How Long Does Alopecia Take To Regrow
While one cannot commit to a particular timeframe for hair regrowth, it may take a few to several weeks for the hair to regrow in alopecia areata. In some people, as weve seen above, hair regrowth in bald patches and the development of new bald patches could be simultaneous. Nevertheless, corticosteroids may help regrow hair in around seven to eight weeks. On the other hand, minoxidil may help regrow hair in about 11-12 weeks. Although yes, the treatment isnt suitable for extreme cases or total hair loss.
Furthermore, the regrowth period can vary from person to person and would depend on the individuals response to a particular treatment. Consulting a dermatologist to get case-specific information can help.
Surgical And Physical Treatments
Medications and supplements also boost your bodily functions to grow hair and should take some time to actually produce results.
And these results might vary, as they promise a certain amount of success, unlike some surgical and physical treatments.
So lets take a look at these direct treatments that most consider as last resort, but experts and dermatologists agree should be considered as effective primary solutions:
Hair Loss: Common Causes And Treatment
T. GRANT PHILLIPS, MD W. PAUL SLOMIANY, MD and ROBERT ALLISON, DO, Washington Health Systems Family Medicine Residency, Washington, Pennsylvania
Am Fam Physician. 2017 Sep 15 96:371-378.
Patient information: See related handout on hair loss.
Patients with hair loss will often consult their family physician first. Hair loss is not life threatening, but it is distressing and significantly affects the patient’s quality of life. The pattern of hair loss may be obvious, such as the bald patches that occur in alopecia areata, or more subtle, such as the diffuse hair loss that occurs in telogen effluvium. As with most conditions, the physician should begin the evaluation with a detailed history and physical examination. It is helpful to determine whether the hair loss is nonscarring , which is reversible, or scarring , which is permanent. Scarring alopecia is rare and has various etiologies, including autoimmune diseases such as discoid lupus erythematosus. If the follicular orifices are absent, the alopecia is probably scarring these patients should be referred to a dermatologist. This article will discuss approaches to nonscarring causes of alopecia.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Topical minoxidil is safe and effective for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.
SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Topical minoxidil is safe and effective for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women.
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Oral Contraceptives For Hair Loss
Oral contraceptives are the most commonly prescribed treatment for the most common form of female hair loss, androgenetic alopecia.
Usually prescribed along with another medication, spironolactone , birth control pills reduce the level of androgens in the body. Androgens are the male hormones that convert to dihydrotestosterone that attach to the hair follicle and cause hair to get thinner. As males have higher levels of androgens, their balding will cover most of the scalp.
Women have lower levels of androgens in their bodies, so they usually get a miniaturization-the process where hair follicles produce thinner and thinner hair.
Oral contraceptives contain the hormones progestin. Some formulas include estrogen, which reduces the number of androgens in the body. Reducing the number of androgens can reduce hair loss.
There are different types of birth control pills. Some birth control pills are low androgen index which will reduce hair loss. There are others that are high androgen index which would actually increase hair loss.
Low androgen contraceptives include:
Natural Remedies To Fight Hair Loss And Regrow Hair
1. Diet
One of the best ways to boost hair health is to make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet. Try to include the following foods in your diet:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- High-protein foods
- Nuts which contain selenium and can help strengthen hair
Drinking water is also essential to maintain adequate moisture and integrity of the hair shaft.
2. Coconut oil mask
Coconut oil contains fatty acids that can help prevent your hair from losing protein. Massage coconut oil into your 20 minutes before washing, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and follow up with conditioner.
3. Scalp massage
Massaging your scalp gently 1-2 times a week can also help stimulate your scalp and enhance blood flow to the follicles. Aside from coconut oil, you can also try other natural options like almond oil, rosemary oil, argan oil, wheat germ oil, jojoba oil, and pumpkin seed oil.
4. Green tea rinse
Green tea is known to be rich in catechins that help reduce dihydrotestosterone , a hormone that can shrink your hair follicles. In addition to combatting hair loss, green tea can also fight dandruff and prevent scalp dryness.
5. Onion juice
Onion juice is high in sulfur, which is supposed to promote blood circulation in the scalp. Studies have found that applying onion juice on the hair and scalp may help hair regrowth in people with patchy hair loss, although there isnt enough research to back up claims that onion juice can stop hair loss.
6. Ditch the heat
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Ask An Expert: Is It Actually Possible To Regrow Hair
Every guy is at risk of losing his hair, some more quickly than others. It sucks. The follicle itself shrivels up and is rendered incapable of regrowing anything. This type of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male pattern baldness. This plays out in two ways: the thinning of each hair and the overall loss of density. But, in certain cases of alopecia, these losses are not truly permanent. At least, not right away. Sometimes, it can be slowed down or delayed.
So there’s hope! If youve been losing hair or if you think youre at risk of hair loss of thinning, then read on for some possible fixes. The insight and advice comes from Dr. Francesco Fusco, MD of Wexler Dermatology in NYC. His main point? You’ve got to be proactive.
Fusco says that theres something called miniaturization happening at the follicular level when a hair falls out. Miniaturization refers to the slow shrinking of the hair follicle and the diminution of the hair within, until eventually the follicle no longer exists, she says. The remaining tiny hair falls out and nothing grows back. She says that this is often genetic and caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone , which is a byproduct of testosterone. DHT clings to the follicle and then slowly shrinks it. This most commonly happens at the temples, the crown, and the front of the head.
There are some common solutions and some uncommon ones:
What Are The Symptoms Of Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata frequently presents as the sudden onset of smooth, round, hairless patches on the scalp. The affected areas are usually skin-colored but may have a peach color. Occasionally, there are scattered short colored or white hairs within the hairless patch.
In alopecia areata, there is no redness or scaling on the surface of the skin. Children usually first present with one to several small patches on the scalp, but occasionally experience with more rapid hair loss involving nearly the entire scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair. Your childs nails may show small pits in the surface.
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Alopecia Areata On A Woman’s Head
When a bald patch first develops, it is difficult to predict what will happen. The following are the main ways it may progress:
- Quite often the bald patch or patches regrow hair within a few months. If hair grows back, it may not have its usual colour at first and look grey or white for a while. The usual colour eventually returns after several months.
- Sometimes one or more bald patches develop a few weeks after the first one. Sometimes the first bald patch is regrowing hair whilst a new bald patch is developing. It can then appear as if small bald patches rotate around different areas of the scalp over time.
- Sometimes several small bald patches develop and merge into a larger bald area.
- Patches of body hair, beard, eyebrows or eyelashes may be affected in some cases, but this is unusual.
- Large bald patches develop in some people. Some people lose all their scalp hair. This is called alopecia totalis. This is very rare though.
- In a small number of cases, all scalp hair, body hair, beard, eyebrows and eyelashes are lost. This is called alopecia universalis. Again, this is very rare.
- The nails are affected in about 1 in 10 cases and can become pitted or ridged.
Below shows a beard hair loss patch: this is quite common and usually grows back by itself.
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Scabs or crusts are present in the hair
- Ringworm of the scalp suspected.
- Broken hairs from tight hair style and pimples are present in scalp
- Patch of hair loss and cause not known
- Widespread hair thinning and cause not known
- Hair loss from nervous habit of twisting the hair
- Hair loss is a chronic problem
- Normal hair loss suspected, but doesn’t grow back within 6 months
- You have other questions or concerns
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Talking With Your Health Care Team About Hair Loss
Prepare for your visit by making a list of questions to ask. Consider adding these questions to your list:
- Is treatment likely to cause my hair to fall out?
- How should I protect and care for my head? Are there products that you recommend? Ones I should avoid?
- Where can I get a wig or hairpiece?
- What support groups could I meet with that might help?
- When will my hair grow back?
What Are The Side Effects Of Minoxidil
Some women experience hypertrichosis .
Also, sometimes the new hair is a different color and/or texture.
If youre using a solution that has alcohol in it, occasionally it may cause a skin irritation . The foam generally is less likely to cause irritation.
Additional ingredients in the formula that youre using could be causing side effects as well.
Rarely, too much minoxidil gets absorbed into the body and the following side effects have been reported:
- blurred vision or other changes in vision
- chest pain
- numbness or tingling of hands, feet, or face
- swelling of the face, hands, feet, or lower legs
- weight gain
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Any Of These Symptoms Sound Familiar
If so, they could indicate that your follicle challenges are coming to an end.
Of course, the exclamation mark hairs might mean that the condition is progressing further. And there are a few other things that can indicate ongoing alopecia areata.
Pits on the nails are a sure-fire sign if you dont have them, thats a good thing. Plus, I always notice that when my alopecia is most active, I have a small red rash at the base of my neck. It often fades when I rub the gel of an aloe vera plant directly on it, and it eases the inflammation caused by my autoimmune response. At least, thats what I tell myself.
Who Is At Risk
Alopecia areata has two peaks of onset one in childhood and one in adulthood though it has been reported in all ages. As with other autoimmune conditions, there is likely a genetic basis to alopecia areata with unknown triggers that result in the loss of hair. Associated conditions in the patient or family that might represent increased risk include Type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, vitiligo, thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Ways To Regrow Lost Hair By A Dermatologist
Losing hair can be frustrating.
You might realize that your hair is much thinner than before looking at a mirror one day, and things might go downhill from there.
You see, the change in appearance is only the tip of the iceberg.
Studies found out that hair loss can also harm your mental health, hurting your self-image and confidence, and resulting in a low quality of life overall.
My years of experience as a dermatologist where Ive done hundreds of hair transplants also confirm that.
So lets change that.
I assure you, except for some extreme cases, theres always a way to get back to your natural hair.
Just like there are many different ways to stop hair loss.
From natural methods to surgeries, Ive compiled 32 different methods you can try to regain lost hair and treat male pattern baldness.
Lets see if we can help you:
What Are Home Remedies For Hair Growth And Thickness
Massage is proven to increase hair thickness. You can apply gentle massage to your scalp with your fingertips every day for 5-10 minutes. In addition, you can make healthy eating a habit and consume eggs, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables every day. Finally, you can apply avocado, coconut, or aloe vera oil every day for 5-10 minutes.
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Treatment Algorithm For The Management Of Alopecia Areata
Patients with alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis can be treated based on age and severity of the condition. This algorithm outlines an approach that can be used from mild to severe forms of the disorder. There are now choices that the patient can decide on what is best for them based on efficacy, cost and side effect profile.
What Are Some Surgical Treatments For Bald Spots
Surgery should be considered a last resort if other, less-invasive means dont work.
The most common form of hair restoration surgery transplanting follicles from elsewhere on the head doesnt always work. And transplanted hair follicles may not continue to produce healthy hair growth for a long time.
Be sure to discuss with your doctor or surgeon whats realistic to expect from any procedure.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy For Thinning Hair
Hormone replacement therapy involves taking female hormones, usually estrogen and progesterone to balance out hormone levels. They are usually taken in the form of pills, creams, or patches.
Its rarely prescribed as a remedy for hair thinning alone.
Its sometimes prescribed at menopause, which can be a difficult time for a woman: hot flashes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping, and mood swings .
HRT can also be used to prevent osteoporosis, which causes bones to be thinner and therefore weaker.
But there are many times in a womens life that their hormone levels will be imbalanced, such as during and after pregnancy. While pregnant, women often find that their hair is fuller and thicker, because of the abundance of female hormones in their system. The result is that more of their hair is in the anagen or growing phase.
After childbirth, hormone levels drop, and hair goes into the telogen, or resting phase, where it isnt growing anymore, and will later be replaced by a new hair that will push the old hair out.
So if your hair loss is due to hormone imbalance, your doctor may recommend this as an option for you, but its not without side effects.