Don't Blame the Water in Dubai for Your Hair Loss

That’s according to Dr. Abeer Elsayed, Specialist Dermatologist, Medcare Hospital Sharjah.

“Hair falling is common in UAE because of underlying health problems and bad nutritional habits such as excess junk foods which lead to vitamin deficiency, and also due to the hot and humid weather which can make your hair dry” said Dr Elsayed. “If the water in Dubai is harsh, it may make your hair more brittle – but that just means you should be using a high-quality shampoo and conditioner to moisturize your strands”.

Genetics can be responsible for hair loss in women in almost 50% of cases. The other 50% of cases are usually due to metabolic changes that women’s bodies go through due to pregnancy or menopause. Special attention should be given to women’s diet at these times, to ensure the correct vitamins are being consumed and to allow hair to grow back.

Menopause in particular is a critical time, as up to 90% of the estrogen levels can drop due to the reduction in testosterone. This hormone imbalance can cause hair to shed. In these cases, replacement therapy is very helpful as estrogen levels can be restored. If replacement therapy is not an option, regenerative medicine can regenerate hair through your own bodies stem cells.

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Other endogenous factors that can contribute to excess hair shedding include:

• Anemia
• Low serum ferritin
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Thyroid disorders
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Exogenous factors that patents can control to come extent include exposure to major stress, nutritional deficiencies, excessive weight loss and scalp inflammation.

“I often recommend my patients to alter their lifestyle when they notice an increase amount of hair shedding. You should ensure you are eating a balanced diet full of nutritious fruits and vegetables. Also avoid using excess heat on your hair such as hair straighteners or dryers” noted Dr Elsayed.

Treatment options often target the underlying cause of hair loss, such as scalp sprays or lotions that provide an optimal environment for hair growth. Oral vitamin supplements can correct deficiencies that may lead to new hair growth. Recent technologies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesotherapy can be used as adjuvant treatment options.

“It usually takes between 3 to 6 months for patients to see results, and up to one year of therapy to maintain the result” said Dr Elsayed.