Yes, genetics is one of the leading causes of hair loss but it can also be linked to a reversible trigger. There are a number of temporary causes of hair loss that not many people consider. The good news is that once these causes have been treated, hair loss usually ceases.
The average person naturally loses up to 100 strands of hair every day but when the body is placed under additional strain due to stress or has a weakened immune system, hair loss can speed up.
How Smoking & Hair Loss are Linked
A number of studies have proven that smoking may be linked to the balding process. The theory is that the toxins that are present in cigarettes have a negative effect on blood flow, which directly impacts the health of the hair follicles.
Basically, when not enough oxygenated blood gets through to the scalp and the hair follicles, a normal growth cycle can’t be maintained and the hair will eventually thin and stop growing altogether.
The toxins in cigarettes also deplete the hair follicles of the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy, which further impacts the scalp’s ability to produce a healthy head of hair.
Treating Hair Loss: What Steps to Take
Everyone can benefit from quitting smoking or at least reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke. Not only will your general health improve but you’ll notice a definite change in the quality and quantity of your hair.
Smoking is a way for many people to deal with stress but pairing the stress with smoking will only make the hair loss worse. So, what should you do to start treating hair loss?
Step 1: Speak to a Professional
The first step is to schedule a consultation at a clinic such as Hair Transplants Melbourne so that your scalp and hair can be evaluated. A hair loss specialist will also be able to tell you what stage of hair loss you’re in and what your treatment options are.
Step 2: Devise a Treatment Plan
If it’s determined that smoking is the primary cause of hair loss, you will need to take steps to cut down on or quit smoking altogether, especially if you want any potential treatment options to be effective.
Next, your hair loss specialist will need to decide whether further treatment will be necessary. Fortunately, there are a number of options available, including:
- Medication. There are two types of hair loss medications that can be prescribed to encourage hair growth over the course of several months.
- PRP. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a type of treatment that extracts platelets from the plasma in your blood, after which it is injected into the scalp to encourage hair growth and healthy follicular activity.
- Hair transplants. For results that are more permanent, an FUE or FUT hair transplant is another option.
If you do decide to undergo a treatment such as a hair transplant or PRP, take the time to find a reputable hair loss clinic that has great reviews. Shopping according to price is never a good idea.
