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Hair loss (alopecia) Ngaronga makawe
Alopecia is abnormal hair loss. With alopecia, you can lose hair from one area of your body or several areas. Some types of hair loss are permanent, but many are only temporary and your hair will regrow.
What causes alopecia
Abnormal hair loss can have several causes, including:
- decreased hair growth such as when someone has chemotherapy
- increased shedding of hair due to pregnancy or childbirth, fever, weight loss, surgery and some medicines
- stress
- a medical condition such as low iron or thyroid disease
- thinning of hair caused by male and female pattern hair loss
- congenital (present from birth) hair shaft abnormalities
- inflammatory skin disease that damages or destroys the hair shaft.
Alopecia areata is a particular form of hair loss that causes sudden loss of patches of hair. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body attacks its own hair follicles.
Symptoms of alopecia
It is normal for both men and women to shed about 100 scalp hairs a day. These hairs will regrow.
If you are experiencing abnormal hair loss, you may notice more hair than usual in the shower drain or in your hairbrush or comb.
If it is more severe, you may notice bald spots on your scalp.
Other symptoms can include itching, redness or soreness.
Hair loss can be very upsetting especially if it is noticeable. If you are finding it difficult to cope with your hair loss talk to your health care provider to get some support.
Diagnosing alopecia
If you are concerned about hair loss, see your healthcare provider.
They will ask about what you have noticed and if you have any other conditions or are taking any medications that could be causing the hair loss.
Your healthcare provider will ask about any stressful past events that may be causing your hair loss. It can take 2 to 6 months after a stressful event for hair loss to occur.
They will also examine your hair and your skin. This may include pulling out hairs to check the hair roots.
You may need to have blood tests.
Treating alopecia
Most hair loss is either:
- temporary and it will grow back
- a normal part of getting older.
Hair loss caused by a medical condition usually stops and your hair grows back once that condition is treated.
Often the hair loss itself does not require treatment. If you are particularly concerned about hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider who may be able to offer an option for treatment.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is used for the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. It is available as a solution or foam that is applied directly to your scalp.
Minoxidil is sometimes helpful for other types of hair loss including alopecia areata and hair loss related to medicines such as chemotherapy. It can also be used on the scalp after hair replacement surgery.
Disguising hair loss
Options to disguise hair loss include:
- hats, bandannas or scarves
- makeup including false eyelashes
- permanent makeup through a cosmetic technician
- tattooing.
You may consider wearing a wig. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora provides a wigs and hairpieces subsidy. This may be available if your hair loss is caused by a medical condition or from some cancer therapies.
Healthy hair
Most types of hair loss cannot be a prevented. But there are things you can do to help keep your hair healthy including:
- dry your hair naturally or with a hair dryer on a cool setting
- avoid chemical treatments or use them infrequently
- avoid tight hair styles such as braids, buns or ponytails
- avoid twisting, rubbing or pulling hair
- eating well
- not smoking.