The study and treatment of the hair and scalp.
Joe’s Trichology Clinic is open every Tuesday and Thursday at The Hairdressers
FPHL (female pattern hair loss)
FPHL Is noticeable more at the front and the crown, your parting may seem to get wider. Your hair is more noticeably see-through and your scalp may be visible. Hair is not lost at the sides and back and the hairline is retained.
Causes
- Age-related hair loss: FPHL can begin as early as puberty and may continue during peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Thinning of hair during post-menopause is often associated with a reduction in estrogen levels.
- Genetic predisposition: FPHL is commonly inherited from the maternal grandmother. Genetic factors play a significant role in its development.
- Increased sensitivity to testosterone: FPHL is linked to an increased sensitivity to the hormone testosterone, which can impact hair follicles and lead to hair thinning.
MPHL (MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS)
Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL) is characterised by a receding hairline in the temple areas, thinning hair on the crown of the head, and a gradual recession of the hairline that eventually connects these areas.
Causes
MPHL is typically inherited, often from the maternal grandmother. It is associated with an increased sensitivity to the hormone testosterone, leading to a condition known as Androgenetic Alopecia.
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)
Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia) is a type of hair loss characterized by scarring that primarily affects the frontal region of the scalp, including the forehead, temples, and sides. While it is more commonly observed in post-menopausal women, it can also occur in men and younger women. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this condition, as the hair follicles are irreversibly damaged.
Causes
Research suggests that Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is an autoimmune condition, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the hair follicles. The specific causes and triggers of this condition are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that hormonal imbalances and environmental factors may play a role in its development.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is a condition characterised by excessive hair shedding. If you’re noticing an increased amount of hair in your hairbrush, shower tray, carpets, and furniture, along with a perceived decrease in hair density and fineness, it is often attributed to this condition. The good news is that Telogen Effluvium is easily treatable and does not result in scarring alopecia.
Causes
Telogen Effluvium can be caused by various factors, including:
- Post-pregnancy: Hormonal changes after giving birth can trigger hair shedding.
- Emotional stress: Significant emotional stress or trauma can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle.
- Viral infection: Certain viral infections can lead to temporary hair loss.
- Post-surgery: Hair shedding may occur following a surgical procedure.
- Diet change: Crash dieting or sudden dietary changes can impact hair health and result in shedding.
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis refers to the complete loss of hair on the scalp, while hair on other parts of the body remains unaffected.
CauseS
Similar to other forms of alopecia, Alopecia Totalis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles on the scalp. It is important to note that while the hair on the scalp is lost, the eyebrows may or may not be affected, and hair on other areas of the body typically remains intact.
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is a condition characterized by the complete loss of hair on both the scalp and the body.
CauseS
Similar to other forms of alopecia, Alopecia Universalis is an autoimmune condition. The immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the hair follicles, resulting in the loss of hair throughout the entire body.
Alopecia Ophiasis
Hair loss is identified by a pattern of hair loss that forms a band around the hairline, typically towards the back of the head, although it may not occur in every case.
CauseS
This type of hair loss is often attributed to an autoimmune condition. In autoimmune conditions, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Alopecia Barbaeis
Alopecia Barbae is a condition that primarily affects men and is characterized by patchy hair loss in the beard area. The hair loss can occur as a single patch or multiple patches.
Causes
Alopecia Barbae is commonly attributed to an autoimmune condition. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles in the beard area, leading to hair loss.
Alopecia Mucinosa
Alopecia Mucinosa is a form of alopecia that leads to the development of scaly patches on the skin of the scalp.
Causes
Alopecia Mucinosa is commonly associated with an autoimmune condition. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly targets the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and the formation of scaly patches on the scalp.
Traumatic (traction) alopecia
Traumatic (Traction) Alopecia occurs as a result of the excessive force applied to the hair, causing it to be forcefully extracted or the hair shaft to break due to friction, pressure, traction, or other forms of physical trauma.
Causes
Traumatic Alopecia can be caused by certain cosmetic practices that involve pulling or manipulating the hair in a forceful manner. Additionally, a condition known as Trichotillomania, characterised by the irresistible urge to pull out one’s own hair, can also lead to traumatic hair loss.