September is Alopecia Awareness Month, making it an important time to talk about something that affects millions of people but can still feel incredibly personal: hair loss.
At Kontour Clinic in Kamloops, we see patients at many different stages of their hair-loss journey. Some have noticed increased shedding in the shower, while others are seeing a widening part, thinning around the temples, or a gradual decrease in overall hair density.
While hair loss is common, understanding why it is happening is an important first step toward choosing the right treatment.
What is Alopecia?
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss, and it can occur for many different reasons. It may be temporary or progressive and can affect the scalp or other areas of the body.
Some common forms and causes of hair loss include:
- Androgenetic alopecia: Often referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, this is one of the most common causes of progressive thinning.
- Telogen effluvium: Increased shedding that can occur after physical or emotional stress, illness, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, significant weight changes, or certain medications.
- Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition that commonly causes distinct patches of hair loss.
- Traction alopecia: Hair loss associated with repeated tension or pulling on the hair follicles.
- Hormonal or medical causes: Thyroid conditions, hormonal changes, iron deficiency and other underlying health factors may contribute to changes in hair growth.
Because there are many potential causes of hair loss, not every type of alopecia should be treated the same way. Sudden, severe, patchy or unexplained hair loss may require assessment by a physician, nurse practitioner or dermatologist before beginning an aesthetic hair-restoration treatment.
When Should You Start Addressing Hair Thinning?
When it comes to progressive hair thinning, earlier intervention can be beneficial. Hair grows in cycles, and over time certain forms of hair loss can cause follicles to produce progressively finer, shorter hairs. This process is known as miniaturization.
That’s why you don’t necessarily need to wait until hair loss becomes dramatic before asking about it. A widening part, decreased ponytail density, increased scalp visibility or gradual thinning can all be reasons to start the conversation.
At Kontour Clinic, our approach focuses on supporting the scalp and existing hair follicles while creating an individualized treatment plan based on your pattern of hair loss.
PRP Hair Restoration in Kamloops
One of the treatments we offer for appropriate hair-loss patients is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
PRP uses a concentrated component of your own blood that contains platelets and associated growth factors. After your blood is drawn and processed, the PRP is injected strategically into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning.
PRP is used in hair restoration to help support the environment surrounding existing hair follicles and may improve hair density and thickness in appropriately selected patients.
Because PRP uses your own blood, it also provides a regenerative approach without introducing a synthetic filler or medication into the scalp.
Hair restoration is rarely about a single appointment, however. PRP is typically performed as a series of treatments, with maintenance recommendations based on the individual.
KeraLase Treatments in Kamloops
For patients looking for a non-injectable approach to scalp and hair support, we also offer KeraLase.
KeraLase combines our LaseMD Ultra fractional laser with KeraFactor, a topical scalp serum formulated with biomimetic growth factors and proteins.
During treatment, LaseMD Ultra creates microscopic channels in the scalp. KeraFactor is then applied topically following the laser treatment. This combination is designed to support scalp health and improve the delivery of the KeraFactor serum where it is needed.
KeraLase can be incorporated into a broader hair-restoration plan or used for patients who may not want an injectable treatment.
Why We Created the Kontour Hair Bootcamp
One thing we have learned from treating hair loss is that there usually isn’t a single “magic” treatment. Hair restoration takes time, consistency and the right treatment strategy.
That’s exactly why we created our Kontour Hair Bootcamp.
Rather than approaching hair loss with isolated appointments, Hair Bootcamp is our structured 5-month hair-restoration program designed for patients who want to commit to a comprehensive treatment plan.
Depending on your individual needs and candidacy, your program may incorporate treatments such as PRP and KeraLase, allowing us to support the scalp and hair follicles through complementary treatment approaches.
This program is comprehensive and includes all Kerafactor at-home products for the duration of the program. The goal isn’t an overnight transformation. Hair growth is a biological process, and meaningful changes take time.
Hair Bootcamp gives us the ability to follow your progress over several months, maintain treatment consistency and take standardized photos so we can objectively evaluate changes along the way.
Ready to learn more about your options?
Book a hair consultation at Kontour Clinic to learn more about PRP hair restoration, KeraLase and our 5-month Hair Bootcamp in Kamloops.
Individual results vary. Hair-loss treatments are not appropriate for every type of alopecia, and consultation is required to determine candidacy.
