Common Reasons Of Hair Loss you must know

What Is Hair Loss

Hair loss can be devastating can affect both men and women and may occur for various reasons. Hair loss is one of the most common issues dermatologists see, and Hair fall treatment is possible in most cases and the key is to start treatment early.

What are the cycles of hair growth?

growth cycle consists of three main phases, and understanding these phases is essential to grasp how hair grows and how hair loss occurs. The three phases of the hair growth cycle are:

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): During the anagen phase, hair follicles produce new hair cells, and the hair shaft extends from the root. The duration of the anagen phase varies depending on factors such as genetics and location on the body. Scalp hair, for example, has a much longer anagen phase compared to body hair.

On the scalp, the anagen phase typically lasts anywhere from 2 to 6 years, resulting in long hair. During this phase, hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch (1.25 centimeters) per month.

Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase): After the anagen phase, the hair follicle enters a short transitional phase called the catagen phase. This is a brief period lasting for about 2 to 3 weeksThe catagen phase serves as a transitional period between the active growth phase (anagen) and the resting phase (telogen).

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): The telogen phase is the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. It lasts for around 2 to 3 months. During this phase, the hair is fully formed but not actively growing. Around 10-15% of hairs on the scalp are typically in the telogen phase at any given time.

After the telogen phase, the hair follicle re-enters the anagen phase, and the old hair is pushed out by the new growing hair. This shedding of the old hair is a natural part of the hair growth cycle and usually results in the loss of 50-100 hairs per day.

It's important to note that the hair growth cycle is not synchronized for all hair follicles on the scalp. Therefore, at any given time, some hair follicles will be in the anagen phase, some in the catagen phase, and some in the telogen phase

Types of Hair Loss

Androgenetic alopecia: It is hereditary and related to hormonal factors. In men, it often leads to a receding hairline and balding on the top of the head. In women, it can cause hair thinning all over the scalp.
Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss in small, round patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. In more severe cases, it can cause complete baldness (alopecia totalis) or loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis).
Traction alopecia: This form of hair loss results from continuous pulling or tension on the hair, usually due to tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or hair extensions. Over time, this can damage the hair follicles and lead to permanent hair loss in the affected areas.
Trichotillomania: This is a psychological disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair. It can lead to hair loss in specific regions and is often related to stress or anxiety.
Anagen effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle. It is typically caused by factors like chemotherapy or radiation therapy used in cancer treatment, which disrupt the rapidly dividing cells of hair follicles.
Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia: This is a group of rare hair loss disorders in which inflammation leads to the destruction of hair follicles and is replaced by scar tissue. The hair loss in cicatricial alopecia is usually permanent.
Diffuse hair loss: This is a generalized thinning of hair all over the scalp without distinct patches. It can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications.
Postpartum alopecia: Some women experience hair shedding and thinning after giving birth due to hormonal changes, but this type of hair loss is usually temporary.

It's important to note that the specific type of hair loss you may experience will depend on various factors, including your genetic predisposition, overall health, and any underlying medical conditions

Symptoms Of Hair Loss

The main symptom of hair loss is, of course, the noticeable thinning or loss of hair from the scalp or other areas of the body where hair usually grows. However, depending on the type and cause of hair loss, there can be some additional symptoms or signs to look out for:

Gradual thinning: In androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), hair loss usually occurs gradually over time. Men often notice a receding hairline and thinning on the crown, while women may experience a widening part and overall hair thinning.
Patchy hair loss: In alopecia areata, hair loss typically occurs in small, round patches on the scalp or other parts of the body. These bald spots can be smooth and may not have any scaling or redness.
Sudden shedding: Telogen effluvium often leads to sudden and excessive shedding of hair. You may notice clumps of hair coming out while washing, brushing, or even just running your fingers through your hair.
Broken or damaged hair: Traction alopecia, which results from tight hairstyles, can cause hair breakage or damage near the hairline or wherever tension is applied.
Bald patches in the beard or eyebrows: In some cases of alopecia areata, hair loss can affect the beard area in men or the eyebrows.
Visible scalp: As hair thins or falls out, more of the scalp may become visible, especially in androgenetic alopecia.
Psychological distress: Hair loss can be emotionally distressing for many people, leading to feelings of self-consciousness, lower self-esteem, and even anxiety or depression.
Redness or itching: In certain types of scalp conditions or infections that cause hair loss, there might be associated redness, flaking, or itching.
Hair falling out easily: In anagen effluvium (often caused by chemotherapy), the hair may fall out more easily due to weakened hair shafts.
Pulling out hair: Trichotillomania is characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair, leading to noticeable patches of hair loss.

It's important to remember that some hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata or telogen effluvium, can be temporary and the hair may grow back on its own once the underlying cause is addressed.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can have various causes, and the specific reason for hair loss can differ from person to person.

Androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common cause of hair loss and is often referred to as male or female pattern baldness. It has a strong genetic component and is influenced by hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In individuals with a genetic predisposition, DHT can lead to the miniaturization of hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning and eventual hair loss.
Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. The exact cause of alopecia areata is not fully understood, but genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. It can be triggered by factors such as stress, severe illness, major surgery, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications.
Traction alopecia: Hair loss can occur when hair is subjected to constant tension or pulling, often due to tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or hair extensions. Over time, this can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss in the affected areas.
Medical conditions and hormonal imbalances: Certain medical conditions and hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, can contribute to hair loss.
Medications: Some medications, including certain antidepressants, blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Physical or emotional stress: Severe physical or emotional stress, such as a traumatic event, major surgery, or chronic stress, can trigger hair loss through telogen effluvium.
Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D can affect hair growth and lead to hair loss.
Hairstyling practices: Excessive use of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, and certain hair treatments can damage the hair shaft and lead to hair breakage or loss.
Age: As people age, hair follicles may shrink and produce thinner, finer hair, leading to overall hair thinning. It's important to note that identifying the specific cause of hair loss is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment.

Risk Factors of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be influenced by various risk factors, which can increase the likelihood of experiencing hair loss.

Family history: One of the most significant risk factors for hair loss is having a family history of androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). If your parents or close relatives have experienced hair loss, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition as well.
Age: Hair loss becomes more prevalent with age. As individuals get older, hair follicles may shrink and produce thinner, finer hair, leading to overall hair thinning.
Hormonal changes: Changes in hormone levels can contribute to hair loss. For example, during pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause, women may experience temporary hair shedding due to hormonal fluctuations.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and autoimmune diseases, can increase the risk of hair loss.
Medications: Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants, beta-blockers, and antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Stress: Severe physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss where a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely.
Hairstyling practices: Frequent use of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, tight hairstyles, and hair extensions can damage the hair shaft and contribute to hair breakage and hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of essential nutrients, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, can affect hair growth and increase the risk of hair loss.
Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like alopecia areata, where the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles, are more likely to occur in individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Smoking: Some studies suggest that smoking can contribute to hair loss and accelerate the progression of androgenetic alopecia.

It's important to remember that not everyone with these risk factors will experience hair loss, and the severity of hair loss can vary widely among individuals.

When To See Hair Specialist

You should consider seeing a doctor or a dermatologist if you are experiencing any of the following concerning signs or symptoms related to hair loss:

Sudden or excessive hair loss: If you notice a significant amount of hair shedding that seems more than usual, it's a good idea to seek medical advice to determine the underlying cause.
Patchy hair loss: If you have noticeable bald patches on your scalp or other areas of your body, it could be a sign of conditions like alopecia areata, and a doctor can provide a proper diagnosis.
Receding hairline: If you're noticing a receding hairline or thinning on the crown of your head, it may be an early indication of androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
Hair loss with itching, redness, or scaling: These symptoms might suggest an underlying scalp condition or infection that requires medical attention.
Hair loss after pregnancy or major surgery: Temporary hair loss can occur after significant life events, but if it persists or concerns you, consult a healthcare professional.
Hair loss due to medication: If you suspect that certain medications you are taking are causing hair loss, speak with your doctor to explore alternative options or potential solutions.
Hair loss associated with a medical condition: If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition like thyroid disorder or PCOS, and you notice hair loss, it's essential to address it with your healthcare provider.
Hair loss due to emotional or physical stress: If you are experiencing stress-related hair loss, discussing the issue with a doctor can help identify coping strategies and potential treatments.
Hair loss with other concerning symptoms: If hair loss is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or changes in the skin, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
Psychological distress: If hair loss is causing significant emotional distress, affecting your self-esteem, or leading to anxiety or depression, talking to a healthcare professional can provide support and guidance.

Remember that some types of hair loss are temporary and can be treated or managed effectively.

Hair fall treatment – best medicine for Hair fall and regrowth

Minoxidil: Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication available in various strengths (2% and 5%). It is FDA-approved for both men and women to promote hair growth and slow down hair loss. Minoxidil is applied directly to the scalp and is believed to work by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth.
Finasteride: Finasteride is an oral prescription medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for hair follicle miniaturization. Finasteride can slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth in some individuals. However, it is not recommended for use by women and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects.
Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication available in shampoo form. It may help with hair loss by reducing inflammation and the activity of DHT on the scalp.
Biotin supplements: Biotin is a B-vitamin that is often included in supplements marketed for hair, skin, and nail health. While biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, supplementing with biotin may only be beneficial if you have a verified deficiency.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. PRP is believed to stimulate hair growth by promoting cell growth and collagen production.
Hair transplant: Hair transplant procedures involve surgically moving hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back of the scalp) to the areas affected by hair loss. This treatment is generally reserved for individuals with advanced hair loss and requires consultation with a qualified hair restoration surgeon.