Habiba Tunau MD

 

Let’s face it, most people desire thick, healthy hair as a sign of good health and youth. Over the years concerns about hair in my practice were very common and chances are at one time or another you have been worried about your hair too. As an individual who loves to express myself creatively, I change my hairstyles as a big part of my personality and as an expression of my culture. I totally understand your concerns. So here are several points you should consider about your hair density and growth.

GENETICS

Not everyone inherits thick hair. Some people naturally have thin, fine, or sparse hair. Take a good look at your parents, aunts, and sisters. Your hair density may be normal based your family genetics. Perhaps you not only have thin hair but you are balding or have alopecia. The most common form of alopecia is genetically predetermined. It may start as a “widow’s peak” in women or a thinning crown. If you seek help early, there are prescribed treatments that may help like minoxidil, which has a version both for men and women, as well as finasteride for men only.

AGE

As we get older most of us will have some thinning of our hair, noticeably in our late 40’s or 50’s depending upon your family tree. Take a closer look at your next family picnic.

MEDICATION

Certain medication will affect hair growth or even accelerate hair loss. The most commonly known are cancer treating drugs. However, some blood pressure medications can decrease hair growth or even cause hair to fall out. A possible clue is the timing of the hair loss with the start of a new medication.

HORMONAL

It is common to have hair loss after the following:

• Pregnancy – It happens so don’t be alarmed. In time, your body will self-regulate and everything will return back to normal.

• Menopause – This is a part of a normal aging process and happens around the age of 50. Some women may choose to seek hormone replacement after weighing the risks and benefits.

• Thyroid disorders – I can’t tell you how many times patients have presented with hair loss, fatigue, unplanned weight loss or weight gain to only discover that they have hypo or hyperthyroidism. A blood test ordered by your physician can help to determine this possibility.

POOR NUTRITION

It is not uncommon to see someone who has had gastric bypass (weight loss surgery) and is not taking their prescribed multivitamins, to have significant hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia can also affect your hair growth, as well as texture. Adjusting one’s diet to include iron rich foods such as spinach or lentils and taking a balanced multivitamin with iron & Biotin will certainly help.

ILLNESS/INFECTION

Certain autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus or infections like secondary syphilis or the common ringworm can cause hair loss. In any case, the underlying condition needs to be treated.

UNUSUAL CAUSES

• Alopecia Areata – the cause is unknown but it is believed to be an immune process. It leaves you with smooth patches of hair loss. For some the smooth patches be interrupted with short tiny hairs.

• Alopecia Totalis – the sudden complete loss of all of the hair from your scalp.

• Alopecia Universalis – the sudden complete loss of hair from your entire body, including your scalp.

All of the above unusual causes are responsive to treatments with corticosteroids.

SELF INFLICTED

• Excessive processing with relaxers, perms, and dyes can all lead to hair breakage and/or loss.

• Excessive heat damage using flat irons, pressing combs, or curling wands can leave your hair weakened and broken. Ask yourself if you are using these tools too often. Also are you protecting your tresses at night with a silk scarf or bonnet to avoid further breakage & loss of moisture?

• Excessive pulling of your hair due to weaves and braids. This can cause Tension Alopecia, usually noticeable around hair lines or “edges”. Now don’t get me wrong. I love weaves and braids but there is no reason why you should leave the salon with a headache or bumps on your scalp after a hair appointment!

• Trichotillomania, a medical condition where a person is pulling out their own hair. I once had a roommate who did this. It was a nervous habit and she was often unaware she was doing it. The result is patches of hair of differing lengths.

As you can see there are a variety of potential causes for hair loss. If your hair loss is persistent and worrisome, a good place to start is with your primary care doctor or dermatologist. They will not only ask you a lot of questions but possibly order blood work such serum testosterone, iron, complete blood count, and thyroid functions tests among others.

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