One of the easiest ways to see if you have dead hair follicles is by checking your scalp. Do you have any smooth bald patches? In some cases, your scalp may show scarring where the dead hair follicles are.
So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.
There is no specific time in which a hair follicle dies. The well being of a hair follicle totally depends on the nourishment it is given, both in terms of the food you eat and the nourishment you provide to your hair externally. The time taken for a hair follicle to die depends on the present condition it is in.
Oral finasteride is a prescription medication for men who have male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body's production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles.
Can I fix damaged hair follicles. Unfortunately, once your hair follicles have been deeply damaged, it is permanent. Your best bet is to spend your time, energy, and resources focusing on protecting and caring for the healthy follicles. You can also take steps to support new hair growth.
How to get tested. A sample of hair can be collected at home, at a laboratory, or in a medical setting. Hair follicle drug testing can be ordered by a doctor or an administrator of a program that requires drug testing. Hair follicle drug tests can also be purchased through retailers without a prescription.
Turmeric. This yellow, fragrant spice has been used as a natural beauty remedy since ancient times. Like papaya, it weakens the hair follicles. But it's mostly used to get rid of facial hair.
Understanding Stage 1 Hair Loss
At this stage, hair follicles begin to weaken, leading to a gradual reduction in hair density, especially around the crown, temples, or part line. Early recognition and treatment at this stage significantly improve the chances of reversing hair loss and restoring hair health.
At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care.
When your hair follicles are dead, they do not regrow hair. You can inspect your scalp and look for signs of hair growth. Even if you only see thin hair patches or fuzzy texture, your hair follicles are still alive and will continue to renew themselves.
Use a Hair Loss Medication
First, there is minoxidil, a type of topical treatment you can purchase over the counter. This one works by stimulating blood flow to the scalp, which can help revive dying follicles.
Topical drugs.
The FDA has approved minoxidil (Rogaine), available over the counter, as a hair loss treatment for both men and women. It helps thicken hair follicles and promotes hair lengthening. It comes in a liquid or foam that's applied to the scalp.
In this study, a caffeine-based topical 0.2% liquid was found to be no less effective than minoxidil 5% solution regarding the percentage change from baseline in AR at 6 months in both the PP population (primary end point) and ITT population, using frontal and occipital trichograms.
Aspirin also has the ability to improve blood circulation around hair follicles. The increased blood flow can help with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). However, evidence supporting aspirin for hair growth is still very anecdotal.