Hair loss is a typical aspect of the human hair’s growth cycle. However, the lost hair usually grows back for most people, enabling them to maintain hair on their entire head. However, some conditions may interfere with the natural hair growth cycle. More hair can fall out while new strands fail to grow back, leading to baldness.
What is Hair Loss?
Hair loss is when a person loses more hair while fewer strands grow back. This condition is known as alopecia. A healthy person can lose 50-100 strands per day, but new ones grow to replace the lost ones. Hair loss can affect the scalp only or the entire body. Also, it can be permanent or temporary. Baldness is when a person loses hair excessively from the scalp.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss is sometimes unnoticeable since new strands grow at the same time. However, it becomes noticeable when fewer strands grow to replace the ones that fall out. One or several factors can cause this condition, including the following.
Genetics
Hair loss is hereditary in some people, happening with age. This condition is known as androgenic alopecia, affecting males and females leading to baldness. Usually, it’s gradual, and its patterns are predictable. Bald spots and a receding hairline are the common characteristics of this condition in men. In women, hair thinning along the scalp’s crown indicates it.
Medical Conditions and Hormonal Changes
Various medical conditions can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. For instance, alopecia areata, which relates to the immune system, can cause patchy hair loss. Also, hair loss can occur due to a hair-pulling disorder known as trichotillomania and scalp infections like ringworm. Hormonal changes due to thyroid problems, menopause, childbirth, or pregnancy can also cause hair loss.
Hair Treatments and Styles
Excessive hair styling can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss. For instance, hairstyles that pull hair tight, like cornrows or pigtails, can cause this condition. Permanent and hot oil hair treatments can also cause hair loss. Hair loss can be permanent if somebody develops a scar.
Medical Supplements and Drugs
The side effects of some drugs, including those for treating depression, arthritis, cancer, gout, high blood pressure, and heart problems, may also cause hair loss. Also, your hair may never grow after undergoing radiation therapy to your head.
Stress
Some people experience general hair thinning after enduring an emotional or physical shock. However, this is usually temporary hair loss.
Hair Loss Concerns
Losing hair, whether permanent or temporary, is emotionally challenging for most people. In some cases, hair loss leads to baldness. Protecting your scalp is crucial if your hair loss is significant. You can wear a scarf, hat, or head covering when going to the sun.
Seeing a healthcare professional is crucial if you experience unexplained hair loss. The healthcare expert can determine its underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment. Women who experience a receding hairline or frontal fibrosing alopecia should also seek early treatment to prevent permanent baldness.
Also, consult a healthcare expert if you notice a patch or sudden hair loss. Additionally, it’s wise to seek treatment if you notice unusual hair fall when washing or combing it. Sudden or unusual hair loss can indicate an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Conclusion
Hair loss can be emotionally challenging, regardless of the cause. Talking to a healthcare expert can help you determine the cause of your hair loss. Sometimes, you can get an effective treatment for slowing down hair loss. Also, some medicines and supplements can spur hair growth. Thus, you can find a way to regrow your hair and feel better after identifying the cause and treatment of your hair loss.
