes to diet and nutrition, protein, iron, and vitamin D are essential to good hair health.
Vitamin D: Many people are deficient in vitamin D as we tend to spend most of our time inside and if we do venture out when it’s sunny, we tend to cover up and stay in the shade to avoid burning which, affects our vitamin D intake. It is beneficial to supplement with vitamin D.
Iron: Iron deficiency is the world’s most common nutritional deficiency and is a well-known cause of hair loss. Iron is crucial to our overall health. It aids the production of our red blood cells which carry oxygen around our body, including to hair follicles. A lack of iron can trigger a type of temporary hair loss known as Telogen Effluvium, characterised by increased shedding that often causes concern when more hair than usual is noticed in brushes or shower drains. Symptoms of iron deficiency include extreme tiredness, lack of energy, hair loss and pale skin. If your patient is suffering from these symptoms, I would recommend booking an appointment with their GP for blood tests to check iron levels, specifically, ferritin (iron storage) levels.
Protein: Up to 85% of hair is made up of protein. When you consume protein, your body will distribute it to the most essential parts of your body such as organs, muscles, and bone. Unfortunately, hair is classed as non-essential, so it only receives what is left after all the essential parts have taken what they need. That’s if there is anything left over! A high-protein diet will ensure that all your non-essential hair follicles receive enough protein to make hair stronger.
5. Stress Management
With life as it currently is, it’s hard not to be stressed. Encourage patients to partake in stress-relieving activities as stress can impact hormonal balance, which, in turn, affects scalp health and hair growth. Some tips my clients have found to be helpful are: -Yoga -Meditation -Regular exercise -Social media breaks -Going to bed earlier – Sleep is important to reduce stress levels. Treat yourself to a regular Massages.
Scalp treatments for hair rejuvenation
• Jep Peel Scalp treatment - A unique, professional treatment designed to deep cleanse, stimulate scalp circulation, and deliver a proprietary blend of growth factors to leave hair looking healthier and fuller.
• PRP/PRF: A simple and natural nonsurgical treatment that involves injecting the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into their scalp, which naturally encourages the growth factors in their blood to stimulate hair growth.
• Meso-therapy for scalp: A ‘vitamin boost’ injection into the scalp that helps improve its blood circulation, meaning hair follicles are better nourished, which can improve hair regrowth.
BENEFITS OF SCALP CARE
Engaging in proper scalp care not only fosters an optimal environment for hair growth but also provides several additional health benefits. A well-nourished and healthy scalp leads to stronger, shinier, and more manageable hair, while minimising issues such as dandruff, itchiness, and scalp infections, thereby enhancing comfort and confidence.
The undeniable connection between scalp health and hair growth emphasises the importance of not neglecting this crucial aspect of our physiology. Incorporating appropriate scalp care practices, such as regular cleansing, utilising scalp-friendly products, incorporating scalp massages, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, is essential for fostering healthy hair from its roots.
Taking a comprehensive approach to scalp health not only ensures the optimal condition of a patient’s hair but also contributes to their overall confidence and well-being. Recognising and nurturing the scalp serves as the cornerstone for maintaining a vibrant and flourishing head of hair in the realm of medical care.
• Jep Peel Scalp treatment - A unique, professional treatment designed to deep cleanse, stimulate scalp circulation, and deliver a proprietary blend of growth factors to leave hair looking healthier and fuller.
• PRP/PRF: A simple and natural nonsurgical treatment that involves injecting the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into their scalp, which naturally encourages the growth factors in their blood to stimulate hair growth.
• Meso-therapy for scalp: A ‘vitamin boost’ injection into the scalp that helps improve its blood circulation, meaning hair follicles are better nourished, which can improve hair regrowth.
BENEFITS OF SCALP CARE
Engaging in proper scalp care not only fosters an optimal environment for hair growth but also provides several additional health benefits. A well-nourished and healthy scalp leads to stronger, shinier, and more manageable hair, while minimising issues such as dandruff, itchiness, and scalp infections, thereby enhancing comfort and confidence.
The undeniable connection between scalp health and hair growth emphasises the importance of not neglecting this crucial aspect of our physiology. Incorporating appropriate scalp care practices, such as regular cleansing, utilising scalp-friendly products, incorporating scalp massages, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle, is essential for fostering healthy hair from its roots.
Taking a comprehensive approach to scalp health not only ensures the optimal condition of a patient’s hair but also contributes to their overall confidence and well-being. Recognising and nurturing the scalp serves as the cornerstone for maintaining a vibrant and flourishing head of hair in the realm of medical care.
PRP can be beneficial for hair loss https://www.allure.com/story/platelet-rich-plasma-hair-loss-treatment
