World Alopecia Day: Expert Tips on Detecting and Managing Hair Loss

Alopecia is a common skin disease. The word ‘alopecia’ means bald. It is an autoimmune disease that attacks your body’s hair follicles and causes hair loss. There are various kinds of alopecia which may affect hair loss in different ways.

Alopecia areata totalis means you have lost all your hair from your scalp. Whereas alopecia areata universalis means you have lost all your hair from your scalp and your body. Diffuse alopecia areata means hair thinning and ophiasis alopecia areata means that you lose a band of hair or from the bottom back side of your scalp.

How does it happen?

Dr Rinky Kapoor with 18 years of experience as a dermatologist says, “It can be triggered by factors like genetics, autoimmune issues, hormonal shifts, stress, nutritional deficiencies, physical damage to the follicles, or certain medications.”

Your immune system attacks your hair follicles because it thinks they are foreign elements such as bacteria, viruses, parasites on fungi, which can cause infection or illness. As a result, your hair starts to fall. Sometimes, it can be genetic too that can trigger your body’s autoimmune reaction.

The good news is, alopecia is not contagious and there are ways you can manage it.

How do we detect it?

You might notice hair thinning, patchy bald spots, or more hair than usual in your brush or shower. If you see these signs, it is an indication that you must visit a doctor. Consulting a healthcare professional is important if the hair loss is significant, sudden, or comes with scalp discomfort like itching or redness. “Early detection and treatment can help address the underlying causes and potentially reverse the hair loss,” says Kapoor.

Impact on Mental Health

Talking about its impact, Kapoor says, “hair loss can feel like a personal failure, a visible sign of ageing or illness that you cannot hide. It’s not uncommon to experience a significant blow to your self-worth, believing you are less attractive or desirable. This can lead to a vicious cycle of social anxiety, where the fear of being judged or pitied causes you to withdraw from social interactions, further isolating yourself and intensifying feelings of loneliness and depression.”

Why is it a taboo?

The psychological burden is heavy, with many people saying their hair loss is one of the most distressing experiences of their lives. The pressure to maintain a certain appearance makes hair loss a deeply stigmatising condition.

“Despite growing awareness, many people still find it difficult to talk about it due to the emotional and psychological impact it can have. Hair loss is often associated with aging, illness, or loss of attractiveness, making individuals reluctant to share their experiences. The stigma surrounding alopecia can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, causing people to suffer in silence rather than seek support or treatment. This reluctance can prevent open conversations and perpetuate misconceptions about the condition,” says Kapoor.

Treatment is Available

Conventional treatments include medications like minoxidil and finasteride, hair nourishing supplements etc. which help stimulate hair growth and prevent further loss. For those requiring more targeted interventions, innovative treatments such as PRP therapy, microneedling, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have shown good results.

“Hair science has now advanced and there are clinically-proven formulations like QR678 Neo containing biomimetic polypeptides that mimic natural hair growth factors, effectively reviving hair follicles and promoting growth, without the pain and inconvenience of the other modalities. PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets into the scalp to stimulate hair growth, while microneedling induces growth factor release. LLLT uses light energy to enhance hair density,” remarks Kapoor.

She also suggests that lifestyle changes, treatment of underlying hormonal disturbances or nutrient deficiencies, and preventive measures are crucial.

“Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, managing stress levels, and avoiding harsh chemical hair styling aids can help reduce the risk of hair loss. Regular scalp massages and the use of mild shampoos may also support overall hair health,” she says.