Hair Loss
Hair loss is a very common complaint. Almost 60% of men and up to 40% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives. While genetic causes play a major role in most cases of hair loss, there are many other reasons or contributory factors for losing hair, some of which are only temporary.
Male-pattern hair loss
The most common type of hair loss in men is ‘male pattern baldness’, or androgenetic alopecia. It usually starts from around the age of 30, but can occur any time after puberty. How quickly baldness develops, and the pattern of hair loss, is probably genetically determined. It usually begins with thinning at your hairline, followed by a thinned or bald spot on the crown of your head.
Women can also experience androgenetic alopecia but their baldness pattern is different from men’s. The hairline is usually unchanged but you may have a generalised thinning of hair around your crown. It usually begins around the age of 30, becomes noticeable at about 40, and may be even more noticeable after menopause.
Temporary hair loss
There are many possible causes of temporary hair loss, which include:
Accidents
Cancer treatment
Chemical damage from commercial hair-relaxing products
childbirth – when a woman is pregnant she loses less hair than usual, but two to three months after giving birth, some women notice losing large amounts of hair
Damage from rollers or tight braiding and plaiting
Damage from hair straighteners or irons
Excessive sun exposure
Excessive weight loss or major dietary changes
High fever, severe infection or the flu
Insufficient protein in your diet
Iron deficiency
Jetlag
Major surgery or chronic illness
Some medications, including the oral contraceptive pill
Thyroid disease.
Some of the causes above only cause temporary loss of hair, and in most cases the hair grows back within six to nine months.
Alopecia areata
In this condition, round bald patches appear suddenly, most often on the scalp, although any hair-bearing areas can be affected – such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, or beard. It can occur at any age, including childhood, and commonly affects more than one member of the family or people with chromosomal disorders (e.g., Down's syndrome).
Complete regrowth may take months or sometimes years to occur, as one patch can be falling out while another one is growing. Various forms of the condition exist, including one where all the scalp hair is lost, and another where the entire body hair is shed.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
If you have a weakened immune system, serious medical condition, or if you are asking about hair loss in a child aged less than 18 years, always talk to a pharmacist. Also talk to a pharmacist if:
Your hair loss is sudden or patchy
Your scalp looks flaky, scaly or if it itches
You recently gave birth and have hair loss
You recently started a new medication or have had chemotherapy
You have thyroid disease, a nutritional deficiency or an autoimmune disorder, such as lupus
Your hair loss is different from usual male or female pattern baldness
The hair shafts are breaking off, rather than falling out
You have used products for hair regrowth before without success
You have allergies to some topical products.
Treatment Tips
Continue to wash your hair normally with a mild or medicated shampoo
Handle your hair gently and avoid over-vigorous combing, brushing, or any type of scalp massage
If you use a hair dryer, use on a low setting to avoiding damaging your hair
It is normally safe to perm or colour your hair unless it is breaking off, or in poor condition
A different hairstyle may make your hair loss less noticeable
Treat any scalp conditions, such as dandruff or psoriasis
Eat a well-balanced diet
Practice relaxation techniques or consider lifestyle changes if stress may be a factor in your hair loss
Do not tie up hair too tightly
Some supplements may be beneficial if you think you may be deficient in them – talk to your pharmacist
There is no cure for normal hereditary hair loss; however, some treatments can slow or halt the process and lead to some regrowth
Early treatment works best to prevent further loss – if treatment is stopped hair loss will start again
Hair transplantation may be an option – it is usually more successful for men than women.
Treatment Options
Always discuss treatment options with your pharmacist to ensure the best outcome.
Topical products
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Regaine, Regaine Foam
Minoxidil-containing products can be used for hereditary hair loss in men and women
Best results are seen if started at the first signs of hair thinning
Apply directly to your scalp, twice a day
It usually takes four months before any benefit is seen
Two to six weeks after starting minoxidil, more hair may fall out as new hair growth pushes out old hair
Treatment should be stopped if no benefit is seen after 12 months
Apply the solution to a dry scalp – do not use more than recommended as it will not achieve better or faster growth
Do not use a hair dryer after applying minoxidil
Keep your scalp dry for at least four hours after application and do not wear any type of headgear for at least one hour
Hair products, such as spray and mousse, can be used once the solution has dried
Always wash your hands thoroughly after applying the solution and avoid rubbing it into your eyes, nose or mouth
The most common side effect is an irritated scalp
Avoid minoxidil if you have skin or scalp problems, if you have heart disease or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Oral products
[PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE]
e.g., Propecia
Propecia is available on a doctor’s prescription for hereditary hair loss in men only
It is taken as a single tablet each day
It does not affect hair growth on other parts of the body
Unwanted effects can include erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive.
Natural/herbal products/supplements
e.g., lavender oil, thyme, rosemary, cedarwood
A combination of lavender oil, thyme, rosemary, and cedarwood applied to the scalp improved hair growth.
More Information
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY available only with a prescription from your doctor or other health professional.
Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz
