Understand the Causes of Baldness
Baldness is a common condition, and can have multiple causes. Before trying to regrow your hair, it is important to understand the root cause of your baldness.
Causes of baldness can range from genetic factors to underlying medical conditions, as well as certain lifestyle habits. In order to know how to treat your bald spot, it is important to first understand what is causing it.
Genetics
Hair loss has many possible causes. Genetics is the most common, accounting for 95% of all male pattern baldness cases. In these instances, hair loss may be inherited and can begin as early as teenage years. Genes from both sides of the family play a role in determining your potential to experience baldness. Your risk also increases with age and depending on the combination of genes you inherit, you may start losing hair at an earlier or later stage in life.
A hormone disorder or malfunctioning thyroid gland can also contribute to hair loss and bald spots.
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the production of healthy hair follicles leading to thinning hair, hair loss and even bald spots. This can be caused by an underactive or overactive thyroid, an excessive amount of testosterone or an array of other hormonal issues. Hormonal imbalances can cause thinning on the crown, localized bald patches and receding hairlines.
Hormonal shifts experienced during menopause and pregnancy may magnify the effects of a preexisting condition. The aging process can also affect hormones, causing a change in the texture and thickness of hair. To make a bald spot grow back fast, you must address any underlying hormonal imbalance to restore balance and fullness to your scalp.
Regularly check for signs that require immediate medical attention such as:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weight gain or loss
- Sudden change in appetite
- Insomnia
- Disruption in gastrointestinal function
All of which may indicate a hormonal imbalance that requires professional assistance. Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or additional lifestyle adjustments for added balance such as stress management practices and dietary alterations tailored to increase endocrinological efficiency. With proper treatment from a qualified healthcare provider, it is possible to reverse baldness associated with ‘hormonal’ causes in some cases.
Stress
Stress plays a role in the progression of baldness, especially for more serious cases such as male pattern baldness. Higher levels of stress can make the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) rise significantly in the body, which is known to worsen or cause hair loss. Stress alone won’t make you go bald, but it is important to try and reduce stress levels as much as possible if you want to minimize hair loss and keep your mane healthy.
When it comes to growing back a bald spot, stress reduction is key. Make sure you’re taking steps like getting adequate sleep and regular exercise, adopting relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, and managing your emotions with therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy if needed. These tips may help improve your overall health too!
Poor Nutrition
Poor nutrition is one of the most common causes of baldness. When the body does not get proper nutrients, it can cause weak and brittle hair, which can lead to hair loss and baldness. Nutritional deficiencies that lead to poor nutrition-induced baldness include inadequate protein intake and low levels of vitamins B6 and B12 in the diet. A dietary imbalance of essential fatty acids, particularly Omega 3 fats, is also known to contribute to bald-spot growth.
To improve nutrition for better hair health, it’s important to focus on a well-rounded diet that provides adequate levels of macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates) as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
- Protein should come from lean sources like chicken, fish, eggs and pulses.
- Foods high in Vitamins B6 and B12 include fish like salmon or tuna.
- Healthy sources of Omega 3 fats are found in foods like nuts, seeds and fatty fish such as mackerel or sardines.
- Finally complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index are beneficial for energy management as well as overall health.
Eating a balanced diet will help ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for strong, healthy hair growth.
Identify Your Type of Baldness
Identifying the type of baldness is the first step to successful hair regrowth as not all types of baldness are the same. Male baldness is generally caused by a combination of genetics and androgens, while female baldness often results from hormonal changes or age. Identifying the type of baldness you have is the key to finding an effective solution. This section will cover the various types of baldness and how to diagnose them.
Male-pattern baldness
Male-pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss and affects around 50 percent of men over the age of fifty. It typically starts from ages 20–30, with some men starting as young as 18. Male-pattern baldness is responsible for 95 percent of hair loss in men and is characterized by receding hairline, thinning on top of the head, or a combination of both. This type of baldness is caused by hormones, primarily testosterone, which affects follicles at the temples and on the crown.
For some men, female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) may start after puberty and progress quickly. For others, it may take longer to start but progress more quickly once it begins. In either case, treatment options will be determined by how far the condition has progressed. Treatments range from noninvasive topical products to surgical interventions such as hair transplants or scalp reduction techniques. Surgery carries risks including infection and permanent scarring at the treatment site and should be discussed with your physician should this be an option you consider for treatment.
Female-pattern baldness
Female-pattern baldness, also called androgenic alopecia, is characterized by thinning of the hair on the crown or frontal scalp. This type of baldness can affect women at any age but typically starts to occur after menopause. Women with female-pattern baldness tend to experience hair thinning in the front and at the top of the head, creating a special M-shape pattern.
Genetic factors may play a role in this type of hair loss. The female body contains higher levels of certain hormones than males which can allow for more significant hormone fluctuations. These fluctuations could lead to excessive hair shedding, making it more difficult for new hairs to grow back in as mentioned in medical news today 2020′.In some cases, emotional stress or specific medications can trigger this type of hair loss.
It is important to consult with your doctor if you begin noticing signs such as increased shedding or noticed patches throughout your scalp that are not growing back quickly. Properly diagnosed and treated female-pattern baldness is often treated through medication such as Rogaine or Propecia, which help reduce the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) – a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles – and promote new growth over time.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that usually causes bald spots on the scalp, though it can also occur on other parts of the body, like eyebrows, eyelashes, and beards. It’s an autoimmune condition that occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in patchy or total baldness. It is estimated to affect around 2% of the global population and although it is not life-threatening, it can cause psychological distress.
The exact cause of alopecia areata is unknown and researchers believe that a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers such as stress play a role in its development. Symptoms vary from person to person with some people suffering from only small patches of baldness while others may experience more severe hair loss leading to complete baldness.
Treatment for alopecia areata includes:
- Steroid injections or creams applied directly onto the scalp.
- Topical treatments such as minoxidil.
Some people may find that their condition improves without treatment but in most cases professional help will be required to successfully restore hair growth.
Take Action to Make a Bald Spot Grow Back
If you have a bald spot, you may be wondering what you can do to make it grow back. While genetics plays a large role in hair loss and baldness, there are some measures you can take to encourage hair regrowth. In this article, we explore the steps you should take to make a bald spot grow back fast:
Consume a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is essential for healthy hair growth. The right combination of vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats should be included in your daily meals to ensure proper nourishment and nutrition needed to restore the lost hair.
A balanced diet should include foods that are rich in:
- Protein such as fish, poultry, pulses, eggs, soybeans and yogurt;
- Zinc such as oysters and beef;
- Iron such as red meat, dried fruits (e.g., dates) and enriched cereal products;
- Vitamins A and C which are found naturally in most fresh fruits and vegetables;
- B-complex vitamins which can be obtained from dark leafy greens;
- Omega 3 fatty acids which can be found in seeds such as flaxseeds and Chia seeds;
- Essential minerals like selenium which can be found in Brazil nuts.
Additionally, supplements like biotin and vitamin H (biotin) may help promote healthy hair growth. Consuming a balanced diet will not only help make a bald spot grow back but will also ensure long-term health benefits.
Exercise Regularly
One of the best ways to ensure healthy hair growth is regular exercise. Exercise can increase blood and oxygen flow to the scalp, promote circulation and stimulate the release of hormones and natural oil that are beneficial for encouraging new hair growth. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, such as walking, jogging or biking.
If possible, combine aerobic exercise and strength training on alternate days. This will help maximize your results. Additionally, yoga poses, such as shoulder stand, head stand and Pranayama can also be beneficial for promoting better circulation in the body which helps nourish the hair follicles.
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for healthy skin, hair and overall health. Adults should get an average of 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Studies have linked a lack of sleep to alopecia, a condition that causes hair loss.*
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day; this helps regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythms and can lead to better rest. Additionally, try limiting electronic use before bed since the blue light from screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to sleep soundly.
Ultimately, aim for a bedroom environment that is beneficial to restful sleep – darken your bedroom if necessary and keep the temperature comfortable.
Reduce Stress
Reducing stress can be beneficial for helping a bald spot grow back faster. When a person experiences persistent anxiety and stress, the body can produce chemicals that cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase and may even cause the follicles to stop growing hair altogether. Therefore, taking action to reduce stress levels might be helpful in making a bald spot grow back faster.
There are many ways to incorporate stress reduction into your daily routine – exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or yoga, and finding ways to take care of yourself emotionally are all good starting points. Additionally, tending to your physical health with healthy diet and plenty of rest can also help. Practicing healthy habits in combination with seeking professional help if needed is an effective way of reducing your stress levels so that you can aid in the growth of new hair on a bald spot.
Use Medications or Treatments
Medications and treatments are commonly recommended for restoring hair to a bald spot. These include minoxidil (which comes in over-the-counter and prescription strengths) and Propecia (the brand name of finasteride). Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp twice a day, while Propecia is taken orally and inhibits the production of testosterone, one of the leading causes of balding in men.
Other treatments that can be used to restore hair on bald spots include Mesotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Both involve injecting small quantities of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, or other medications into the scalp. The injections stimulate blood flow to the area and increase nourishment to the follicles. Such treatments can cause minor side effects such as itching or tingling at the injection site.
Finally, you may also want to discuss surgical restoration options with your doctor if you have a bald spot that has been resistant to other treatments.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re looking for ways to make your bald spot grow back fast, seeking professional help from a dermatologist or trichologist is a good option. A dermatologist or trichologist will be able to assess your condition and provide the best treatment for you. They may also be able to recommend lifestyle changes or other treatments that will help stimulate hair growth.
Let’s discuss some of the other treatments and remedies that may be available for bald spots:
Consult a Dermatologist
If you’re unsure what caused your hair loss, it’s important to seek medical advice and get an accurate diagnosis. Take the time to visit a dermatologist and get an informed opinion on what’s causing your bald spot. A doctor can also monitor the progress of your hair growth and treatment.
Seeing a specialist can be helpful if your bald spot is caused by any of the following medical conditions:
- Alopecia areata: This condition can cause round patches of baldness. Treatments may include topical medications, oral pills, and intralesional injections.
- Traction alopecia: Caused by excessive tension or pulling on hair follicles over time, this common condition among people who wear certain types of hairstyles often responds to measures like avoiding tight styling.
- Telogen effluvium: This type of hair shedding is typically caused by a physical or psychological shock to the body and often resolves itself in 1–6 months with additional hair regrowth.
- Androgenetic alopecia (also known as male pattern or female pattern baldness): This common form of permanent hair loss is typically caused by genetic factors, hormones, and aging, depending on sex. Treatments may include topical medications like minoxidil (Rogaine), oral pills, laser therapy, and surgery.
Consider Hair Transplant Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is an option that many people consider when seeking to restore bald spots. It involves taking skin from other parts of the body and transferring it to the area with hair loss. The process usually involves multiple procedures over time to give natural-looking results.
The procedure is relatively safe, with minimal risks typically observed during the process. However, it can also be expensive, as there are no guarantees that baldness won’t return after surgery is complete. In addition, hair transplants generally don’t work for people who have a receding hairlines, as grafts are difficult to place in a uniform pattern there.
Therefore, before considering hair transplant surgery, speak with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for advice on the best approach for you and your budget. They can help you understand the differences between fuller-term treatments and shorter-term solutions and how much each approach may cost your household budget in time or money before giving you customized advice tailored to your needs.
Try Alternative Therapies
In addition to medications, certain alternative therapies may help bald spots grow back quicker. These therapies are not backed by extensive scientific research but some anecdotal evidence suggests that they can be beneficial.
A popular choice is scalp massage, either with a professional therapist or performed by yourself at home. Massaging the scalp can stimulate bouts of hair growth and promote healthy circulation. It can also be combined with aromatherapy to aid relaxation and balance hormones that might cause hair loss.
Herbal medicine is another traditional therapy used to treat baldness. Herbs such as ginseng, saw palmetto, rosemary, and nettle root are believed to prevent further hair loss and even promote new growth. A qualified herbalist should be consulted before ingesting any herb as some can interfere with other medications or underlying health conditions.
Other types of alternate therapies that could potentially help regrow a bald spot include acupuncture, laser therapy and vitamin treatments. These methods of treatment require more research before definitive conclusions can be made regarding their efficacy in regenerating lost hair follicles, but anecdotal evidence might suggest they can help in your situation.