Why is my hair falling out and how do I treat it?
Ever noticed a clump of hair on your bathroom floor or pillow? Or how about when you brush your hair or remove your hair tie? It's a pretty common sight, but for many women—myself included—it's a source of anxiety and frustration. Hair loss can be a real downer, especially when it starts to affect your self-esteem.
I have pretty thick hair, thanks to my mom, but my hair fall could be intense. It turns out, I'm not alone. Hair loss is a common issue for women, with about one-third of us experiencing it at some point, said Harvard Health. And while it can be alarming, it's important to remember that not all hair loss is cause for concern.
“Women will always carry the pressure of maintaining thick and luscious hair especially until they mature into old age. The perception that hair is associated with beauty is still very much observed in all cultures,” observed Dr. Clarissa V. Cellona, Founder & Lead Dermatologist at SKINCELL Advanced Aesthetic Clinics.
So, when should you start worrying? Dr. Cellona said it's normal to lose around 300 strands a day. But if you're noticing significant thinning or excessive shedding, it might be time to consult a doctor.
One of the most common types of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss (FPHL), which can occur at any age but is often more noticeable after menopause. It's characterized by a gradual thinning of hair on the top of the head or crown, according to the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS).
What causes hair fall?
Hair is genetic and is influenced by metabolism, physical and emotional stress, and sickness.
“I have patients who have thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, post-chemotherapy—they have hair fall, and some people just have cyclical hair loss,” Dr. Cellona told PhilSTAR L!fe.
PDS also noted that environmental factors such as “psychological stress, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, lack of photoprotection and physical activity have also been noted to be possibly related to FPHL.”
“Nowadays, as a woman’s career progresses very much like men, their age combined with chronic stress and hormonal changes may lead to hair thinning or female patterned hair loss and/or in many cases, spot alopecia for much younger patients. It is about time that such topic be openly discussed and normalized, so that more women are aware that there are advanced solutions available today,” she added.
Is there a treatment for it?
There are multiple forms of treatment: platelet-rich plasma therapy, microneedling, injections, and low-level light therapy.
I recently tried NADPLUS, which uses a high-pressure jet to release a therapeutic solution into the scalp that promotes hair growth. It can help promote hair regrowth by stimulating dormant hair follicles.
“When you age all your cells become slower, lazier. Yung hair, sila yung kailangan ng mas maraming energy... and nutrition,” said Dr. Cellona.
The "cocktail" includes nicotinamide NADPLUS which is the energy booster cellular generator for your cells and minoxidil, a medication known for hair growth. But depending on the doctor’s assessment and the condition of the hair and scalp, they can add other medicines to the mixture.
How does NADPLUS work?
Skincell’s hair program, NADPLUS, thickens and restores healthy hair. I went to the clinic in San Antonio Plaza, Makati not knowing what to expect. I am familiar with injections for preventing hair loss and new hair growth, but Dr. Cellona assured me that this one would be painless.
Before starting the procedure, the aesthetician applied a topical anesthetic called Emla to the area where the treatment would be performed. This helped numb the scalp and minimize discomfort during the session, especially since it was my first time.
The NADPLUS treatment uses a machine that delivers healing agents deep into the scalp, but it is also needleless. This is achieved through a process called Jet Volumetric Remodeling, which uses kinetic energy to create tiny openings in the skin. These openings allow enhancing agents, like minoxidil, to penetrate the dermal layer and promote skin cell renewal.
The procedure was virtually painless, although there was a slight sensation of pressure on my scalp. It lasted about 20 minutes.
Dr. Cellona noted that some individuals may experience a temporary increase in hair shedding as their bodies adjust to the treatment. The therapy can stimulate dormant hair follicles, causing them to enter the growth phase. As these follicles begin to grow, they may shed the old hair strands.
How often should you try NADPLUS?
Dr. Cellona said patients should get NADPLUS once a month for six months and then as needed. “Everyone is different. We always say there is really no one protocol. We really assess our patients individually based on their medical history, their issues,” she noted.
While I've only had one NADPLUS treatment, I've been impressed with the results so far. The procedure was comfortable and didn't require any downtime. Dr. Cellona even demonstrated the injection version to me so I could compare it to the needleless treatment. The NADPLUS felt like a firm pressure, though it wasn't painful at all.
My hair loss is still a concern (I believe stress has been a contributing factor), but I've seen a noticeable increase in volume and fullness.
Skincell is located at 2/F San Antonio Plaza, McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City. Contact them at 09177991412.
Disclaimer: The treatment was sponsored by Skincell.
