Firstly, it’s crucial for everyone to understand that hair fall, thinning hair, and baldness are merely symptoms, not specific diseases. They can be likened to a fever, which doesn’t directly indicate a particular illness. Just as taking fever-reducing medication only alleviates symptoms, it’s important to recognize that addressing hair issues requires a comprehensive approach.
However, it’s not always possible to treat the underlying cause of the disease. Sometimes, complications may arise, delaying our ability to address the root cause. The condition may worsen, rendering our attempts at solving the problem ineffective. Therefore, if anyone experiences hair fall, thinning hair, or baldness issues, it’s advisable to consult a specialized physician before deciding on a course of action. This ensures that the treatment addresses the root cause of the hair problem and is safe.
Normally, the causes of hair fall, thinning hair, and baldness can stem from various factors. These include diseases or physical conditions, as well as mental health disorders. Doctors typically categorize them into primary causes for easier understanding.
The causes of hair fall, thinning hair, and baldness
- The reasons causing permanent damage to hair stem cells, even in a rapid manner
For instance, exposure to scalding hot water, fire accidents, or gradual occurrences that may not be immediately noticeable. However, what becomes evident is the significant extent of damage to the scalp. Examples include genetic hair loss conditions and hormonal imbalances (Androgenetic: MPHL, FPHL). Treatments for these conditions often yield minimal or no results, sometimes necessitating surgical interventions such as hair transplantation or scalp reduction surgery.
- The reasons causing temporary disruption to hair follicles or the life cycle of hair
There are various psychological factors such as severe stress, chronic stress, and postpartum depression. There are also physical factors like anemia, influenza, thyroid issues, side effects from chemotherapy, or radiation exposure. Typically, if we address these issues directly, symptoms of hair loss or thinning can be alleviated or, in some cases, resolved on their own.
Currently, the cases that doctors commonly encounter are mostly those with hair loss or thinning, often due to hormonal or hereditary factors. This is found more frequently in men than in women. Hair loss or thinning due to hormonal or hereditary factors is considered difficult to cure and requires continuous treatment. However, this does not mean that it cannot be treated. It depends on the individual’s health and response to treatment.
Approaches to treating or managing conditions of hair fall, thinning hair, and baldness stemming from hormonal or genetic factors (Androgenetic: MPHL, FPHL)
Group 1: is for those whose hair follicles have permanently died, hoping to achieve the same results as before.
For those who expect that the bald area is the region where the scalp is permanently devoid of hair growth due to dead hair follicles, there are options available for correction according to suitability, expectations, and convenience in self-care.
- Camouflage Technique
By specialized experts, such as using hairpieces, hair wigs, and micropigmentation/hair tattooing. - Surgery
altogether, depending on the size of the bald area.
2.2 Hair transplantation, also known as hair restoration surgery, involves relocating hair follicles from a strong area (donor area) with hormone and genetic-independent hair root growth, to areas of baldness or hair loss (recipient area) such as the crown and hairline.
Currently, there are two techniques
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a surgical procedure where the doctor harvests donor hair by cutting a strip of scalp and then dissecting it into hair grafts. Each hair graft consists of hair root cells that are grouped together as a follicular unit. Each follicular unit varies in size, containing from 1 to 4 hairs, which are selected for use in different areas of the bald scalp. Typically, to achieve a natural hairline design, we often use follicular units containing 1-2 hairs.
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a surgical procedure where the doctor harvests donor hair cells from the nape and sides of the head, similar to the FUT technique, but the hair roots are extracted individually without the need to surgically remove a strip of scalp. As a result, there are only small scars according to the size of the punch tool used, and typically, we alternate between 2-3 hair grafts per punch. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about thinning hair issues in the donor area. The amount of donor hair harvested depends on the width of the baldness area on the scalp.
Group 2: is for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning, aiming for improved results by preventing further balding areas on the scalp
Treating or addressing hair loss or thinning for individuals with expectations of improving the condition or slowing down permanent hair follicle damage involves preventing further balding areas on the scalp without expecting previously bald areas to recurrence. Currently, there are many treatment methods available.
Standardized treatment methods that have gained acceptance
- Taking medication that affects male sex hormones
The medication has the effect of inhibiting the conversion of testosterone hormone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a crucial factor along with genetics that causes hair follicle cells to weaken and be permanently damaged.
The recommended medication to take is
- For gentlemen, there are two options: Finasteride, a 1 milligram tablet taken once daily, and Dutasteride, a 0.5 milligram tablet taken once daily. The efficacy of these medications can reach up to 70%, but the response may vary from person to person. Typically, hair loss will begin to slow down, and hair strength will improve. The hair stem cell cycle will return to normal after taking the medication for about 4-6 months. However, if the medication is stopped, hair loss may resume within approximately one month.
- For respectable women, the hormone-blocking medication recommended must be administered under the supervision of a specialized physician. These medications include Spironolactone, with a dosage of 25 milligrams taken once daily. This medication acts as a diuretic and may have side effects such as increasing blood potassium levels, hence caution and consultation with a physician are necessary before consumption, especially for individuals with underlying conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, among others.
2. The medication used externally is in the form of drops, ointments, or sprays
The medication works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone hormone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a crucial factor along with genetics that causes the hair follicle cells to weaken and be permanently damaged.
Group 3: Interesting Treatment Options
Interesting and continuously developed alternative treatments that can be used for therapeutic purposes are as follows:
- Alternative Treatment
For individuals who reject standard medication and hair transplantation or have contraindications for such treatments.
- Additive Treatments
For individuals who show little or no response to standard treatments, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes and meet individual needs.
Currently favored methods, such as the use of stimulants to promote hair root cell growth from various sources
- Medical Synthesis Method (Meso Therapy)
- Our own blood plasma rich in various beneficial Growth Factors
- Hair follicles from our own body, typically from the back of the head, which are healthy and independent, not genetically or hormonally controlled
- Stem Cells (Stem Cell / Mesenchymal Stem Cells; MSCs) and others