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Leeds Trichologist talks about Alopecia: what is it and what are the causes?

Stephen Garfit • 23 July 2022

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder, which usually starts with a small coin shaped lesion, this can appear overnight owing to hair shaft breaking.
The most common site for this condition is usually behind or just above the ear.
Over the next 2-3 weeks it can double in size and sometimes other Alopecia sites can establish.

The causes of Alopecia Areata can be many, such as stress, bereavement, sudden acute shock, dietary and inherited to name a few.
A Trichologist will investigate what are the probable causes, ruling out, other hair and scalp disorders, and if a definite diagnosis of Alopecia Areata is reached, will then discuss the options available to the patient

In many cases Alopecia Areata, if left untreated will regrow completely only in patients who have patchy Alopecia Areata of less than 1 year duration. Therefore correct prompt diagnosis is key.


If you have any questions about Alopecia then Email me; info@trichological.co.uk or text me on 07904353108 for a without obligation chat about what concerns you.

by Stephen Garfit MIT 10 October 2023
Leeds Trichologist Stephen Garfit MIT 
by Stephen Garfit 13 August 2023
If you are concerned about hair loss, it is important to see a trichologist for a comprehensive assessment. A trichologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hair and scalp disorders. They will be able to: Evaluate the extent of your hair loss Determine the cause of your hair loss Develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs A trichological assessment can be a valuable tool for managing hair loss. By understanding the cause of your hair loss, you can take steps to prevent further loss and promote regrowth. Here are some of the benefits of a trichological assessment: Accurate diagnosis: A trichologist can accurately diagnose the cause of your hair loss, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Personalized treatment: A trichologist will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. Early intervention: A trichologist can help you to intervene early in the course of hair loss, which can improve your chances of success. Support and guidance: A trichologist can provide you with support and guidance as you manage your hair loss. If you are concerned about hair loss, I encourage you to see a trichologist for a comprehensive assessment. A trichological assessment can help you to understand the cause of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
by Stephen Garfit 3 July 2023
Hair loss can be a very stressful and emotional experience. It can impact your self-confidence, your social life, and even your career. If you are concerned about hair loss, it is important to see a trichologist. A trichologist is a medical professional who specializes in the study of hair and scalp. They can help you to determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend treatment options. There are many different causes of hair loss, including: Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) Female pattern baldness Alopecia areata (spot baldness) Telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss) Traction alopecia (hair loss caused by pulling or twisting the hair) Medications Medical conditions A trichologist will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination of your scalp. They may also order blood tests or other tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Once the cause of your hair loss has been determined, the trichologist will recommend a treatment plan. Treatment options for hair loss vary depending on the cause. Some common treatments for hair loss include: Minoxidil (Rogaine) Finasteride (Propecia) Laser therapy Low-level laser therapy Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy Hair transplantation  If you are concerned about hair loss, it is important to see a trichologist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent further hair loss and improve your chances of regrowth.
by Stephen Garfit 25 June 2023
Trichology is the study of hair and scalp health. Trichologists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss and other hair disorders. They can help you understand the causes of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. What is hair loss? Hair loss is a common problem that affects people of all ages. There are many different causes of hair loss, including: Genetics Hormones Stress Medications Medical conditions Nutritional deficiencies Lifestyle choices What is a trichologist? A trichologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss and other hair disorders. Trichologists have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the hair and scalp, as well as the causes of hair loss. They can help you understand the causes of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. How can a trichologist help me? A trichologist can help you in a number of ways, including: Diagnosing the cause of your hair loss Developing a treatment plan that is right for you Providing you with support and education about hair loss Referring you to other medical professionals if necessary If you are concerned about your hair loss, it is important to see a trichologist. A trichologist can help you understand the causes of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Here are some additional tips for preventing hair loss: Eat a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Get enough sleep. Manage stress levels. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Use gentle hair care products. Protect your hair from the sun and heat. If you are experiencing hair loss, it is important to see a doctor or trichologist to determine the cause and get the treatment you need.
by Stephen Garfit 12 June 2023
Our scalp is the foundation of your hair. It's where your hair follicles grow, and it's also responsible for producing sebum, the natural oil that helps to keep your hair healthy. If your scalp is unhealthy, it can lead to hair loss, dandruff, and other scalp problems. There are a number of things you can do to keep your scalp healthy. First, it's important to wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo. Avoid using harsh shampoos or conditioners, as these can strip away the natural oils from your scalp. You should also avoid using styling products that contain alcohol or other harsh chemicals. In addition to washing your hair regularly, it's also important to exfoliate your scalp. This will help to remove dead skin cells and debris that can clog your hair follicles. You can exfoliate your scalp with a gentle scrub or a natural exfoliating powder. Finally, it's important to eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep. These things can help to improve the overall health of your scalp and hair. If you're experiencing hair loss or other scalp problems, it's important to see a trichologist. A trichologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss and other scalp disorders. Here are some additional tips for keeping your scalp healthy: Avoid wearing tight hairstyles that can put pressure on your scalp. Get regular haircuts to remove split ends. Use a leave-in conditioner to help keep your hair hydrated. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Manage stress levels. By following these tips, you can help to keep your scalp healthy and your hair looking its best. Here are some of the most common scalp problems: Dandruff: Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flaking and itching. It is caused by a fungus that lives on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flaking, and itching on the scalp, face, and chest. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to produce excess cells. This can lead to red, scaly patches on the scalp and other parts of the body. Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. It can cause patchy hair loss or complete baldness. If you are experiencing any of these scalp problems, it is important to see a doctor or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
by Stephen Garfit 24 May 2023
As a trichologist, I am often asked questions about hair loss and scalp health. Here are some of the most common questions I get asked:  Question 1: What causes hair loss? There are many causes of hair loss, including: Genetics: Some people are simply more prone to hair loss than others. Hormones: Changes in hormones, such as those that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, can cause hair loss. Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, alopecia areata, and anemia, can cause hair loss. Medications: Some medications, such as chemotherapy drugs and antidepressants, can cause hair loss. Stress: Stress can also cause hair loss. Question 2: What can I do to prevent hair loss? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to prevent hair loss depends on the cause of your hair loss. However, there are some general things you can do to help prevent hair loss, such as: Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help to keep your hair healthy. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for overall health, and it can also help to prevent hair loss. Manage stress: Stress can be a major trigger for hair loss, so it is important to find ways to manage stress in your life. Avoid smoking: Smoking can damage hair follicles and make hair loss more likely. Use gentle hair products: Using harsh hair products can damage hair follicles and make hair loss more likely. Question 3: What is the best treatment for hair loss? The best treatment for hair loss depends on the cause of your hair loss. However, some common treatments for hair loss include: Medications: There are a number of medications that can be used to treat hair loss, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option for treating hair loss. For example, hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that can be used to restore hair to areas that have been affected by hair loss. Lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to prevent hair loss or slow the progression of hair loss. These changes include eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. Conclusion: If you are concerned about hair loss, it is important to see a trichologist. A trichologist can help you to determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best treatment option for you.
by Stephen Garfit 11 May 2023
Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide. However, there are many myths surrounding this condition that can cause confusion and anxiety for those experiencing it. In this article, we will debunk the top 5 myths about hair loss. Myth #1: Only Men Experience Hair Loss Contrary to popular belief, hair loss is not just a male problem. In fact, studies show that nearly 40% of women experience some form of hair loss by the age of 60. While male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men, women are more likely to experience diffuse hair loss, which affects the entire scalp. Myth #2: Wearing Hats Causes Hair Loss Wearing a hat does not cause hair loss. However, wearing a hat that is too tight can lead to traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by constant pulling or tension on the hair. This can happen if you wear a hat that is too small or if you wear your hat too tightly. Myth #3: Hair Loss Is Only Caused by Genetics While genetics play a significant role in hair loss, it is not the only factor. Other factors that can contribute to hair loss include stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, medications, and certain medical conditions. By addressing these underlying issues, you can potentially slow down or prevent hair loss. Myth #4: Hair Loss Is Permanent Hair loss is not always permanent. In some cases, hair can regrow on its own, especially if the hair loss is caused by a temporary condition such as stress or hormonal changes. However, if the hair loss is caused by genetics, it may be more difficult to regrow hair without medical intervention. Myth #5: Hair Loss Can Only Be Treated with Medications While medications can be effective in treating hair loss, there are other non-medical treatments available as well. These include hair transplantation, low-level laser therapy, and scalp micropigmentation. By consulting with a trichologist, you can explore all of your options and find the best treatment plan for your individual needs. In conclusion, hair loss is a complex condition that is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. By understanding the facts and debunking these myths, you can make informed decisions about your hair health and find effective solutions for hair loss.
by Stephen Garfit 30 April 2023
Hair loss is a common problem that affects many people, both men and women. There are many different causes of hair loss, and understanding the underlying causes can help you prevent or even reverse it. In this article, we'll explore the top 3 causes of hair loss and provide tips on how to prevent it. Genetics Genetics is one of the most common causes of hair loss. Male and female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is caused by a genetic predisposition to hair loss. This type of hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown of the head in males, Females usually have a retained frontal hairline, with noticeably thinner hair on top. While there is no cure for genetic hair loss, there are some treatments available that can slow down the process or even regrow some hair. One option is minoxidil, a topical medication that can be applied to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Finasteride is another medication that can be taken orally to block the hormone responsible for hair loss in men. there are some alternatives for women. Hair transplant surgery is also an option for those who want a more permanent solution. 2. Hormonal Changes Hormonal changes can also cause hair loss, particularly in women. Pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid problems can all affect the balance of hormones in the body and lead to hair loss. In these cases, the hair loss is usually temporary and will improve once the hormonal imbalance is corrected. If you're experiencing hair loss due to hormonal changes, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals can help promote healthy hair growth. Avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on the hair can also help reduce hair loss. 3. Stress Stress is another common cause of hair loss. When you're under a lot of stress, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can cause hair loss. Stress can also lead to other hair-related issues, such as dandruff, dry scalp, and hair breakage. To prevent hair loss caused by stress, it's important to find ways to manage your stress levels. This could include practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga, getting regular exercise, or seeking support from friends or a therapist. Taking care of your overall health can also help reduce stress and improve the health of your hair. In conclusion, there are many different causes of hair loss, but understanding the underlying causes can help you prevent or even reverse it. If you're experiencing hair loss, it's important to speak to a qualified trichologist to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. By taking care of your overall health and addressing the root cause of your hair loss, you can help promote healthy hair growth and maintain a full head of hair.
by Stephen Garfit 2 February 2023
Every day, your hair which is Hygroscopic absorbs all environmental pollution which is in the air all around us. I recommend that scalp hair is shampooed daily. You wash your face every day so why wouldn't you shampoo your hair? It is usually the styling that causes the damage so where possible hair should be left to dry naturally, also it is important to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner along with scalp toner to make the scalp the perfect environment to grow great Hair! "Making hair feel great everyday!"
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