Hair loss is among one of the top physical concerns in the UAE with 50% men under 30 facing the problem
Residents who are rapidly losing their scalp hair, blame the phenomenon on the UAE’s hard water.
But, Dr Hanieh Erdmann, German Board Certified Dermatologist and Hair Restoration Surgeon of Clinica Joelle, Dubai, has busted this myth. She has stated that the UAE’s hard, desalinated water has very little to do with hair loss. Contrary to popular belief, hair loss is related to water temperature and heat, and apparently a small dose of chlorine is good for the hair.
Hair loss among men and women is a perennial problem across the globe, and all nationalities who have made the UAE their home face the same problem. A recent Hair Loss Incidence Study conducted by YouGov on behalf of Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo in the UAE inferred that almost 67 per cent of men and women in the UAE suffers from hair loss.
The survey, for which more than 1,100 UAE men and women responded, said that almost every second man under the age of 30 in the UAE suffer from hair loss in various proportions. The male respondents perceived hair loss among the top two physical concerns – even before erectile dysfunction – which indicates the extent of mental impact of this condition on men.
“Hair loss can alter the way a man looks and makes him look older. Men in the UAE lay strong emphasis on their physical appearance, and hair loss therefore causes great problems for them,” said Dr Erdmann. More than five out of 10 UAE men mentioned that hair loss leads to psychological and social issues
Very often, men affected by hair loss also suffer psycho-socially. “Self-doubt, difficulties in socialising and embarrassment are just some of the consequences of hair loss”, she added.
Consistently, 56 per cent of polled men mentioned that their social lives are impacted negatively, especially those men with acute hair loss problems. Furthermore, almost 35 per cent of men suffer from various levels of depression/anxiety symptoms and are anxious to rectify this problem. Interestingly, 55 per cent of men affected by hair loss said they would be willing to shorten their lifespan to regain lost hair.
Globally, 40 per cent of people who experience temporary or long-term hair loss are women. Some have hair that is thinning all over, while others see the centre part gradually widen.
Women generally develop distinct baldness at the crown of the head. However, unlike men, they rarely develop a receding front hairline. Hair loss in women can be triggered by different medical conditions, as well as several lifestyle factors.
Sometimes no specific cause can be found. Hair loss experts recommend testing for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances. In many cases, hair will grow back once the cause is addressed.
“Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a chronic hormonal imbalance, leading to severe hair loss. Crash diets are also a well-known cause of hair loss among women,” said Dr Erdmann.
Testosterone weakens hair roots
Dr Erdman explained: “The main reason for hair loss is caused by a genetic predisposition. Those men affected by hereditary hair loss suffer from a super sensitivity of the hair roots to the hormone DHT, a metabolite of testosterone.” While testosterone does make the beard grow, it also weakens the head hair’s root in correspondingly predisposed individuals.”
She added: “Although stress and lack of vitamins have been perceived as major causes of hair loss in the study, 41 per cent men also know that testosterone can cause hair loss.” Consumption of alcohol and cigarettes are also considered a major reason for hair loss in the UAE. Losing excessive weight and consumption of medicines such as anti-coagulants, anti-depressants, and thyroid medicines among others also results in hair loss. Other reasons include seborrheic dermatitis, the hot climate and washing hair with hot water.
Role of caffeine in curing hair loss
Caffeine works to counteract the effect of testosterone and prevents hair loss, according to German scientist Dr Adolf Klenk, Head of Research and Development at Dr Kurt Wolff. He stated that hair loss needs to be recognised and treated in the early stages. “Patients do not need to go to dermatologists and hair transplant specialists. They can fix the problem at an earlier stage, in a more cost effective manner,” added Dr Wolff.
However, according to Dr Klenk, hair loss can be treated. Caffeine has achieved wide scientific recognition as an active ingredient in reducing hair loss. “Due to caffeine, the hair roots receive the necessary energy for growth despite the testosterone attack,” said Dr Klenk.
(KT)
