Hair loss refers to the recession or loss of hair from any part of the body, most commonly from the scalp of the head. It can be caused by many factors, including increasing age, stress, disease, or hereditary factors. Hair loss can be slowed and treated by both hygienic practices and prescriptions. In this article we answer the questions what is hair loss and what causes hair loss.
Hair loss refers to the recession or loss of hair from any part of the body, most commonly the scalp of the head. Hair loss can be the result of aging, hereditary conditions, hormonal changes, or medical conditions. It is more commonly seen in men than in women, and can often be treated through oils, creams, and transplant procedures.
Among all possible reasons for hair loss, the most common causes are increasing age and hereditary hair loss. As the body ages, it becomes less efficient at processing and utilizing key nutrients, including iron which is needed for healthy hair. Iron helps keep red blood cells healthy which carry oxygenated blood to the scalp and hair. In old age, hair strands become smaller, thinner, and lose pigment.
Hair loss can also be initiated by hormonal changes, stress, and infections. Traumatic events such as illnesses and accidents can cause a form of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. It is also common for women to experience hair loss after pregnancy. During pregnancy, an increased number of hairs enter the resting phase of the hair loss cycle. After pregnancy, as estrogen levels return to normal and hair exits the resting phase, it is common for some women to continue to lose hair slowly for the next six months.
Almost all hair loss in men is the result of male-pattern baldness, a hereditary condition passed down through male sex hormones. Treatment for male-pattern baldness is optional, as there are few negative consequences of natural balding and some men prefer to be bald. For men, hair loss can also be the result of various medical conditions. In some cases, hair loss in men may be worsened by an underlying medical condition as well.
There are a wide range of conditions and factors that can cause hair loss in women, some of the most common being pregnancy, anemia, skin conditions, and thyroid disorders. In women, hair loss can also be exacerbated by hair products, dyes, chemicals and flat irons. Certain hairstyles such as cornrows and braids, if woven too tight, can contribute to a condition called traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss caused by repetitive pulling and tension on the hair. Women who wear their hair in a tight ponytail, braid, or bun may be at risk for traction alopecia.
There are many types of hair loss. The three most common are androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and scalp folliculitis.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss. It affects more than 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. In men, androgenetic alopecia usually starts above the temples and continues around the top of the head. This usually leaves men with a small ring of hair along the bottom of their scalp. In women, androgenetic alopecia causes hair to slowly thin across the scalp, but does not usually result in hairline recession as it does in men.
Telogen effluvium is a type of sudden hair loss which occurs when stress prematurely pushes a large number of hair follicles into a resting state. Telogen effluvium is typically triggered by traumatic events, emotional stress, or serious illness. It may last as little as three months and as long as multiple years for some people.
Scalp Folliculitis usually occurs as a result of bacterial infection. Hair follicles become inflamed due to disease, blockage, or damage. In the early stages of scalp folliculitis, the areas around hair follicles become inflamed and turn red. If this condition is not treated properly, it can eventually lead to hair recession and hair loss.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue and hair follicles. Alopecia areata can affect both adults and children and usually leads to hair falling out from the scalp in small patches. Usually a painless condition, the effects of Alopecia areata can be mitigated by dermatologists through the use of steroid injections to suppress immune system cells. This suppression allows hair cells to grow back without being hampered by the immune system. The effects of Alopecia areata can also be mitigated through the use of potent anti-inflammatory drugs known as corticosteroids.
Hair loss is very uncommon in children but can occur due to infection or scalp problems. The most prevalent cause of hair loss in children is tinea capitals, a type of scalp ringworm that attacks hair and results in the formation of scaly, ring-like lesions to form on the scalp. Children who pull their air or rub it against surfaces like furniture may also be at risk for hair shaft trauma. Fortunately, hair shaft trauma is usually temporary and treatable in most cases.
Hair loss can be treated in many ways, from more effective hygienic practices, to supplements and medical prescriptions. There are multiple procedures performed by dermatologists that can be very effective in preventing hair loss and helping to regrow hair. To help hair grow, dermatologists can inject corticosteroids.
In one study of 127 patients with patchy alopecia areata, injections helped more than 80% of patients regrow at least half their hair within 12 weeks.
Certain prescription drugs can also prove useful in treating hair loss. One of the most common hair loss medications, finasteride, is a prescription drug for men that can slow down hair loss and, in some cases, lead to new hair growth. The negative effects of hair loss can also be mitigated through at-home treatments such as minoxidil, laser caps and combs, and microneedling.
Hair loss is the recession or loss of hair from any part of the body, most commonly the scalp of the head. It can happen due to aging, hormonal changes, hereditary conditions, and medical procedures.
Hair loss is very uncommon in children but becomes increasingly normal as people get older. There are a number of treatments to help prevent and mitigate hair loss, including creams, hair products, and prescriptions such as Finasteride.
