Hair loss is a widespread issue affecting both men and women, often becoming more noticeable with age. It can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem and confidence, driving many to seek solutions. Thankfully, recent advancements in hair restoration have made several non-surgical options available, offering alternatives to traditional hair transplants.

To better understand hair loss, it's important to first explore the normal hair growth cycle, which consists of four primary stages:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase)
The anagen phase is the active growth period of the hair cycle. At any given time, around 90% of the hair follicles on your scalp are in this stage. This phase lasts between 2 to 8 years, with hair growing continuously until it reaches the end of its life cycle, is cut, or falls out naturally. The length of your hair is determined by how long the follicles stay in the anagen phase.

2. Catagen (Transition Phase)
The catagen phase is a short transitional period where hair follicles shrink, and hair growth slows down. The hair strand detaches from the follicle but remains in place. This phase lasts about 2 weeks, with only about 1% to 3% of your hair in the catagen phase at any given time.

3. Telogen (Resting Phase)
During the telogen phase, hair growth halts for 2 to 3 months. Around 9% of the hairs on your scalp are in the telogen phase at any time. While hair doesn’t grow in this phase, it typically doesn’t fall out either. This is when new hair follicles begin to form beneath the surface, preparing for the next growth cycle.

4. Exogen (Shedding Phase)
The exogen phase is an extension of the telogen phase, where old hair sheds from the scalp. This is commonly noticed when washing or brushing your hair. Losing 50 to 100 hairs a day during this phase is normal. As old hair sheds, new hair continues to grow in the follicles, keeping the cycle going.

Any disruption in this natural growth cycle can lead to hair loss. Several types of hair loss are common and can be caused by different factors:

Telogen Effluvium (TE)
Telogen Effluvium is a temporary hair loss condition caused by excessive shedding during the telogen phase. It can result from physical or emotional stress, illness, significant weight changes, or hormonal imbalances. Deficiencies in vitamins, such as low iron, can also contribute to TE. Though distressing, this condition is often temporary and reversible once the underlying cause is addressed.

Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a non-scarring condition that leads to hair loss in small, round patches, often on the scalp. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. While the hair roots remain intact, this condition causes temporary bald spots, and hair may regrow over time.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss)
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, has distinct patterns in men and women. In men, it typically causes a receding hairline and thinning at the top of the head, forming a characteristic M-shape. In women, hair thinning tends to occur at the crown, while the frontal hairline generally remains intact. This type of hair loss is linked to hormones called androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shorten hair growth cycles and lead to thinner, shorter strands. Hair follicles may also remain in the resting phase longer.

With advancements in treatment options, there are now a variety of non-surgical solutions available to address hair loss and improve hair appearance:

1. Microneedling
Microneedling stimulates hair growth by creating tiny punctures in the scalp, encouraging the production of collagen and promoting better blood circulation.

2. Polynucleotide Therapy
This treatment uses polynucleotides to rejuvenate and stimulate hair follicles, encouraging hair regrowth.

3. Exosome Therapy
Exosome therapy delivers regenerative molecules that stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, concentrating platelets to inject into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve follicle health.

Additionally, using the right home care products can support scalp health and encourage hair growth. Here are some products I recommend in combination with in-clinic treatments:

1. CLINICCARE Hair Energising Shampoo
This shampoo combines a complex of active ingredients designed to boost scalp vitality, prevent follicle dysfunction, and promote hair growth while moisturizing the scalp.

2. CLINICCARE Hair Energising Conditioner
A lightweight conditioner that nourishes hair and repairs environmental damage, leaving hair stronger, smoother, and shinier.

3. Amalian Hair Booster
This product targets hair loss and thinning by increasing the number of hair follicles in the active growth phase.

4. Exo-Grow All-In-One Shampoo
A functional shampoo formulated with Hasuo plant extracts for intense hydration and nourishment, it helps protect the scalp from inflammation while removing dead cells, leaving the scalp healthy and refreshed.

5. Exo-Grow All-In-One Conditioner
This conditioner restores thicker, healthier hair by providing protection to damaged, coarse, and thinning hair, which may have suffered from frequent styling, UV exposure, or environmental factors.

By combining clinical treatments with proper at-home care, you can support healthy hair growth and help address thinning hair effectively.

Dr S Ahmed