Alopecia, or hair loss, can be temporary or permanent and can affect just your scalp or the entirety of your body. It could be brought on by hereditary factors, hormonal changes, illnesses, or a natural aspect of ageing. Even though anyone can lose hair on their head, men are more likely to do so.
Baldness often refers to a significant loss of scalp hair. The most frequent cause of baldness is hereditary hair loss as people age. Some people would rather let their hair loss progress naturally without treatment or camouflage. Others may disguise it with hats, scarves, makeup, or hairstyles. Others decide to use one of the treatments on offer to stop additional hair loss or encourage growth.
Consult your doctor about your hair loss’s cause and treatment options prior to beginning any regimen.
Symptoms
Depending on what is causing it, there are many distinct ways that hair loss can manifest. It can affect only your scalp or the entire body, and it can start off suddenly or gradually.
Hair loss symptoms and signs might include:
Thinned out gradually on top of head. As people get older, they are more likely to have this sort of hair loss. At the hairline on the forehead, hair frequently starts to recede in men. Typically, women’s hair parts are wider than men’s. A receding hairline (facial fibrosing alopecia) is a hair loss pattern that is becoming more prevalent in elderly women.
Patches or circles of baldness. On the scalp, beard, or brows, some persons experience bald spots that are round or spotty. Before the hair falls out, your skin may become unpleasant or itching.
Hair suddenly becomes looser. Hair may become loose as a result of a physical or mental trauma. When brushing, washing, or even with a little tugging, you might lose a few handfuls of hair. Although transient, this form of hair loss typically results in general hair thinning.
Body-wide hair loss. Hair loss can occur all over your body as a result of some diseases and medical procedures, such as chemotherapy for cancer. Usually, the hair grows back.
Whenever to visit a doctor
If you or your child is experiencing persistent hair loss and you wish to seek treatment, make an appointment with your doctor. Discuss early treatment options with your doctor if you’re a woman suffering a receding hairline (facial fibrosing alopecia) in order to prevent major permanent baldness.
Additionally, if you notice more hair falling out than usual when brushing or bathing your child’s or your own hair, or if it falls out suddenly or in patches, consult your doctor. An underlying medical condition that needs to be treated can be indicated by sudden hair loss.
Causes
An average person loses 50–100 hairs per day. Due to the simultaneous growth of new hair, this frequently goes unnoticed. When the hair that has fallen out is not replaced by new hair, hair loss results.
Usually, one or more of the following factors contribute to hair loss:
(Heredity) Family history. The inherited disorder that develops with ageing is the most typical cause of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness, and female-pattern baldness are the names for this disorder. It typically happens gradually and in regular patterns, with men experiencing a receding hairline and bald spots and women experiencing thinning hair at the top of the head.
Medical issues and hormonal shifts. Permanent or temporary hair loss can result from a number of circumstances, including hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid issues. Medical problems include trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh), which causes compulsive hair pulling, and immune system-related alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh), which results in uneven hair loss.
Drugs and dietary supplements. Some medications, including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart issues, gout, and high blood pressure, can cause hair loss as a side effect.
Head-focused radiation treatment. It’s possible that the hair won’t regrow in the exact same way.
Highly stressful occasion. Many people notice general hair thinning several months following a traumatic event, whether it be physical or emotional. Temporary hair loss results from this type.
Hair treatments and styles. Excessive styling and tight-pulling hairstyles like bunches and bunches can result in traction alopecia, a type of hair loss. Permanent hair dye and hot oil treatments can both make hair brittle and fall out. Scarring could cause hair loss to become permanent.
Risk elements
Your risk of hair loss may be increased by a number of variables, such as:
- A history of baldness on your mother’s or father’s side of the family
- Age
- Significant decrease of weight
- Several medical disorders, including lupus and diabetes
- Stress
- Unsound nutrition
Prevention
Genetics (both male and female pattern baldness) is the primary cause of the majority of baldness. It is impossible to stop this kind of hair loss.
You could preventable kinds of hair loss by following these recommendations:
- Handle your hair with care. When brushing and combing your hair, use a detangler and try not to pull on it, especially if it’s wet. A wide-toothed comb could aid in preventing hair loss. Do not subject your hair to severe treatments like hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments, or permanents. Reduce the tension on your hair caused by braids, rubber bands, and barrettes.
- Consult your doctor if you are using any drugs or supplements that could be causing hair loss.
- Avoid exposing your hair to UV rays from the sun and other sources.
- Give up smoking. According to certain studies, smoking and male pattern baldness are related.
- Ask your doctor about a cooling hat if you are receiving chemotherapy. Using this cap during chemotherapy will lessen your chance of hair loss.
