Overview

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common condition that affects people of all ages and genders. It can range from temporary shedding to permanent baldness. While some hair loss is normal, excessive shedding or baldness can be a cause for concern.

Normal Hair Loss

It's considered normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day. Given that the average head has around 100,000 strands of hair, this minor loss isn't usually noticeable. In most cases, new hair grows to replace the lost hair.

Types of Hair Loss

There are numerous types of hair losses, including the following:

• Androgenic alopecia

  Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent kind of hair loss, affecting more than 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States.

  Androgenetic alopecia, sometimes referred to as male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss, is inherited but can be treated with drugs or surgery. Your hairline may gradually recede until it takes on the recognizable "M" shape.

• Telogen effluvium

  When numerous hair follicles on your scalp reach the telogen phase, or resting phase, of your hair development cycle but the subsequent growth phase is not initiated, the condition known as telogen effluvium results. Without new hair development, this results in widespread scalp hair loss.

  This kind of hair loss is generally brought on by an illness, such as a thyroid disorder, childbirth, surgery, or a fever, or stress, pregnancy, or side effects of particular medications. Iron deficiency is a major cause of hair loss in women, and other nutrient deficiencies may also result in telogen effluvium.

• Alopecia areata

  Since alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, the immune system of your body attacks healthy tissues, including your hair follicles. It may not only result in hair loss, but also stop the growth of new hair.

  Both adults and children can be impacted by this illness, and hair loss can occur abruptly and without warning

• Traction alopecia

  Certain hairdos, such as tight braids, ponytails, and cornrows, can pull your hair away from the scalp until hair strands are broken and fall out, resulting in hair thinning, or baldness.

• Anagen effluvium

  Rapid hair loss from medical treatments like chemotherapy is known as anagen effluvium. However, your hair will often regrow naturally when treatment is finished.

• Cicatricial Alopecia

  Scarring alopecia, also known as cicatricial alopecia, is an uncommon type of hair loss in which scar tissue grows in their place after inflammation kills the hair follicles. Hair doesn't grow back when scar tissue has formed. Depending on the type of cicatricial alopecia producing your symptoms, you may need treatment.

• Tinea capitis

  Tinea capitis, often known as scalp ringworm, is a scalp fungal infection that frequently results in hair loss in young children. Your scalp may feel itchy, and the infected regions frequently appear red or scaly

  This condition results in bald areas that may enlarge over time. Hair loss occurs in patches, often in circular patterns. Dermatologists might recommend taking an oral antifungal treatment to get rid of the fungus.

• Hypotrichosis

  Rare hereditary disorder known as hypotrichosis causes very little hair to develop on your scalp and body. Infants born with this disorder may initially grow hair normally, but a few months later, their hair falls off and is replaced with thin hair.

  By the age of 25, many individuals with hypotrichosis individuals tend to go bald.

Prevalence

By the age of 35, roughly 40% of men have noticeable hair loss, and this number rises to 65% by 60. About half of males experience significant hair loss, or “male pattern hair loss” in thier 40s and early 50s.

As for women, almost 40% experience hair loss by the age of 40. And over 80% of women experience hair loss that is visible by the time they are 60.

Symptoms

Hair loss can manifest in different forms depending on the cause. It might strike abruptly or steadily, and it can only affect your scalp or your entire body.

Common signs and symptoms:

• Excess hair that falls out: If you notice more than usual hair on the brush or the comb after use, this could indicate hair loss.
• Expanding part: If you have a split or part in your hair, you can start to notice that it is getting wider over time. This could indicate hair thinning.
• A receding hairline: The same goes if you notice that your hairline appears higher than usual; this could also indicate thinning hair.
• Pain and/or itching: You may also feel discomfort or itchiness on your scalp if a skin disease is the root of your hair loss.
• Bald spots: patches of hair loss on your scalp.

Causes

It's normal to lose hair after an operation, a severe fever, or chemotherapy for cancer. Many women begin to noticeably lose hair a few months after giving birth. Hair loss may also be triggered by improper hair maintenance or an overly tight hairdo, including a tight ponytail.

Some variables that can affect hair loss include the following:

• Particular medications

  Several medications, including those often used for cancer, arthritis, mental health conditions including depression, cardiac problems, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as an adverse reactions.

• Hormonal changes

  Long-term or short-term hair loss can result from a number of circumstances, including hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism.

• Family history

  Androgenic alopecia is also known as male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness, is a very common type of hair loss. Men typically have a receding hairline and bald spots, while women typically experience thinning hair at the top of their scalp.

• Medical conditions

  Alopecia areata, an immune system-related ailment that results in patchy hair loss, ringworm infections of the scalp, and the hair-pulling disorder trichotillomania are a few examples of common health issues that could result in hair loss.

• Experiencing extreme trauma

  Most individuals notice significant hair thinning several months following a traumatic event, whether it be physical or emotional. However, this particular type of hair loss tends to be transient.

• Tight hairstyles

  Traction alopecia is a kind of hair loss brought on by excessive styling or tight- pulling hairstyles like high ponytails, cornrows, or permanent hair dyes and bleach can also cause hair thinning.

  It's important to note that hair loss may become permanent if scarring takes place.

• Losing more than 20 pounds

Risk factors

Your chance of experiencing hair loss may be increased by a number of variables, such as:

• Age
• Hereditary; a family history of baldness on your mother's or father's side of the family
• Extreme weight loss in a short amount of time
• Particular medical conditions including lupus, hypothyroidism, polycystic very syndrome (PCOS), and/or lupus

Diagnosis

To better identify the causes, your doctor would typically conduct a physical exam with information from your health history, such as any recent illnesses, surgeries, stressors in your life, as well as your family history.

Additionally, doctors could take a biopsy of the skin on your scalp if they detect an autoimmune, skin disorder, or conditions such as hypothyroidism or iron deficiency. When examining the hair roots under a microscope, your doctor scrapes samples from your skin or from a few hairs pulled from your scalp. This can assist in determining whether hair loss is being caused by an infection.

Also, your healthcare specialist could request blood testing to look for any nutrient deficiencies or indications of an underlying illness.

Treatment

There are several treatment options available for hair loss, ranging from medications to surgical procedures. Here are some of the most common treatments:

Medications

• Minoxidil (Rogaine)

  Available over-the-counter, this topical solution can help stimulate hair growth or slow down hair loss, especially in early stages of hair loss. Applied to the scalp once daily for women and twice daily for men. Best results are seen after 6 to 12 months of consistent use.

  Side effects: Changes in hair color or texture, scalp inflammation, and unwanted hair growth on surrounding skin.

• Finasteride (Propecia)

  A prescription medication used for male-pattern baldness, it can slow down hair loss and promote new growth. Results typically appear after at least 3 months of daily use. Taken once daily, specifically for male pattern hair loss. Not for use by women who are or may become pregnant.

  Side effects: Decreased sexual desire, abnormal ejaculation, and breast swelling or tenderness.

• Spironolactone (Aldactone)

  Taken once to twice daily, used for treating female pattern hair loss. Approximately 40% of women see improvements, with increased hair thickness reported by some. Avoid pregnancy while using this medication due to the risk of birth defects.

  Side effects: Breast swelling or tenderness, increased thirst, and urination.

Supplements

Iron Supplements: Particularly important if hair loss is due to anemia or heavy menstrual bleeding.

Surgical Treatments

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

  Involves removing a strip of skin with hair follicles from the back or side of the head and transplanting them to balding areas. Takes 4 to 8 hours to complete. Effective for a receding hairline.

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

  Individual hair follicles are removed and transplanted to areas with thinning or no hair. Completed in several 2 to 4 hour sessions over multiple days. Minimally invasive with a shorter recovery time.

Other Treatments

• Low-Level Laser Therapy

  Approved by the FDA for genetic hair loss in both men and women. Enhances hair density, though more research is needed for long-term effects.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

  Involves drawing a small amount of blood, processing it to concentrate the plasma, and injecting it into the scalp. Each session takes about 10 minutes, with multiple sessions required. Research suggests it is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss.

Your dermatologist may also suggest stopping certain medications if they are contributing to hair loss. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

However, certain forms of hair loss are unfortunately irreversible. This may include hair follicles that were affected by hairstyles that were too tight, those affected by chemicals used on the hair, and those damaged by specific autoimmune illnesses.

If you are worried about hair loss, especially if you are also experiencing additional symptoms, talk your primary care provider or your dermatologist right away.

Prevention

You can reduce or avoid hair loss with the following:

• Avoiding tight hairstyles: Make an effort to keep your hair loose and not tight, including loose braids, so that your hair isn't placed under too much stress.
• Avoid rubbing or pulling your hair as much as you can.
• Avoid using permanent hair dye or styling your hair with hot tools
• Smoking cessation; According to several research, men who smoke more often tend to experience more hair loss over time.
• Scalp massage; In a particular study, healthy Japanese men who received daily scalp massages for 4 minutes for a period of 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the experiment.
• Plan a balanced diet that is high in nutrients. Snacks and meals should aim to contain a lot of iron, including lean beef, beans, and green vegetables, as well as protein, including eggs, lean meat, and/or seafood.
• It’s also recommended to protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light.

Additionally, use a gentle baby shampoo to wash your hair if you're experiencing hair loss. Try cleansing your hair every other day or fewer. It's recommended to use a shampoo that is as near to all-natural as you can if you find your hair is very dry, frizzy, or unmanageable.

You may also include the following vitamins in your diet for potential help in hair growth:

• Iron

  The most prevalent vitamin shortage in the world, iron deficiency, can cause anemia and hair loss, specifically in women.

• B vitamins: including biotin (vitamin B7 - can be received from your diet, including nuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, and onions), folate, as well as vitamin B12

  Although biotin is one of the more well-liked supplements for hair, skin, and nails, there is little evidence to support its advantages for those who consume sufficient biotin.

• Zinc

  Although data on the efficacy of zinc supplements for hair development is inconclusive, a zinc deficiency can result in hair loss.

• Vitamin D

  Although there is minimal evidence to suggest vitamin D supplementation for hair development, vitamin D deficiency is linked to hair loss.

• Vitamin C

  The antioxidant, vitamin C, has a number of significant roles that can influence the health of your hair, such as improving iron's absorption and collagen production, which includes amino acids that may be utilized to create keratin, a crucial component of hair structure.

• Vitamin A

  Although vitamin A may aid with hair growth, using too much vitamin A may actually cause hair loss.

  Retinol is actually one of a number of substances referred to as vitamin A.