About Hair Loss
Hair loss, an often-under-discussed condition, is surprisingly common. Although common, hair loss can have a profound impact on our patients’ self-esteem. It is not just about losing hair; it is about losing a part of yourself that contributes to your unique identity and self-confidence. Dr. Niedbalski, our dedicated and skilled hair loss doctor, truly understands this impact, acknowledging the emotional toll hair loss can take on both his male and female patients while offering comprehensive hair loss treatment plans to manage and treat their conditions.
At Northwest Hair Restoration, we offer more than just treatments; we provide comprehensive care led by our experienced provider, Dr. Robert Niedbalski. Recognizing the unique nature of each patient's journey, we customize our approach, utilizing cutting-edge techniques that promote natural hair growth and restoration. We are not just reversing hair loss; we are restoring confidence, enhancing self-image, and fostering positive self-perception. With us, you are not just a patient – you are a valued member of our community, and your journey toward hair restoration is a journey we embark on together.
What Causes Hair Loss in Men and Women?
Women may notice their hair start thinning in their 40s or 50s, whereas men may begin seeing changes in the fullness of their hair as early as their 20s or 30s. If you are experiencing hair loss as a man or woman, know you are not alone. There are many different reasons that someone may be experiencing hair loss.
Genetics
The most common cause of hair loss or balding in men and women is genetics, also called hereditary hair loss or androgenetic alopecia. This genetic trait is inherited through both maternal and paternal lineages. It is important to understand that hereditary hair loss is not a disease and that, with androgenetic alopecia, there is no hair loss “cure.”
Medical Conditions
Hair loss can be triggered by a wide range of medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid problems, autoimmune disorders, ringworm on the scalp, and anemia. It is also important to note that certain treatments for cancer, specifically chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are well-known to cause hair loss in patients.
Medication
Numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause hair loss in patients, regardless of their gender. This list is extensive and includes blood thinners, birth control pills, and anabolic steroids.
Hormones
Hormonal shifts, such as those that occur during the transition into menopause, can significantly impact hair growth and health, often resulting in hair loss or thinning in women. Our women's hair loss specialist understands that these changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, can directly affect the hair follicles, leading to various hair-related issues and impacting our women patients' self-esteem.
Stress & Trauma
Stress and trauma can have a significant impact on the health of your hair, often leading to thinning or loss. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, research suggests that high levels of stress can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, causing hair to enter the 'shedding' phase more quickly. This is typically a temporary condition, with the hair often regrowing once the stressful situation has passed.
Improper Hair Care
Shampooing your hair too often, combing through wet hair, or the repetitive use of blow dryers and flat irons may cause or aggravate hair loss issues. This damage to the hair is often difficult for patients to reverse. However, our advanced hair restoration techniques can aid patients in their hair regrowth journeys.
Poor Diet
Vitamin A and iron deficiencies can cause hair loss. Hair thinning and hair loss can also be caused by losing weight in an unhealthy way or developing eating disorders like anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
About the Hair Growth Cycle
Did you know that our hair has its own life cycle, just like most things in nature? Hair follicles have specific growth cycles, and it is very natural for us to lose some hair daily.
Our hair goes through three unique phases:
- The Anagen Phase. This phase is when the hair grows continuously, and this can last between 2 to 6 years.
- The Catagen Phase. This is when our follicles take a little rest. Over a period of 3 to 4 weeks, they become dormant and begin to shrink but the hair is still present.
- The Telogen Phase. Also known as the shedding phase, it lasts around 3 to 5 weeks. This is the period where our hair falls from the follicles and prepares for a new growth cycle.
On a regular day, if you have a young and healthy scalp, around 10 to 15 percent of your hair follicles are in this shedding phase. This means you could shed around 50 – 150 hairs a day due to this natural follicular renewal.
If you are worried about hair loss, there is no need to panic. With services focused on hair restoration and consultation with our knowledgeable hair loss doctor, we can help manage your hair's natural cycles and ensure its health.
Common Types of Hair Loss
Depending on the unique characteristics and potential causes of your hair loss, Dr. Niedbalski may diagnose you with one of the following types of hair loss:
Pattern Hair Loss
Many men and women suffer from pattern hair loss caused by a common genetic trait called androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is responsible for more than 95% of pattern hair loss in both men and women. Research shows that this type of genetic hair loss is progressive and worsens with age, and unfortunately, doctors have not found a hair loss cure.
For men with this condition, hair loss typically begins at the temples, forming an “M” shape, leading to baldness on top because hairs on the top of the scalp have a genetic sensitivity to the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Pattern hair loss in women is referred to as female-pattern hair loss and usually begins with thinning, where the hair is parted, followed by progressive all-over thinning.
Patchy Hair Loss
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. This results in sudden loss of hair in small spots on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. Advanced forms of the disorder include alopecia totalis, where all hair on the head is lost, and alopecia universalis, which results in the absence of all body hair.
These conditions are much less common than pattern hair loss. It is important to note that patients with these hair loss conditions may better benefit from our cosmetic solutions rather than our hair restoration techniques.
Hair Pulling
Traction alopecia is the loss of hair from constant pulling, often as a result of tightly braided hairstyles and hair weaves. It can also occur from compulsively pulling of one’s own hair due to anxiety, nervous tics, or impulse control disorders such as trichotillomania (TTM).
Sudden Hair Loss
Have you experienced sudden hair loss due to medication or therapies such as chemotherapy? Our hair loss therapy is designed to combat Anagen effluvium, a common condition resulting from interruptions in the active growth phase of hair follicles.
Whether due to cancer treatments or side effects from medications like diuretics, blood thinners, or birth control pills, you can trust our therapy to help you regain your confidence and hair volume.
Broken Hairs
Hair shaft breakage is when part of a hair breaks off, but the growing end remains in the follicle and continues to grow. Hair shaft breakage results in thinner hair and can be caused by excessive styling using hot tools, chemicals, sun, chlorine in swimming pools, and nutritional deficiencies.
Hair Loss Treatment Near Me in Tacoma, WA
Regardless of the type or cause, you do not have to live with hair loss. At Northwest Hair Restoration, we have many solutions available and will provide a treatment plan specifically tailored to your situation.
Tired of watching your hair loss worsen despite various market remedies? Contact Northwest Hair Restoration of Tacoma, Seattle, and Spokane, Washington, today for your consultation. Call (253) 572-2949 or use our convenient and confidential online request a consult form to see Dr. Robert Niedbalski about your hair restoration options.
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