Fuller thicker hair

Although we are a dermatology-based clinic – we do get some clients that are in need of some advice and direction with other areas of their aesthetic. Hair being one of them

When some people are laser-ing and IPL-ing their hair away, we have a group of people that are longing for thick, full hair on their head.

So, what causes hair thinning?

You probably already guessed, one of the main factors to hair thinning is what we are born with from our mother and father. Hereditary factors play a major part in what hair you will have today in the future.

Hormones are another factor that contribute to hair thinning (namely androgen – testosterone). For women we see this especially after pregnancy and heading into menopause. For men, we can see fluctuating testosterone levels roughly from the age of 30. However, some men can see this happen earlier in their 20’s.

Dihydrotestosterone is derived from testosterone. It is made by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase and DHEA (more common in women) This hormone is found in the skin, hair and prostate. It binds itself to follicles that cause them to become smaller in size, resulting in the thinning of your hair and eventually losing these strands

Other factors that need to be considered are medications (namely chemotherapy), supplements, stress, hairstyles, and hair dyes.

Science behind hair thinning

Hair growth happens on a cyclical pattern. The cycle of hair can vary from person to person. There are 4 stages to hair growth.

· Anagen phase – active hair growth (3-6 years)

· Catagen phase – transitioning hair, approximately 10 days where the hair detaches from dermal papillae

· Telogen phase – resting hair, the follicle rests amongst its structures for about 3 months.

· Exogen phase – shedding hair, the hair reaches its last position before detaching

Current research is finding that when stem cells in the hair follicle are damaged by either the genetics, aging, or the environment they turn themselves into skin. So rather than cell destruction – we are seeing that the cells are changing their function.

Over time, this happens to more and more hair follicles, therefore hair follicles shrink and disappear. So, it’s not the hair itself becoming thin, the issue is the body has less hair follicles to produce new hair.

What can be done about hair thinning?

If you are experiencing hair loss, firstly you would need to discuss with your medical professional to possibly organise some routine test to see if you a lacking any vitamins or minerals. Riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. There is some good evidence to suggest that biotin and silica supplements are good to support hair follicles that could be transitioning to losing its function.

Any hint of dandruff needs to be addressed with appropriate shampoo and conditioner. Again, please speak to you medial professional to see what products are right for you. Dr Rudd has suggested that Olaplex has a hair thinning kit that is great for fibre building and QV shampoo is great for sensitive scalps

There are some prescription medications, these are called ‘anti androgens’ that can be considered to help minimise hair loss, but ultimately once the follicle has transition to skin, it is very hard to reverse. People who experience thinning hair due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, and other non-genetic reasons could experience regrowth. However, some clients who experience hereditary hair loss may need to consider hair transplant therapy.

If you need some help with your hair, it is important to talk to a medical professional. They can provide you with complete and holistic care plan that will help you feeling confident and set you on your path to achieving the results you want.