There’s no doubt that losing your hair can be a stressful experience, and for many, it might feel like the beginning of a long road of inevitable hair loss.
However, if you’ve been diagnosed with alopecia, it’s important to understand that there are numerous ways to manage and treat the condition so that no one notices you’ve lost any hair at all. “An alopecia diagnosis doesn’t have to mean you will lose all your hair, and with the right approach, many people are able to manage their symptoms, regrow the hair they’ve lost and have better looking tresses than someone who wasn’t diagnosed with alopecia” shares Ricardo Vila Nova.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a medical term for hair loss. “While it’s often associated with male-pattern baldness, alopecia is a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. The cause of alopecia is often linked to genetics, hormonal changes, or immune system disorders. For many, alopecia manifests as thinning hair or bald spots on the scalp, but it can also affect other areas of the body like the eyebrows, eyelashes, and even body hair,” explains Vila Nova.
Types of alopecia
Alopecia areata
This autoimmune condition causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to sudden, patchy hair loss. It can present at any age and affects both men and women. Some people may experience complete regrowth, while others may continue to have flare-ups.
Androgenetic alopecia
A genetically inherited form of hair loss, androgenic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, especially as people age. The classic hall signs of androgenic alopecia in men are thinning above the temples, the hairline receding into an M-shape, and noticeable hair loss at the top of the head. While in women this form of alopecia starts with thinning along the centre parting, followed by diffuse thinning all over the head.
Telogen effluvium
Caused by physical or emotional stress, medications orhormonal changes triggered by pregnancy or menopause. People with this form of hair loss experience widespread thinning or shedding of hair rather than distinct bald patches. Typically, telogen effluvium is temporary, and hair regrows once the triggering factor is addressed.
Traction alopecia
Constant tension on the hair from tight hairstyles like braids, weaves, extensions, ponytails, buns, head wraps and even some hijab styles can damage the hair follicles over time, leading to hair loss. If caught early, traction alopecia can often be reversed with targeted treatments, lifestyle changes and less tension on the hair.
Can you avoid alopecia or prevent hair loss?
There are ways you can reduce the risk of developing hair loss, minimise its progression and restore lost hair. One key element is adopting a healthier lifestyle as healthy living can support hair growth.
“Hair health is closely tied to your overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals – especially iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and D – can help maintain strong, healthy hair. Ditching unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is also a must as these vices can contribute to poor circulation, affecting the health of hair follicles. Stress management techniques like regular exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep can also help prevent types of alopecia like telogen effluvium, which can be triggered by stress,” reveals Vila Nova.
But those aren’t the only lifestyle factors that can greatly impact hair health. How you look after your hair is key. “Try to avoid excessive heat styling, and make sure to give your hair breaks from styles that pull tightly on your scalp. Opt for bespoke shampoos, conditioners, and masks like the 212.2 Ricardo Vila Nova Active Fusions range, which targets your unique needs. Plus, investing in high-tech hair and scalp treatments is key if you want to prevent alopecia taking hold as well as restore hair that has been lost,” says Vila Nova.
High-tech treatments for alopecia
There are a number of treatments that totally change the game when it comes to hair loss and the earlier you start the better. “Forget the likes of minoxidil, and finasteride that can leave your hair greasy, and cause hair growth in places you don’t want it – only for you to lose all the hair you’ve gained once you stop treatment. We use microneedling, red light therapy, growth factors, and PRP, in-clinic to stimulate your follicles, and help you grow thick, luscious locks in no time,” reveals Vila Nova.
Microneedling
“Born in the 90s it was discovered that microneedling – the act of puncturing the skin with small fine needles, was effective in treating scarring, and skin laxity. Over the years studies have also found this treatment to be equally effective when it comes to hair health,” shares Vila Nova. Each puncture triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased blood flow, collagen production, and the release of growth factors that stimulate hair follicles (including dormant ones), to promote thicker and healthier hair growth. “The punctures also work as channels allowing actives like platelet rich plasma, biosomes, vitamins and growth factors to penetrate deeper into the skin, reaching the hair follicles more effectively,” reveals Vila Nova.
Red light therapy
This non-invasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of red light to target hair follicles and stimulate growth. But how does it work? “The red light penetrates deep into the skin, reducing inflammation, boosting blood flow as well as encouraging cellular repair and rejuvenation. By increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells, it boosts hair follicle activity, coaxing back lost hair, halting further hair loss and generally improving hair health,” explains Vila Nova.
PRP
One of the best natural follicle enhancing treatments available. “This treatment directly impacts the matrix cells of our hair, boosting cellular regeneration, which helps to turbo-charge growth, as well as thicken and strengthen your hair from the inside out,” shares Vila Nova.
The treatment consists of blood being taken from a vein in your arm. This is then placed into a centrifuge – a machine that spins the blood incredibly quickly – causing the plasma to separate from the blood. This plasma is then injected into the scalp, where it gets to work in the bulge area of our hair follicles – this area is home to most of the hair follicles’ stem cells. “There are two key types of growth factors found in the platelet rich plasma – vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), increases blood flow to our hair follicles, which boosts nutrient and oxygen delivery. While platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), is essential for cell regeneration and the development of new blood vessels that transport blood to the hair follicles to keep them in good condition. Together these growth factors ensure new hair growth, making PRP an effective treatment for people who are experiencing various forms of hair loss or thinning,” explains Vila Nova.
With a diligent hair care regime filled with all of the above and more Vila Nova believes you can turn the tide on alopecia. Expect to prevent further hair loss, and restore dormant follicles to full health, for thicker, shinier, longer locks. To wave goodbye to alopecia book your comprehensive consultation using the link below.
