Hair is a integral part of one’s body image, personality or beauty and almost everybody is very much concerned about it. We are trying to discuss some common problems about hair and various facilities available with us.
Consultations for hair problems, that way can be done by any dermatologist in Alok clinic Panvel and New Panvel. But to give better justice for patients with hair problems,
we run a special OPD for hair problems on every Tuesday in Alok Clinic, New Panvel.This is conducted by Dr. Priyanka Gadge, a senior dermatologist from Team Alok Clinic, between 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. A detailed questionnaire based history is taken. Detailed counselling and advice is given. Thus it is strongly recommended for all the patients visiting Alok Clinic for hair related problems to visit this special OPD at least once during their follow up visits. If the time of Hair OPD suits them, they can continue their regular follow up visits in hair OPD itself. Bookings of hair OPD can be taken multiple days in advance either on phone or online.
People are concerned if hair strands are shed while combing, bathing or just scratching the hair. They feel that they will get bald if they keep on losing hair like that. This anxiety can be reduced if one understands the concept of hair cycle.
Each hair goes in falling stage (telogen) after enjoying a growth phase (Anagen) for around 2 ½ to 3 years. Once in telogen, the hair is systematically loosened from the root and slowly migrates to the surface and eventually falls naturally. A new hair starts appearing in this empty follicle before the old hair is lost. This new hair also is allowed to grow for similar period of around 2 ½ to 3 years (anagen), and again enters telogen. The hair cycle of all the hair is taking place in the staggered manner, i.e. all the scalp hair may be at a varying stage in the hair cycle. A normal human being has around 1,00,000 hair on the scalp and normally loses 70 to 100 hair strands per day as a part of this normal hair cycle. The telogen lasts for around 90 to 100 days. So the hair which is lost today is actually lost 3 months back, when body gives it "retirement order" and starts telogen. So it takes 3 or more months for any internal or external factor or a health problem, to affect and increase hair loss. So when one complains of sudden increase in the hair loss, he has to see some reason which is more than 3 months old and not "the shampoo used yesterday".
Hair is a very fast growing structure and is very demanding for resources and nutrition. Thus they are very sensitive to well being of the body. Any trivial illness, fever, mental or physical stress can precipitate hair loss, 3 months after the said event. Hair, if deprived of support from the body, they immediately turn from Anagen to Telogen. So in many conditions, the reason for hair loss could be so trivial that it cannot be found out easily on medical examination or blood investigations. Hair loss is called alopecia in medical language. Alopecia is not one disease, it is only.
But mainly iron deficiency, protein or vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders, recent episode of fever (around 3 months back) are the reasons for hair loss. Such a loss is called as Telogen effluvium in medical language.
Alopecia areata ("Chaai" in marathi) is a patchy hair loss due to sort of an allergic process.
Scarring alopecia is hair loss caused by some disease which destroys scalp skin leading to destruction of hair follicles, e.g. burns, cancers or a problem called as lichen planopilaris.
The excess of action of male hormone (Androgen) in males or females can also lead to reduction in hair density. But this is mainly because of thinning of hair shaft (miniaturisation) rather than overt hair shedding. This is called as Patterned Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia. This is most common cause of baldness in males and also common in middle aged females. The average age of getting Androgenetic Alopecia in male is declining and we see lot of patients in 20's or 30's. An instrument called Dermoscope is very useful to differentiate between Androgenetic type and other type of hair loss.
Each hair goes in falling stage (telogen) after enjoying a growth phase (Anagen) for around 2 ½ to 3 years. Once in telogen, the hair is systematically loosened from the root and slowly migrates to the surface and eventually falls naturally. A new hair starts appearing in this empty follicle before the old hair is lost. This new hair also is allowed to grow for similar period of around 2 ½ to 3 years (anagen), and again enters telogen. The hair cycle of all the hair is taking place in the staggered manner, i.e. all the scalp hair may be at a varying stage in the hair cycle. A normal human being has around 1,00,000 hair on the scalp and normally loses 70 to 100 hair strands per day as a part of this normal hair cycle. The telogen lasts for around 90 to 100 days. So the hair which is lost today is actually lost 3 months back, when body gives it "retirement order" and starts telogen. So it takes 3 or more months for any internal or external factor or a health problem, to affect and increase hair loss. So when one complains of sudden increase in the hair loss, he has to see some reason which is more than 3 months old and not "the shampoo used yesterday".
Hair is a very fast growing structure and is very demanding for resources and nutrition. Thus they are very sensitive to well being of the body. Any trivial illness, fever, mental or physical stress can precipitate hair loss, 3 months after the said event. Hair, if deprived of support from the body, they immediately turn from Anagen to Telogen. So in many conditions, the reason for hair loss could be so trivial that it cannot be found out easily on medical examination or blood investigations. Hair loss is called alopecia in medical language. Alopecia is not one disease, it is only.
But mainly iron deficiency, protein or vitamin deficiency, thyroid disorders, recent episode of fever (around 3 months back) are the reasons for hair loss. Such a loss is called as Telogen effluvium in medical language.
Alopecia areata ("Chaai" in marathi) is a patchy hair loss due to sort of an allergic process.
Scarring alopecia is hair loss caused by some disease which destroys scalp skin leading to destruction of hair follicles, e.g. burns, cancers or a problem called as lichen planopilaris.
The excess of action of male hormone (Androgen) in males or females can also lead to reduction in hair density. But this is mainly because of thinning of hair shaft (miniaturisation) rather than overt hair shedding. This is called as Patterned Hair Loss or Androgenetic Alopecia. This is most common cause of baldness in males and also common in middle aged females. The average age of getting Androgenetic Alopecia in male is declining and we see lot of patients in 20's or 30's. An instrument called Dermoscope is very useful to differentiate between Androgenetic type and other type of hair loss.
Treatment depends on the cause of hair loss, if identifiable. We look for low haemoglobin, thyroid hormone levels, iron storage in body, dietary pattern and protein intake, hair care methods used, family history. We see whether loss is all over the scalp or localised or patterned and whether scarring type or non-scarring.
The treatment is decided as per the cause.
The treatment is decided as per the cause.
This comprises of supplementation of iron, vitamins and proteins. Local hair growing lotions containing Minoxidil or Peptides (Capexil, Procapil) are also given. Treatment of Alopecia Areata : Steroids in the form of tablets, creams or local injection on bald area are commonly used. Minoxidil also helps for hair growth. Various drugs which modify the local immune response like Methoxalen, carbolic acid and Anthralin are useful. DPCP (Diphencyprone) is a immunomodulator drug which is available in Alok Clinic. It requires lot of expertise and care for use of DPCP but we have created the facility here.
Oral antiandrogens like Finesteride and Dutasteride as tablets along with Minoxidil are used initially. The penetration of minoxidil can be enhanced using Dermaroller treatment to create channels. Low Level Laser Therapy using LED lights in the form of comb or caps is a good addition to the treatment. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections (Obtained by centrifugation of patients’ own blood in specialised tubes) are given to enhance the response to medical treatment.
Hair Transplantation with FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction Method), is routinely done in Alok Clinic. Dr. Amit Kerure and Dr. Umesh Bilewar are two dermatologists who specialize in hair transplant procedures are part of Team Alok Clinic. Operation Theatre in Alok Clinic, New Panvel is specially designed for carrying out hair transplantation. Those who are interested to know about this facility, are welcome to Alok Clinic to visit any dermatologist, especially in Hair OPD on Tuesday.
FUE Results:
Facilities of micro-pigmentation and specialised Hair systems made from Human Hair can be made available from specific patients if required from experts in the particular field.
Graying is a common problem which may be due to aging, hereditary tendency or mental / physical stress.
There are some oral and topical treatments available for this problem but success rate is low in spite of using the treatment for a long time.
There are some oral and topical treatments available for this problem but success rate is low in spite of using the treatment for a long time.
Wash your hair with any routine shampoo which you find suitable. A particular shampoo is rarely a cause of hair loss. Use special shampoos with medical advice if you have specific problems like oily scalp, dandruff, dry frizzy hair.
Hair conditioning can be done with routine hair oil or conditioners. Stay on conditioners are preferred if you have extreme loss of lustre of your hair. It is better to shampoo first and then use conditioner, rather than using a Shampoo with Conditioner.
Disentangle your hair with fingers (esp. If you have long hair) before combing them. Combs with pointed teeth are better avoided. Do not give jerks to hair shafts while combing. Conditioning with improve “combability” of hair.
Hair dryer should be used sparingly and that too without hot cycle. Application of stay on conditioner while you are drying the hair may be very useful.
Avoid exposure to heat, dust, sunlight wherever possible. Cover the hair when you are exposed to sun or heat.
Avoid very tight hairstyles or ponytails. It can cause permanent hair loss especially in frontline.
Hair dyes are safe in most individuals. Apart from a mild reduction in lustre due to increased porosity of hair, they do not have major problems. Some individuals may get allergy to the common ingredient called paraphenyline diamine. Some others develop facial pigmentation due to hair dye usage. Such individuals should take advice from the dermatologists regarding treatment and alternative hair dye.
Hair straightening may enhance the looks but damages the disulfide bonds in hair shafts making them more prone for damage rendering them lustreless. Regular conditioning is must if you are planning for hair straightening
Hair conditioning can be done with routine hair oil or conditioners. Stay on conditioners are preferred if you have extreme loss of lustre of your hair. It is better to shampoo first and then use conditioner, rather than using a Shampoo with Conditioner.
Disentangle your hair with fingers (esp. If you have long hair) before combing them. Combs with pointed teeth are better avoided. Do not give jerks to hair shafts while combing. Conditioning with improve “combability” of hair.
Hair dryer should be used sparingly and that too without hot cycle. Application of stay on conditioner while you are drying the hair may be very useful.
Avoid exposure to heat, dust, sunlight wherever possible. Cover the hair when you are exposed to sun or heat.
Avoid very tight hairstyles or ponytails. It can cause permanent hair loss especially in frontline.
Hair dyes are safe in most individuals. Apart from a mild reduction in lustre due to increased porosity of hair, they do not have major problems. Some individuals may get allergy to the common ingredient called paraphenyline diamine. Some others develop facial pigmentation due to hair dye usage. Such individuals should take advice from the dermatologists regarding treatment and alternative hair dye.
Hair straightening may enhance the looks but damages the disulfide bonds in hair shafts making them more prone for damage rendering them lustreless. Regular conditioning is must if you are planning for hair straightening
Can the hair once lost, be regenerated?
There is hair cycle leading to normal shedding of around 70-100 hair per day which are regenerated in the process of hair cycle. If they are lost as a part of aging process or a disease, then require dermatologist help. The loss in scarring alopecia or long standing androgenetic alopecia cannot be recovered . Hair transplant may be a tool to restore such a loss.
Can shampoo cause hair loss?
Shampoo generally cannot cause hair loss from the root and not a cause of hair loss in majority cases. It can at the most lead to
Can dandruff cause hair loss ?
Dandruff normally cannot cause hair loss. Even very thick scales seen in psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis do not lead to baldness. Only in diseases like lichen planopilaris or Tinea capitis, where scaling and disease process involves hair root, hair loss is seen along with so called ‘dandruff’. These conditions are rare. Most of the times, dandruff is a factor which draws the attention of the patient towards the hair loss, thus such a myth is present.
Which hair oil is good for hair?
Hair oils only cause conditioning, i.e. making the hair
Do my hair get nutrition by oil or any products applied on top?
Hair is a dead structure and does not require nutrition. Hair root gets nutrition only from the blood supply, so from internal source. Most of the vitamins and nutrients are not absorbed from hair or skin and useless if used as external application. They may be, at the most useful as conditioners.
Most beauty therapists use the term “hair nourishment’ instead of conditioning which they find a more catchy or sellable term !!
Should I cut my split-ends?
Split ends develop due to damage to the hair cover (called cuticle) due to weathering. So the key is conditioning and the tips of hair care mentioned in this article. If they are not followed, the new splits will develop at the cut ends.
Should I cut my hair or shave my scalp for a good hair growth?
Hair is a dead structure and the body has no idea that they are cut or shaved. Cutting or shaving the hair neither induce growth nor adds to the hair thickness. It also does not prevent hair fall.
Does hair dye cause hair loss?
No. But can lead to porosities which may cause lustreless hair.
I have few strands of gray hair. Does plucking them cause more hair to turn white?
Plucking the gray stands should not cause graying of neighbouring hair.
How many days are required to see effect on hair after starting treatment of hair loss?
Each hair takes 3 months for actual fall after entering the falling phase (telogen). So all the hair which are likely to fall in next 3 months are present in the follicle, but separated from the root, when you start the treatment. So, normally it should take more than 3 months to see effect on hair growth. For increasing in hair mass, it can take even more.
Is dandruff curable?
Dandruff is a tendency to get excessive visible scaling on scalp which may be due to sensitivity to a fungus, Pityriasporum ovale, which is common resident of the scalp skin. Thus it can recur even if treated, and thus needs to be kept under control.
Why my hair fall while shampooing?
The hair in telogen (falling ) phase, which are about to fall, may be manipulated during head bath, shampooing or combing after head bath and thus may fall much earlier than their possible natural shedding. But no normally growing Anagen hair can fall due to any of these things.
Will the "tonics" given for hair growth make me fat or overweight?
No chance. These drugs only supplement vitamins and esential nutrients but no calories.
There is hair cycle leading to normal shedding of around 70-100 hair per day which are regenerated in the process of hair cycle. If they are lost as a part of aging process or a disease, then require dermatologist help. The loss in scarring alopecia or long standing androgenetic alopecia cannot be recovered . Hair transplant may be a tool to restore such a loss.
Can shampoo cause hair loss?
Shampoo generally cannot cause hair loss from the root and not a cause of hair loss in majority cases. It can at the most lead to
Can dandruff cause hair loss ?
Dandruff normally cannot cause hair loss. Even very thick scales seen in psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis do not lead to baldness. Only in diseases like lichen planopilaris or Tinea capitis, where scaling and disease process involves hair root, hair loss is seen along with so called ‘dandruff’. These conditions are rare. Most of the times, dandruff is a factor which draws the attention of the patient towards the hair loss, thus such a myth is present.
Which hair oil is good for hair?
Hair oils only cause conditioning, i.e. making the hair
Do my hair get nutrition by oil or any products applied on top?
Hair is a dead structure and does not require nutrition. Hair root gets nutrition only from the blood supply, so from internal source. Most of the vitamins and nutrients are not absorbed from hair or skin and useless if used as external application. They may be, at the most useful as conditioners.
Most beauty therapists use the term “hair nourishment’ instead of conditioning which they find a more catchy or sellable term !!
Should I cut my split-ends?
Split ends develop due to damage to the hair cover (called cuticle) due to weathering. So the key is conditioning and the tips of hair care mentioned in this article. If they are not followed, the new splits will develop at the cut ends.
Should I cut my hair or shave my scalp for a good hair growth?
Hair is a dead structure and the body has no idea that they are cut or shaved. Cutting or shaving the hair neither induce growth nor adds to the hair thickness. It also does not prevent hair fall.
Does hair dye cause hair loss?
No. But can lead to porosities which may cause lustreless hair.
I have few strands of gray hair. Does plucking them cause more hair to turn white?
Plucking the gray stands should not cause graying of neighbouring hair.
How many days are required to see effect on hair after starting treatment of hair loss?
Each hair takes 3 months for actual fall after entering the falling phase (telogen). So all the hair which are likely to fall in next 3 months are present in the follicle, but separated from the root, when you start the treatment. So, normally it should take more than 3 months to see effect on hair growth. For increasing in hair mass, it can take even more.
Is dandruff curable?
Dandruff is a tendency to get excessive visible scaling on scalp which may be due to sensitivity to a fungus, Pityriasporum ovale, which is common resident of the scalp skin. Thus it can recur even if treated, and thus needs to be kept under control.
Why my hair fall while shampooing?
The hair in telogen (falling ) phase, which are about to fall, may be manipulated during head bath, shampooing or combing after head bath and thus may fall much earlier than their possible natural shedding. But no normally growing Anagen hair can fall due to any of these things.
Will the "tonics" given for hair growth make me fat or overweight?
No chance. These drugs only supplement vitamins and esential nutrients but no calories.
Introduction
Unwanted hair growth is unsightly in both men and women. Women with unwanted hair on the face due to hormonal causes, are said to have hirsutism. Polycystic ovarian disease, which leads to hormonal disturbance in a female body is one of the common causes of hirsutism.
Many women may have facial hair growth due to hereditary or racial inheritance without any evidence of hormonal dysfunction. Many men or boys may want to remove body hair or do beard shaping without any disease.
Waxing / threading / plucking / depilatories (chemical hair removal) are temporary methods of hair uprooting. Some cream containing drugs like eflornithine are useful for temporary thinning of the hair. But long term effects can be achieved by specialised equipment.
Electrolysis / Thermolysis / ElectroblendElectrolysis and thermolysis (ar a combination of two, called electroblend) were used in the past but very time consuming and skill intensive. They are still useful when few hair strands are to be removed or for white hair. (As white hair do not respond to light based treatments). This facility, which is age-old and already almost extinct from other clinics, is still available in Alok Clinic, to be used for white hair and other special situations.
Light Assisted Hair Reduction (LHR)The most common utility used nowadays is light assisted hair reduction. There are many lasers and lights available for this purpose. In these technologies, hair root is destroyed by an intense pulsed light or laser beams. It is fast, relatively painless and very convenient in most situations. Diode Laser, Long Pulsed Nd YAG Laser, Alexandrite Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are some of the technologies available for this purpose with various advantages and disadvantages. Diode Laser (Linscan by a German Company called GME and IPL (JAG VPL) are available in Alok Clinic.
IPL (JAG VPL)This technology is available in Alok Clinic, Panvel. This is more useful for patients with unwanted hair which are thinner or of variable thickness.
Linscan Diode LaserThis technology is available in Alok Clinic, New Panvel. It is more useful for patients with thick unwanted hair.
Advantages of Light Assisted Hair Reduction- Fast and almost safe.
- Non invasive
- Large areas can be covered
- Hair reduction, if demanded from very large areas, like back , become practical.
- It is a long term hair reduction, complete and permanent hair removal may not be achievable. Still, almost 70% hair reduction takes place which may require few touch-ups in future. This is cosmetically satisfying for most patients.
- Treatment requires presence of growing pigmented hair in the follicle for the action of the laser / light. Thus it does not work when plucking / threading / waxing is done in recent past, on the site of treatment. It does not work on white or bleached hair as they cannot absorb light energy.
- Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Disease or other hormonal problems leading to unwanted hair, should be on appropriate hormonal treatment for at least 6 months before the LHR treatments for good results. In spite of hormonal treatments, these patients get inferior results as compared to people with no obvious hormonal imbalance.
- Results are seen only after few monthly sittings are over. First sitting may not show any results.
- One catch 22 situation often takes place in Indian patients. The hair colour absorbs the light energy and passes it to the hair root which in turn gets destroyed during the treatment. But the skin also has colour, which absorbs energy and likely to get damaged. Thus a patient with a darker skin is not an ideal candidate for the treatment. Every machine has a mechanism to cool the under treatment skin surface so that this damage is avoided. But still, the patients with darker skin types will have a low safety threshold, i.e. they burn easily if proper doses of light energy are given. If you try to give lower doses for safety, then treatment may not give adequate results. But the newer technologies which we possess are designed to circumvent many of the limitations mentioned above and give reasonably good response in typical Indian skin, due to which most patients have satisfaction.
- The only reason to mention these limitations is that patients, who come with great hope, should be ready to face various difficulties in laser hair reduction and accept them. They should realise that complete and permanent hair reduction of all unwanted hair may not be possible, but cosmetically acceptable long term hair reduction is very much possible.