Differences between progressive and reactive hair loss: how to fight each case

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people around the world. However, not all hair loss is the same. There are differences between progressive and reactive hair loss, and it is important to understand these differences to address each case effectively.Keep reading!

Progressive or reactive hair loss: what is it and how can they be distinguished?

Progressive hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a gradual and hereditary process. In this type of hair loss, hair follicles become more sensitive to male hormones, which leads to thinning hair and, eventually, loss.

It affects both men and women and tends to develop over time. On the other hand, reactive hair loss is a temporary response of the body to specific triggering factors.

It may be caused by emotional stress, hormonal changes, restrictive diets or illness.

The main difference between these two types of hair loss lies in their causes and nature. While progressive hair loss is related to genetic predispositions and hormones, reactive hair loss is the result of external factors.

It is crucial to identify whether you are experiencing continuous, gradual hair loss or sudden, temporary hair loss to determine the best course of action.Unlike progressive hair loss, reactive hair loss is reversible once the underlying cause is addressed.

Causes of hair loss

On the one hand, the cause of alopecia or progressive hair loss (more than 6 months) originates in a disruption of the hair cycle. Hair has a life cycle divided into three phases:

1. Anagen (growth): this phase is essential because it is when the hair fibre is produced. It lasts 4 years in men and 6 to 8 in women. Normally, 85% of hairs are in this stage.
2. Catagen (transition): this is a regression stage where hair growth stops, lasting between 2 and 3 weeks.
3. Telogen (rest): this is the phase in which hair begins to fall out. This period lasts around 3 months. At this stage we may lose around one hundred hairs per day.

Hair loss is linked to the shortening of the anagen phase (growth), moving more quickly to the catagen phase (transition).

Consequently, the sequence of 20 to 25 hair creation cycles would finish more quickly and, over time, would cause premature depletion of the hair capital.

This hair alteration would lead to the hair becoming thinner and hairs beginning to disappear in the long areas of the scalp.

However, when hair loss is due to a reactive cause, it is known as acute diffuse alopecia, as it involves a sudden, massive and specific cause due to particular factors, such as:

• Lack of vascularisation. Poor blood circulation in the scalp would cause a deficiency in the hair bulb and therefore in hair growth.

• Nutritional deficiency. Vascular deficiency prevents the supply of energy and nutritional elements, causing premature entry into the telogen phase (hair loss).
• Fatigue and overwork.
• Stress and emotional tension.
• Postpartum in women. During pregnancy, oestrogen levels increase enormously, stimulating the whole body. However, in the three months after giving birth, oestrogen concentration decreases, causing this hormonal disorder to trigger hair loss. Added to this is the fatigue and stress many mothers experience after giving birth.
• The use of certain medicines and pharmacological treatments.
• Some diseases, such as diabetes or anaemia. Likewise, one of the symptoms of COVID-19 is severe hair loss.
• Change of season. Hair falls out more during spring and autumn, as these months usually bring changes in the biological cycle due to changes in daylight hours.

However, there are several tips to fight progressive or reactive hair loss.

Tips to fight progressive or reactive hair loss

• A balanced diet. A diet rich in minerals, vitamin B and zinc should be followed.
• Sleep well. Establish a sleep routine and sleep the hours needed for proper rest (7-9 hours).
• Capsules for hair loss. Supplements rich in vitamins such as Iraltone Forte Melatonin strengthen the hair while helping you fall asleep, to reduce the factors that affect normal hair growth.
• Avoid using some hair products, such as hairspray or fixing gels.
• Use anti-hair loss shampoos that strengthen the hair. Vichy Dercos Aminexil shampoo strengthens, treats hair loss and reinforces the hair, helping it recover shine and density.
• Apply lotions that slow hair loss. The ampoules from the Rene Furterer Triphasic range, for both progressive hair loss and reactive hair loss, act from the root to slow, prevent and stimulate hair growth, while increasing its thickness, thanks to their formula with natural ingredients.
• Medicines for hair loss in men. There are active ingredients such as Minoxidil, which help treat this hair loss and promote growth in men with baldness. This active ingredient can be found in Regaine cutaneous foam, which acts by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle, thereby prolonging the hair growth phase.

In addition to using specific products, there are measures you can take to maintain healthy hair. Avoiding excessive stress, following a balanced diet rich in nutrients and caring for the hair properly are important steps.