When the hair starts to fall by handfuls, it’s scary. In reality, it is quite normal and, above all, it is treated. Here are five questions/ answers about hair loss.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I LOSE TOO MUCH HAIR?
The very fact of worrying is a clue. “Normally, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day without noticing it,” recalls Dr. Philippe Deshayes, dermatologist and consultant at Vichy. To do a test, you pass your hand in her hair, three days after the last shampoo . There should not be more than 10 hairs. “
IT’S SERIOUS ?
Most of the time, it is a one-off and inconsequential fall. “Those who fall usually leave room for as much hair regrowth,” says Dr. Deshayes. In question: the change of season, hormonal variations, stress, surgery, or some drugs, especially against cholesterol. The phenomenon can last several weeks. If it seems important, or the hair begins to thin, you should talk to a doctor. It is less common, but there are chronic falls caused, for example, by iron deficiency, a thyroid problem, or a hormonal imbalance, which requires taking a drug. Alopeciae affect less than 1% of the population. The hair lossappears in rather characteristic circular plates. At the first sign of alarm, we consult!
IN WHICH CASES TO TAKE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS?
When vitamin deficiency is suspected, such as during periods of dieting or stress, when diet tends to become unbalanced. “We can not prevent the fall of a hair at the end of the cycle, but we can ensure that the body has all the elements for a good regrowth,” says Dr. Deshayes. Nutrient cocktails that strengthen the hair fiber include vitamin B, zinc and sulfur amino acids (cysteine, methionine). Very rich in vitamin B, yeast is also an option.
WHAT ARE LOTIONS WORTH?
They stimulate regrowth, provided that the underlying problem (deficiency, hormonal imbalance …) is well taken care of. Medical solutions based on minoxidil are aimed at chronic falls. This vasodilator increases the blood circulation of the follicles. But it is irritating, and the effects often disappear when stopped. Cosmetic sprays and lotions, rich in vitamins and plant active ingredients, are more pleasing but are aimed at punctual problems (Ducray Neoptide, Klorane Anti-Hair Loss Treatment, Davines Energizing Lotion). They activate microcirculation and stimulate the bulb. “In salon, we improve the penetration of active lotion by micro-needling, a roller that opens micro-channels in the scalp, and then by a care with oxygen,” says the hairdresser Samuel Rocher, at Davines. Stemoxydine is an active ingredient developed by L’Oréal. It activates dormant bulbs to multiply regrowth. “We would win 1,700 hairs,” says Dr. Alain Butnaru, aesthetic doctor, but it’s not huge on any hair. “
WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS IN AESTHETIC MEDICINE?
Micro-injections in the scalp – mesotherapy – stimulate regrowth more effectively than lotions because they bring nutrients directly to the hair root. “In particular, we are proposing injections of the vitamin complex, a vitamin complex,” says Dr. Butnaru. The sessions can be boosted by an application of LED light. When the alopecia is too visible, it remains the hair transplant. The “bandage” technique, under local anesthesia, consists of taking a band from an area to re-implant about 4,000 hairs. The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is less heavy, but is for women who have only a small area to fill.