Articles and Advice
Article Kent Messenger 2004It was September 2001 when Margaret Laing first noticed her hair was falling out. “It was everywhere”, recalls Margaret, on my pillow, in my comb- I felt awful. “I had no confidence and lost my self esteem, I think its worse for women because it’s sort of accepted that men go bald. I would not go out. The only place I went to was work but that was because my colleagues so understood. “I still went to the hairdressers to get a tidy up but I went after hours, fortunately they opened specially”.
Margaret did visit the doctor who gave her cream and shampoo but she felt neither made any difference. It was then that she discovered about Trichology through a magazine article.
Margaret struck lucky when he discovered Jane Mayhead
A qualified Trichologist practicing in Rainham Kent and London.
She has over 11 year’s experience dealing with hair loss and scalp problems.
The Raiham practice has been running now for three years and is going from strength to strength.
Margaret was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata she also has an itchy flaky scalp
I sent Margaret for some blood tests to asses for any underlying causes. Her treatment was then twofold. Addressed inwardly, she was advised nutritionally, and some supplements were prescribed. Externally, she was given a treatment regime to address both the hair loss issues and the scalp problem.
“I felt better immediately”, says Margaret. Just to know someone was addressing my problems. “ I came to see Jane once a week for an hour and had seen results within the first month. Within a few months, more hair started to grow back-
“I was so relieved and my confidence came back”. Margaret still uses a special cream and shampoo for her scalp, she visits Jane as, and when she needs to.
Although the problem has improved, there is no cure and patches of hair loss can recur. Recognising the emotional aspect of hair loss has led Jane to set up a support group.
The three most commonly types of hair loss are:
*Diffuse Alopecia – overall hair loss
*Androgenic alopecia- Thinning hair, male/female balding.
*Alopecia Areata- patchy hair loss sometimes leading to complete loss of hair.
For further information about all aspects of scalp and hair care, or the support group, contact 01634 373619
HAIR LOSS- One woman’s story.
Hair has been a source of angst for 34-year old teacher Michelle for almost 20 years – although it was having too much rather than too little, which initially gave her cause for concern.
I inherited very dark hair, deep brown eyes and olive skin. At 14 I began to grow more bodily hair than normal and, by the time I got to university, even had hairs on my chest!” Says Michelle, from Wainscott.
Doctors believed the excess body hair was due to hormonal imbalance.
Whilst they know there is something wrong hormonally, despite lengthy tests they still don’t know why.
At 25, Michelle began to notice her hair appeared to be thinning, just as if she were a man. When I first noticed the hair loss, my hairdresser made light of it,” says Michelle.
“Now when I look back at photographs taken at the time, it was really quite noticeable.”
Where Michelle used to have a mass of thick curls, her hair was clearly thinning at the front. “I was having electrolysis to get rid of my excess facial hair and it was my therapist whom recommends I see a Trichologist,” says Michelle. “At first, thought I would have to travel to London for this, so when I found there was someone locally, I was over the moon!” “It was fantastic – at last I had found someone who understood and who could relate to what was happening.By now I was starting to become quite paranoid. It was a bit like having a huge pimple on my nose – instead of talking to me people would be talking and looking at my bald patch.“Because my hair was so thick and curly, my hair was my identity and I felt like I was losing it. In the areas where I thought I had re-growth, it never seemed to get very long.Although Michelle has accepted her hair is unlikely to return completely, Jane’s treatment certainly has made improvements and the counselling has helped her develop coping strategies.
Michelle says: “I know I will always have to deal with it, but Jane’s therapies have definitely helped me deal with my condition, both physically and mentally. And she has advised me on how to make the best of my hair.
“The support group has been brilliant for me and made me realise there are other people with similar problems. For the most part I’ve got my bubbly curls back and people now compliment me on my hair once again- every penny has been money well spent. I want other women to know there is help and not to put up with it for as long as I.”
The three most common types of hair loss in women Jane sees are:
*Diffuse Alopecia – overall hair loss
*Androgenic alopecia - Female pattern Thinning hair
*Alopecia Areata - patchy hair loss sometimes results in complete loss of hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most commonly asked questions that Jane receives.
Is there a cure for hair loss?
There are many different kinds of hair loss, with varying causes. From people complaining of thinning hair, falling hair, receding hairline or bald patches.
When it comes to dealing with loss of hair correctly, the Trichologist must determine the type of hair loss and term the problem reversable or non reversable.
Once this is determined then appropriate treatment can be advised. Some forms of hair loss can be termed as semi reversable in that the loss may be slowed but not reversed. There are hundreds of treatments on the market that claim to reverse or cure hair loss, caution needs to be taken when embarking on this kind of treatment.
The best course of action is to visit a registered trichologist.
I have an itchy flaky scalp and have tried numerous shampoo's but nothing helps what can I do?
You may be suffering from a specific skin/scalp disorder which needs to be properly managed beyond the scope of the shampoo. It could also be the result of an allergic reaction. Trichological advice is recommended to make a correct diagnosis.
My hair is dry and brittle even though I use conditioner what can I do?
If you have other symptoms an underlying cause needs to be determined or ruled out first.Then an assessment needs to be made on your diet, lifesyle and hair care. Advice can then be given on appropriate hair care and products which may include lifestyle changes.
How often should I wash my hair?
Washing the hair more often is actually better for the hair than most people think! If you use the correct products suitable for your hair type and lifestyle, the hair can be washed daily and it should always look it's best.
Why does my hair always look dull even after shampooing and conditioning?
Signs of poor health can be reflected in your hair as well as poor hair care.
Many factors can contribute to dull and lifeless hair including illness, medication, poor diet or all three! Poor nutrition or malabsorbtion of vitamins and minerals even if you consider your diet to be healthy, is usually the most likely cause. Some trichologists focus heavily on diet others do not ensure you visit one that does.
