Hair loss is one of the most pervasive medical conditions in America, affecting more than 75 million men and women. For some individuals, loss of hair can be seen as only minor thinning that causes mild social anxiety. For others, however, hair loss can cause noticeable pattern baldness that begins as early as age sixteen, causing severe depression, loss of confidence, and social withdrawal.
Whether first noticing hair loss or anxiously awaiting your first procedure with a hair transplant surgeon, chances are good that you’ll have to cope with unwanted mental, physical, and emotional effects. The American Academy of Dermatology offers several key pieces of advices to hair loss sufferers to ease the discomfort, which we have reposted below.
Managing the Stress of Hair Loss
First thing’s first: Remember, you are not alone. Millions of men and women experience thinning, shedding and balding. And today, there are a number of safe, proven, and effective treatment options.
Tip 1: Take care of your hair anyways.
It might be tempting to just give up on the hair that is still there. Keep the faith, and practice good hair care anyways. Eat a well-balanced diet rich with biotin, protein, omega 3/6/9 oils, vitamins, minerals, and water—all essential building blocks for healthy hair.
Tip 2: Consult a physician prior to discontinuing medications.
If you suspect that a new medication is causing your hair loss, speak to your physician prior to discontinuing use. Never quit cold turkey, as doing so can cause serious side effects. Instead, discuss your hair loss with your physician and ask if there are alternatives that may be less likely to cause thinning, shedding, or balding.
Tip 3: Take comfort in knowing that some hair loss is temporary.
Temporary hair loss is common, and it’s no reason to stress. To the contrary, de-stressing is the fastest way to reverse hair loss caused by telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium occurs when the hair follicles are “shocked” into a state of dormancy. Most commonly, this happens after a traumatic event (accidents, loss of loved ones, divorces, and other serious life events that are perceived as setbacks).
Tip 4: Consult with a physician as soon as you notice hair loss.
As time lapses, certain hair conditions may become increasingly difficult to treat. Don’t hesitate to seek the guidance of a licensed hair loss professional, preferably a board certified surgeon with a background in Dermatology. This will ensure treatment from a medical professional with extensive knowledge of both hair and skin, as well as the capability to safely perform surgical hair restoration, such as strip donor and/or follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplants.
Hair Loss Treatment in Miami
If you suffer with hair loss, rest assured you are not alone. We welcome readers to learn more about our advanced, comprehensive methods of hair loss diagnosis and evaluation. To learn more about treatment options, or to schedule an appointment, contact our clinic directly at 305-925-0222