Hair loss is a distressing issue for many, especially women, as it can impact self-confidence and overall appearance. Whether you notice sudden hair loss while combing or gradual bald spots appearing on your scalp, understanding the causes of excessive hair loss in women, recognizing when hair loss becomes serious, and seeking quick treatment for severe hair loss is the first step toward restoring healthy, thick hair.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about treating hair loss, from its causes and types to the latest treatments, while highlighting the role of DHI Egypt as a leading destination for hair treatment and transplantation.
Hair Loss Treatment
There are various methods to treat hair loss, ranging from injections to laser therapy, with the ultimate solution being hair transplant surgery. Below is an explanation of each treatment method:
Treating Hair Loss with Injections
For a quick solution to severe hair loss, injections are among the most effective options in dermatology clinics. Here are the main types of injections:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
- Plasma is extracted from the patient’s blood via centrifugation and contains growth factors like VEGF and PDGF that stimulate cell proliferation. It is injected into the scalp to nourish hair follicles.
- Enhances blood circulation, extends the growth phase (Anagen), and reduces hair loss.
- Requires 3–6 sessions every 4–6 weeks.
- Safe, reduces hair loss, and improves hair density.
Corticosteroid Injections
- Compounds like triamcinolone are injected to treat pathological hair loss, such as alopecia areata.
- Reduces the immune system’s attack on hair follicles, allowing regrowth.
- Requires one session every 4–6 weeks.
- Effective for treating bald patches quickly.
Mesotherapy Injections
- A blend of biotin, zinc, and amino acids is injected into the dermis to support follicle metabolism.
- Boosts keratin production and improves blood circulation.
- Requires 6–10 weekly sessions.
- Enhances hair shine and strength.
Growth Factor Injections
- Contains KGF (Keratinocyte Growth Factor) to stimulate cell division in follicles.
- Activates dormant follicles and supports hair transplantation.
- Requires 3–5 sessions every 4 weeks.
- Strengthens hair follicles.
Peptide Injections
- Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production.
- Activate stem cells in hair follicles.
- Requires 4–8 sessions every two weeks.
- Reduces premature hair loss.
Scalp Filler Injections
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates the scalp and improves its environment.
- Increases blood flow and provides a fuller appearance.
- Requires 2–4 sessions every 4–6 weeks.
- Enhances follicle growth.
Stem Cell Injections
- Derived from adipose tissue or umbilical cord, these contain cells capable of differentiating into follicle cells.
- Regenerates damaged follicles and promotes growth, with preliminary studies showing high efficacy (Stem Cells Translational Medicine, 2021).
- Requires 1–3 sessions every 3–6 months.
- Ideal for severe cases but expensive.
Exosome Injections
- Nanoparticles secreted from stem cells, containing mRNA and microRNA to enhance cellular communication.
- Reduces inflammation and activates follicles.
- Requires 1–3 sessions every 4–6 months.
- Promotes faster growth with less inflammation.
Treating Hair Loss with Medications
In addition to injections, effective medications for hair loss include:
- Minoxidil: A daily spray to stimulate hair growth.
- Finasteride: Pills for men to reduce DHT hormone levels.
- Spironolactone: For women with female pattern baldness.
Treating Hair Loss with Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an innovative, non-invasive option for treating hair loss. It uses low-energy light to stimulate hair follicles, promoting growth and reducing hair loss.
- The laser activates stem cells in follicles, extends the growth phase (Anagen), and reduces chronic scalp inflammation associated with excessive hair loss in women, such as androgenetic alopecia. It also improves blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients.
- Suitable for early androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or general hair thinning. It can be used alone or combined with treatments like Minoxidil or PRP for enhanced results.
- Performed in clinics using devices like laser caps or combs, or at home with certified devices. Sessions last 10–30 minutes, 2–3 times weekly.
- Non-invasive, safe, and painless. Ideal for quick treatment of mild to moderate severe hair loss.
Definitive Hair Loss Treatment with Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplantation is the best option for permanent hair loss treatment, especially for androgenetic alopecia or bald spots unresponsive to other treatments. The procedure involves transferring hair follicles from a donor area (typically the back of the head) to bald areas, as these follicles are resistant to the DHT hormone that causes hair loss.
Key modern techniques include:
- DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): Uses a precise tool to implant follicles directly without incisions, offering natural results with a success rate exceeding 90%.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): Involves extracting follicles individually and implanting them in recipient areas.
- Transplanted follicles begin growing after 3–4 months, with final results visible within 12–18 months. The surgery takes 4–8 hours under local anesthesia, with a short recovery period (7–10 days).
- Hair transplantation is a safe and ideal solution for both men and women, particularly in cases of severe hair loss or damage from harsh hairstyles like tight pulling. Its advantages include a natural appearance and minimal scarring with techniques like DHI.
- Side effects are limited to mild swelling or temporary crusting, with a low risk of complications when performed at an accredited medical center like DHI, the only internationally accredited center in Egypt.
If you’re seeking a definitive and quick solution for bald spots and persistent hair loss, hair transplantation is the most effective option.
Types of Hair Loss
Normally, you lose about 50–100 hairs daily without noticing, as new hair replaces the old. However, when this cycle is disrupted or more hair enters the resting phase, hair loss becomes noticeable. Hair loss is not a single condition, and treating it requires identifying the type, as each has its characteristics and causes:
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder causing circular bald patches on the scalp or beard. The good news? Hair often regrows with treatment.
- Telogen Effluvium: Occurs when many follicles enter the resting phase, leading to excessive shedding, often after childbirth or illness.
- Traction Alopecia: Caused by tightly pulling hair through hairstyles like ponytails.
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Primarily affects women, with receding front hairlines and eyebrow loss.
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Known as male or female pattern baldness, characterized by thinning hair at the crown, and is the most common type.
Since each type of hair loss has specific causes and treatments, accurate diagnosis is the first step in effective treatment. Whether the cause is genetic, autoimmune, or due to harmful habits like tight hairstyles, precise identification helps select the most suitable treatment.
Causes of Excessive Hair Loss in Women
Why do women experience excessive hair loss? Several hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors contribute. Here are the main causes:
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or stopping birth control pills can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, zinc, vitamin D, or protein weakens hair follicles, making them more prone to shedding.
- Chronic Stress: Anxiety or psychological stress raises cortisol levels, pushing hair into the resting phase and causing excessive shedding.
- Harsh Styling: Frequent dyeing, chemical straightening, or tight hairstyles cause traction alopecia.
- Medical Conditions: Thyroid disorders, anemia, or infections like ringworm affect hair health.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as chemotherapy, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications, may cause hair loss as a side effect.
When Is Hair Loss Serious?
When should you be concerned about hair loss? Consult a dermatologist if you notice:
- Sudden, intense hair loss without a clear cause.
- Bald patches or large gaps appearing.
- Hair loss accompanied by itching, redness, or scalp inflammation.
- Hair loss linked to health conditions like thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, or autoimmune diseases.
Early diagnosis is key to preventing worsening. A doctor may perform blood tests or a scalp biopsy to identify the cause of excessive hair loss in women or men and ensure appropriate treatment. DHI Egypt stands out with its team of experienced doctors skilled in diagnosing and treating temporary or chronic hair loss.
How to Prevent Hair Loss?
Prevention is better than cure. Here are tips for maintaining healthy hair:
- Follow a balanced diet rich in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and protein.
- Avoid harsh styling, and reduce dyeing, chemical straightening, or tight hairstyles.
- Care for your hair using gentle products and avoiding excessive heat.
Conclusion
Treating hair loss is not an unattainable dream. Whether you’re struggling with excessive hair loss due to hormones, stress, or nutritional deficiencies, or wondering when hair loss is serious, today’s solutions—from injections and hair transplants to laser therapy—offer quick treatment for severe hair loss. With centers like DHI Egypt, you can restore your hair’s density and regain your confidence with natural, lasting results.
Start your journey today by consulting a specialist at DHI Egypt and say goodbye to bald spots forever.