“For many people,” says Metro Beauty and Wellness editor Kate Paras-Santiago, “hair loss is inevitable, because hidden factors come into play. These factors are internal, and are caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and more. These problems exist for both men and women alike.”

In this episode of Metro Labs, we talk about the causes and effects of alopecia areata, as in the case of singer-songwriter and host Abby Asistio. She asks: “Hi Metro, my name is Abby. I experienced extreme hair fall in the past, and I wanted to know why that happened, and what could people going through this experience do.”

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, alopecia areata is a form of hair loss in which “the body attacks its own hair follicles, causing hair loss anywhere on the body.”

“It is basically a disease concerning hair loss,” explains Abby, who is also an advocate for alopecia awareness. “It’s an autoimmune condition. What happens is, your immune system, instead of defending your body, siya ‘yung sumisira sa hair follicles. When I was four years old, it started with bald spots, and then the spots grew bigger and bigger, until I had no hair at all. Completely bald. I didn’t have eyelashes, I didn’t have eyebrows, and I was told that there was no cure for it.”

There are different types of alopecia, according to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation: alopecia areata, the form with one or more coin-sized (usually round or oval) patches on the scalp or other places on the body that grow hair; alopecia totalis, which results in hair loss across the entire scalp; alopecia universalis, which results in “hair loss across the entire scalp and face (including eyebrows and eyelashes), plus the rest of the body (including pubic hair).”

Dermatologist Dr. Risa Caldoza further differentiates the alopecia areata which Abby suffers from.

“Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where there are round or oval patches of your scalp—nawawalan ng hair sa scalp mo, bilog bilog sya, minsan isa lang, minsan marami,” further explains dermatologist Dr. Risa Caldoza. “What happens here is your body attacks the hair follicles, kung saan lumalabas yung hair. Nawawala yung hair sa follicles. This Is asymptomatic, there are no symptoms except the bald patches.” She further adds that it usually affects 2% of the general population, specifically kids and young adults.

When it came to treatment, Abby first became disheartened. She tried numerous products, many of them chemical-based, which had negative side effects on her skin. Thankfully, Novuhair came into the picture. She initially went into it with low to no expectations at all, but after a few months of consistent usage, she noticed a few baby hairs growing on her head where no hair used to grow at all. Abby continued using it happily.

“The main thing that I like about Novuhair is that it’s natural,” Abby says. “Sobrang beneficial for my hair follicles ‘yung mga ingredients na nand’un. Sabi ko, I can use this every day as much as I can. When I use the product as much as I can, every day spray lang ako nang spray, I would massage my head and then may cooling effect siya. D’un ko na-fe-feel na nagse-seep-in ‘yung Topical Scalp Lotion, and that it’s making its way and working its way to my hair strands.”

Novuhair products have natural ingredients, like ginger, ginseng, virgin coconut oil, aloe vera, lemongrass, and so much more, that work together to help prevent and remedy hair loss, and is very much recommended by people with alopecia, just like Abby, proving that with Novuhair, it’s never too late for your hair, even if you have alopecia.

Novuhair Herbal Shampoo. Specially developed to prepare your scalp in an optimal way for the application of the Topical Scalp Lotion to enhance its effect and bring back the vibrance and luster of your hair. The Herbal Shampoo contains pure botanical extracts contributing to a healthy hair and scalp such as Moringa Oleifera (Horse Radish Leaf), Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian Gooseberry), Dexpanthenol (Vitamin B5), Biotin, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower), Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper), Cocos Mamillaris (Virgin Coconut Oil), Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) and Distilled Water. Shop now.

Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion. The Topical Scalp Lotion is highly recommended to men and women, 12 years old and above, who are experiencing excessive hair loss, hair thinning and bald patches. It’s also strongly suggested to those who want to regain hair luster and vibrancy, stimulate hair growth, those who are looking for a natural alternative solution to prevent dandruff and scalp itchiness and to those who are in need of cleansing and detoxification. Shop now.

Novuhair Herbal Conditioner. Formulated specially to complement the use of the Topical Scalp Lotion and the Herbal Shampoo. The Herbal Conditioner contains standardized herbal extracts which moisturize and condition your hair giving it a shinier, softer and supple look such as Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil), Cocos Mamillaris (Virgin Coconut Oil), Panax Ginseng (Ginseng), Zingiber Officinale (Ginger), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera), Vitamin E Acetate, Glycine Soja (Soy Bean) Germ Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender), Propanediol and Distilled Water. Shop now.

For more information, visit novuhair.com.

Photographs courtesy of Novuhair and Novuhair.com