Common Causes of Hair Loss

By 2027, the hair restoration industry is projected to rake in almost $5.5 billion a year — a testament to the value we put on our hair. Yet, for all the money people throw at the problem, they’re often disappointed in their return on investment. 

When creams and medications have failed you, and you’re not ready to commit to a surgical solution, there’s a safer, more natural way to get your hair back. At Laguna Beach Aesthetics, Dr. Adrienne O’Connell specializes in using advanced medical science to help our patients in the Laguna Beach, California area become the best versions of themselves. When it comes to hair restoration, she taps into your body’s own healing properties to stimulate new growth.

Why am I losing my hair?

Some hair loss is only temporary, and some may be inevitable. Here are some of the most common reasons your hair may be thinning or falling out. 

Stress

If you’re constantly under high stress, you may pay for it in strands of hair. Whether you work under pressure, have a rocky relationship, or lost a loved one, anxiety has physical effects, including hair loss. Physical stress can also lead to hair shedding; pregnancy, illness, and injury can be physically overwhelming and may cause temporary hair loss.

Certain hairstyles

Cornrows, braids, ponytails, updos, and any hairstyle that constantly pulls your tresses back can lead to hair loss.

Scalp infections

Skin conditions that affect your scalp may cause a change in the texture of the skin on your head and cause some bald spots. Hair usually regrows once the infection is resolved.

Medications

You may be surprised at how many medications list hair loss as a side effect. Ask your doctor if there’s an acceptable alternative drug that doesn’t cause your hair to fall out. Never stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting with your health care provider.

Chemotherapy and radiation

Cancer treatment is notorious for causing hair loss. Most people lose all or most of their hair within a couple of weeks after they begin treatment, and begin to grow it back within a few months of completion. 

Age

Like other systems in your body, your hair growth tends to wane as you age — follicles stop producing, hair thins and grays, and hairlines recede.

Genetics

The medical term for hair loss that runs in your family is androgenic alopecia. It can happen to both men (male pattern baldness) and women ( female pattern hair loss).

Immune disorder

A disease called alopecia areata is an immune disorder that attacks your hair follicles. It can happen anywhere on your body, including your eyelashes, eyebrows, and inside your nose. 

Hormonal imbalance

Your hormones regulate many aspects of growth and development through your body, and when they are out of whack, one of the symptoms could be hair loss.

Pulling and friction

Hair pulling, a common symptom of stress, anxiety, and depression, can cause hair loss, as can friction if you frequently wear a hat that rubs on your head. 

Nutritional deficiencies

Malnutrition often causes hair loss, especially if your diet is lacking essential nutrients, such as zinc, iron, protein, and biotin, to name a few.

How to get your hair back

Regardless of what caused your hair loss, as long as you still have healthy follicles, we may be able to help you regrow your hair without drugs or surgery.

Dr. O’Connell uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate your follicles to start producing hair again. This treatment is used in other medical fields as well to accelerate healing of damaged tissues. Here’s how it works.

We draw a small sample of blood from your arm and spin it high speed in a centrifuge, which separates the different components of your blood. Once we’ve isolated the platelets, Dr. O’Connell injects the concentrated solution into your scalp.

Once the PRP enters the scene, it releases growth factors that stimulate your follicles to get back in the business of hair growth. The increased blood supply also helps you maintain thicker, fuller hair. 

If you’re beginning to lose your hair, we may be able to help reclaim your crown of glory through a series of PRP treatments. To find out more about the treatment and whether you’re a good candidate, call our office or book an appointment online today.