My 27 year old daughter just called me frantic about some bald spots that were found in her hair. Her story sounds nutty, but please listen and let me know what I might can tell her that will help to calm her down. She had cut her hair pretty short and truthfully loved it, but her husband thought it looked a little butch. Unfortunately, this made her feel self conscious, so she had longer hair added to hers. From what I understand the hair pieces were glued in. Those were taken out today and she is hysterical because she now has bald spots. So, can you possibly tell me anything we can do to help point her in a direction to try and seek some help.
It sounds like the glue pulled out hair. If this is just a short, one time episode, the hair should grow back. Constant traction over longer periods of time can cause permanent hair loss. I would recommend waiting 6-8 months and after the hair goes through a cycle (worst case) the hair should grow back. Otherwise, she should see someone within my specialty for consideration of a small hair transplant procedure, but waiting for up to a year is better just in case it does grow back. The usual wait time is under 6 months, but I say a year to be safe.
I often wondered why so many people crowd dentists offices to get their teeth worked on. Today I had the chance to speak with a very prosperous dentist who told me it was due to the fact that most people starting with a dentist come when they have a tooth ache. It is the pain that drives them to the dentist’s office. At the time of the visit, they get loved (by the good dentists who understand nurturing patient loyalty) and the plan to end pain is defined. Short term relief is given and any relief brings on appreciation. The more the love that the patient senses, the more the loyalty. The dentist then checks his teeth and most people who were less than ‘good’ about dental care, get diagnosed with a variety of cavities, get recommendations on that chipped tooth that they had for some time and as they might even have dental insurance. They get a good dental hygiene program and then get educated on the need for regular dental care. They may start off with 800-DENTIST to find the dentist, that white tooth knight that will make their pain go away. With most people who have tooth decay (because of bad gum management and no flossing), constant dental care is critical and thousands of dollars goes from the patient’s pocket to the dentist’s bank account. The pain from a tooth ache is often precipitous, and emergency care often starts the process.
You should not assume that the cause is one thing or another. Starvation diets or poor nutrition can cause hair loss. For men in your age group, you should have your hair mapped out for