Different Types of Hair Loss

Alopecia androgenetica is the medical term used to refer to hereditary hair loss. Inherited hypersensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens, particularly to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), causes the hair follicles to degenerate progressively.

This affects both men and women, with the main difference being in the way it progresses. The more advanced the degeneration of the hair follicles is, the more severe the hair loss will be. Bald spots should be treated as early as possible. Hair growth can often be reactivated within 3 years after hair falls out. One should also aim to preserve and strengthen existing hair structures in order to prevent future thinning hair.

This refers to severe hair loss on the entire head. It may affect hair growth over the entire body, but is usually restricted to the scalp.

There are different reasons known for the premature transgression from the growth phase (anagen phase) to the hair loss phase (telogen phase). These include high febrile infections, protein, iron, or vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances in women (pregnancy/birth, menopause), liver diseases, and severe operations. Stress, a hectic and high workload, and psychological pressure are also some of the increasingly common causes. Naturally, diffuse hair loss often disappears once the cause is eliminated — but the cause is often unknown and the hair loss therefore persists for many years.

Circular hair loss, also called Alopecia areata is characterized by distinct, progressive bald spots that can spread over the entire head.

There are progression forms that can result in total hair loss on the head (Alopecia totalis), up to total hair loss on the entire body (Alopecia universalis). The exact causes are still unclear but there is a general assumption that Alopecia areata results from an auto-immune reaction. In this case, there are inflammatory cells at the lower end of the hair follicles that suppress hair growth. Since the hair follicles remain intact, there are always spontaneous remissions, but the baldness persists in the rest of the cases.

Hair loss through chemotherapy, also called Alopecia Medicamentosa. The cytostatic drugs administered during chemotherapy result in the loss of head hair (mostly reversible). The progression in this case largely depends on the substances used, the dosage, and treatment duration. Cytostatic drugs are a group of drugs used to inhibit cell growth, but with a side effect that affects the activity of hair follicles. Normally, the hair grows back approximately 3 months after completion of the chemotherapy, but there have increasingly been cases of persistent hair growth disorder.

Unfortunately, the topic of hair loss is still often neglected in the context of chemotherapy treatment. The common argument is that hair loss has no life-threatening effects. The psychological effect is completely underestimated. This can adversely affect the immune system in addition to the medication.

One remedy for permanent bald spots (i.e. older than 3 years), especially in the case of hereditary hair loss in men, is follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE). This methods have been established in recent years and entail removing the follicles from the patient's remaining hair. The first few weeks are crucial in determining whether the transplant will grow. Wound healing disorders or inflammatory reactions may occur on the scalp.

Care after hair transplantation
A suitable treatment after hair transplantation plays a crucial role in the healing process, the growth of the hair follicles, and hence in ensuring a satisfactory result—healthy and strong hair.

pH-value skin-friendly THYMUSKIN® Med Shampoo
You can wash the head using the pH-value skin-friendly Thymuskin Med Shampoo (silicone-free, paraben-free) 1-2 days after the natural hair transplant. You should then dab the transplant area gently with a skin-friendly, perfume-free lotion which should be followed by gently rinsing with warm, clean water after about 20 minutes.

Caution with the donor & receptor area
Contact with the transplant area (donor & receptor area) should be avoided. If the rest of the area has not been shaved, it should not be combed because the risk of touching the transplant area with the comb is too high. Styling products should also be avoided within the first four weeks, as well as sports or strenuous physical activities - just as much as exposing the scalp to direct sunlight. Head covers should only be used if absolutely necessary. In this case, it should be placed loosely on the head.

Stimulating & promoting hair growth using THYMUSKIN® Med Serum Gel
Some of the implanted hair can fall off within the first four weeks. These is so-called telogen hair which has reached the end of the growth cycle and therefore falls off. The hair follicle forms anew at this point, so-called anagen hair. Thus, this temporary situation is no reason for concern—it is simply part of the normal growth cycle of the hair.

After the wound has healed, new hair grows on the transplant region in the so-called receptor area. It is hereby advisable to use Thymuskin Med Serum Gel to promote effective growth of the hair follicles. Thymuskin Med Serum Gel regulates mild inflammation, revitalizes the hair follicles, and intensively stimulates the growth of new hair. It stimulates the hair-forming cells, so-called keratinocytes. The growth phase, also called the anagen phase, is thus prolonged and the hair quality improved significantly.

Since the hair growth takes approximately 6-12 months after the transplant, it is advisable to use Thymuskin Med Shampoo and Thymuskin Med Serum Gel regularly during this period.