Alopecia is the technical term for hair loss. It is a genetic trait that can occur in both men and women. But there are different types of alopecia that affect people differently. Luckily, there are solutions that can help you fight alopecia. We'll explore some of the different types of alopecia, and treatments you can undergo, in this blog.
Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia affects both men and women and is commonly called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It often causes the loss or thinning of hair in a familiar pattern, along the hairline in the front of the head and on the crown toward the back of the head, leaving hair on the back and sides of the head in a U shape. It some cases, androgenic alopecia may lead to complete baldness.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles. It has various degrees of severity; it can cause small patches of hair loss -- in which case the hair may grow back -- or it may lead to extensive hair loss. Alopecia areata affects more than 6 million people in the United States.
Ophiasis is a specific type of alopecia areata in which the loss of hair occurs in a wavelike pattern around the head.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss that results from damage to the hair follicle due to continuous tension or pulling for a long time. The most common cause of traction alopecia is putting tight braids, such as cornrows, in your hair. Certain types of cosmetic surgery, such a facelift, that generates hair tension can lead to traction alopecia.
Types of Complete Hair Loss
There are some types of alopecia that lead to complete hair loss. Among them are:
- Alopecia totalis: Leads to total hair loss on the scalp. There are two types; one happens quickly, and the other starts out as patchy hair loss, eventually leading to total loss of hair on the head.
- Alopecia universalis: This is the most advanced type of alopecia, which leads to complete hair loss on the whole body.
Treatments for Alopecia
No matter what type of alopecia is causing your hair loss, we have treatments that can help give you a solution for your hair loss. For women, our treatments include:
- FDA-approved laser hair treatment, which simulates blood flow to hair follicles.
- CyberHair system, durable synthetic hair that duplicates the look and feel of real human hair.
- Hair integration, a treatment that combines new hair with your existing hair to provide additional cover and volume in areas that are thinning.
- Custom-made wigs, which are lifelike and low-maintenance.
- Natural-looking Invisistrand extensions, which provide an easy way to add volume or length to places where it is needed.
For men experiencing hair loss, we can help you with solutions that include:
- Our proprietary iHair hair replacement solution is a non-surgical method to give you more hair.
- Gradual hair restoration allows you to regain small amounts of hair over time. It gives you the most natural look possible.
- A Permagraft hair graft replicates the look of real growing hair, allowing the scalp to always be seen through the hair.
- Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical treatment that can be sprayed or rubbed on the head. Clinical studies show that about 40 percent of men notice hair regrowth within three to six months of beginning the treatment.
These are just some of the solutions available to you in helping to curb your hair loss. Feel free to contact us to learn more about these and our other treatments. Come in for a free consultation because we can help you decide which is right for you in your specific situation.