A recent survey showed that 37% of male respondents in Dubai had experienced some form of hair fall, and an astounding 47% of women were suffering from it. A further statistic claimed that 60% of men in the UAE could expect to experience hair loss, compared to a global average of 40%.
Those are some frightening statistics. If you are among the fortunate individuals who have never experienced serious hair loss you can count yourself lucky. We’ve previously written about the severe psychological impact of balding and we can assure you that it is not pleasant. But even if you are not among the unlucky few who suffer from alopecia, you can still learn a lot about your health by keeping a close eye on the condition of your tresses. Here are three important things the condition of your hair can tell you about the state of your overall health:
- Yellow dandruff could mean that you are in danger of developing Parkinson’s disease
Yellow, greasy dandruff is normally associated with seborrheic dermatitis – an inflammatory skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, torso and other areas of skin rich in sebaceous glands. It is also an accompanying symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Greasy skin and limp, oily hair with dandruff have been associated with Parkinson’s for many decades now. Areas around the nose and forehead are most affected. The exact mechanism that causes seborrhea to develop along with Parkinson’s is not yet understood, but undoubtedly relates to the loss of dopamine on the functions of glands in the skin. - If you suffer from Alopecia Areata you could also be at risk of developing Vitiligo
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder that commonly results in unpredictable hair loss. When this disease develops, the body attacks its own hair follicles. A person’s genetic makeup, combined with other factors, triggers this form of hair loss. People with Alopecia Areata may also be at higher risk to develop other autoimmune diseases such as thyroid disease or Vitiligo. Vitiligo is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment in the skin are destroyed. These cells are called melanocytes .Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye.
Autoimmune disorders affect people of all genders, races, and ages, but certain people have an increased risk of developing autoimmune disorders. Your chance of developing an autoimmune disorder is elevated if you are female, middle-aged, African American or Latino, have a family history of autoimmune disorders or have been exposed to certain metals (e.g. mercury) for an extended period. - If you experience inexplicable hair loss it could be the result of medication you are taking
Among the medications that list hair loss as a side effect are anti-clotting drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidepressants, certain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and drugs for menopause, birth control, and antibiotics. Usually, hair grows back when the medication is stopped, but may not in some cases.
“Birth control causes hair loss if it has a progestin – a synthetic version of progesterone – with a high androgen index,” says Briden (naturopath and hormone expert from Sensible-Alternative Hormone Clinic in Sydney). “This can be more or less testosterone-like depending on its molecular structure and that is called its androgen index.”
The American Hair Loss Association (AHLA) has also warned about the impact of hormonal birth control on hair. In a 2010 statement, the AHLA stated that “it is imperative for all women especially for those who have a history of hair loss in their family to be made aware of the potentially devastating effects of birth control pills on normal hair growth.”
So what do you do when you notice irreversible hair fall?
At Advanced Hair Studio UAE we offer a range of hair loss solutions, including the extremely popular Strand-by-Strand® – The Ultimate™ treatment. Endorsed by none other than Australian cricketer Shane Warne himself, this revolutionary hair replacement solution is the ideal option if you are dealing with dead follicles.Strand-by-Strand® – The Ultimate is a unique 1-day procedure performed by some of the world’s best surgeons’ in state-of-the-art facilities with new generation instruments, all to ensure a fuller, thicker head of hair for you! The best part about this high-end procedure is that it will give you 100% natural growing, maintenance-free hair that you can wear and style according to your personality and lifestyle.
