What is Diffuse Thinning and what can be done to Prevent it?

Diffuse thinning refers to the diminishing, or shedding, of hair across the scalp and is typically caused by telogen effluvium; occurring when an unusually large number of the scalp’s follicles enter their telogen phase. The telogen phase is otherwise known to be the resting period of the hair follicle. When an individual is placed under circumstances of extreme stress, the hair is at heightened risk of entering the resting phase prematurely, leading to thinning and a noticeable loss of hair. As much as 70% of an individual’s hair follicles could be seen to enter the telogen phase early, making it important to avoid high stress situations when possible. 

Various medications could also lead to the development of telogen effluvium, including hormone therapies as well as antibiotics. Reasoning for this will differ depending on the type of medication in use. For example, hormone replacement medications could potentially interfere with the levels of testosterone and oestrogen that naturally occur within the blood serum, leading to the development of the condition and, ultimately, the thinning of hair. 

 

We know that Telogen Effluvium can be the cause of diffuse thinning and an overall loss of hair, but what effect does this condition have upon the regrowth of hair? 

Hair growth occurs in a set of three stages; these are anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen can be identified as the active phase within which the hair begins to grow from the follicle. This is a phase that can last for an average of 2 to 6 years. Catagen is known as the transitional phase of the hair life cycle and entails the detachment of the hair bulb from the blood supply. After this, the hair strand becomes fully detached from the follicle, meaning the hair actively sheds from the scalp as a result; this process is referred to as the telogen phase. Normally, this cycle will repeat upon itself, leading to the regrowth of hair in anagen, however, this new hair growth is, unfortunately, not very likely to occur in those suffering from telogen effluvium. This is due to hair follicles remaining in the telogen phase for longer than they should, or an increasing number of said follicles entering the telogen phase at any given time. 

 

It can sometimes feel like hair loss and thinning crept up on you unexpectedly, making it important to know which signs to look out for so that diffuse thinning can be identified, and prevented, as quickly as possible. One of the most common signs of hair loss as a result of diffuse thinning is excessive shedding. It’s normally to be shedding around 50 to 100 hairs per day, any more than this could be a sign of a developing issue. One of the earliest signs of diffuse hair loss is an increase in hair shedding, so, if you think you’re at risk of diffuse thinning, this should be a vital sign to look out for as to identify any potential problems. 

Another tell-tale sign is hairline recession. Despite diffuse thinning occurring across the entirety of the scalp, it can be seen to have an apparent effect on your natural hairline. Usually, diffuse thinning will be identified before reaching the stage of damaging an individual’s hairline, but if the issue has persisted, there are actions you can take as to potentially restore the hair that’s lost. 

 

In cases of diffuse hair loss as a result of telogen effluvium, it is possible for the condition to resolve over time if caused by an increase in stress or short-term prescription. However, this does not deem it impossible for individuals to suffer from the condition on a long-term basis. In these instances, methods of preventing, or slowing the rate at which hair loss occurs should be considered. 

One way that individuals can work to treat thinning hair is through the use of daily scalp massage and exercises, working to stimulate blood flow and strengthen the hair follicles; therefore, working to slow the rate at which they fall out. 

 

If hair loss continues, it may be time to consider other options as to resolve the issue and reclaim a full head of hair. Hair transplants offer an advanced solution to those suffering from issues of hair loss, helping to mask areas of balding or thinning and restore hair to its former quality. This hair loss treatment is known to provide great results, making it a great option overall. 

 

To learn more about the hair restoration treatment options on offer, visit our dedicated hair transplant page or get in touch discover what our Birmingham hair transplant clinic can do to help you.