Hair loss is considered one of the annoying problems that concern many people, especially women, which drives some individuals to resort to unreliable medications and alternative treatments. The most important causes of hair loss include vitamin deficiencies, rapid weight loss, improper hair styling, in addition to hormonal changes that occur in women.
Hair Growth Cycle
Before talking about the causes of hair loss from the roots, we should first mention the stages of hair growth. The hair growth cycle consists of three stages:
- Growth Phase (Anagen): This phase lasts between two to eight years and represents about 85% to 90% of the hair on the scalp. During this phase, hair grows continuously and increases in length.
- Transition Phase (Catagen): This stage represents the period during which hair follicles shrink and lasts about two to three weeks. During this phase, hair stops growing and begins to regress.
- Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): This phase lasts from two to four months, and at the end of this stage the hair falls out. Hair growth completely stops during this phase, and the resting hair is shed to allow new hair to grow.
Shorter hair such as eyelashes, arm hair, leg hair, and eyebrows has a short growth phase that lasts only about one month.
Read also: Disadvantages of hair transplant surgery. Despite the many benefits of hair transplant procedures, they may involve some drawbacks and risks that should be considered. Among these disadvantages are the possibility of bleeding or infection in the scalp and leaving noticeable scars, especially in the FUT strip technique.
Types of Hair Loss
Types of hair loss include:
- Anagen Effluvium: Occurs when hair falls out during the phase when it is supposed to grow. It is caused by medications that damage active hair follicles such as chemotherapy.
- Telogen Effluvium: Occurs due to an increase in the number of hair follicles entering the telogen phase, which results in hair shedding.
- Androgenetic Alopecia / Female Pattern Hair Loss / Baldness: This is the most common type, where hair falls out from the middle of the scalp and the sides.
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Hair Loss Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis plays a crucial role in helping people who suffer from hair loss. A dermatologist examines the patient and determines the cause of hair loss and baldness. Based on this diagnosis, the doctor can determine whether the condition will improve on its own or whether the patient needs medical treatment.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss is a natural phenomenon that occurs in people, as a person typically loses between 50 and 100 hairs per day. This usually goes unnoticed because new hair grows to replace the lost hair. Hair loss becomes noticeable when new hair does not replace the hair that has fallen out.
Cases of hair loss are associated with several factors, including:
- Family history (Genetics): Heredity is the main and most common factor in hair loss. Baldness develops gradually according to a specific and predictable pattern, including androgenetic alopecia and male and female pattern baldness.
- Hormonal changes and medical conditions: Hormonal changes and medical conditions may cause hair loss either permanently or temporarily. These include hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, in addition to thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata associated with the immune system, which causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania).
- Radiation therapy: Exposure of the head to radiation, whether for medical reasons such as radiation therapy for head and neck cancer or for brain tumor treatments, may damage hair follicles and prevent them from growing normally again. This effect may be permanent or temporary depending on several factors such as radiation dose and the degree of damage to hair follicles.
- Hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyles and certain treatments can cause hair loss. For example, excessive braiding or using hot oil or chemical straightening treatments may lead to a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. In advanced cases, hair loss may become permanent if scarring occurs. It is important to avoid harsh handling of hair and to use gentle products suitable for the hair and scalp.
- Severe stress: Severe stress can trigger hair loss. Many people experience general hair shedding after intense physical or emotional shock. This condition is often temporary, and hair usually grows back normally once stress levels decrease and psychological balance is restored.
- Medications and dietary supplements: Hair loss may occur as a side effect of some medications and supplements, such as drugs used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart disease, gout, and high blood pressure. It is important to consult the treating physician to ensure that the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risks of hair loss.
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Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the risk of hair loss, including:
- Family history: If someone in your family suffers from hair loss, you may be prone to the same issue due to genetic factors.
- Age: As people get older, the risk of hair loss increases as hair becomes more affected by hormonal changes and the aging process.
- Significant weight loss: Losing a large amount of weight quickly can lead to noticeable hair loss.
- Medical conditions: Certain health conditions such as diabetes and lupus may contribute to hair loss due to their effects on the immune system and hormones.
- Stress: Psychological stress and pressure can increase the risk of hair loss, so managing stress effectively is important.
- Poor nutrition: Deficiency of essential nutrients such as protein and iron can negatively affect scalp health and contribute to hair loss.
Hair Loss Prevention
Preventing hair loss can be important. Although some types of hair loss cannot be prevented, there are several tips that may help reduce the risk of preventable hair loss:
- Gentle hair care: Avoid harsh handling of your hair, use appropriate combing tools, and avoid pulling the hair strongly. It is recommended to use a wide-tooth comb to reduce damage and tension. Choose a gentle shampoo and moisturizing conditioner, and use microfiber towels to dry the hair. Review medications: Make sure to consult your doctor to determine whether the medications you take may cause hair loss, and avoid medications known to have this side effect.
- Protect hair from environmental factors: Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and harmful environmental factors such as excessive heat and pollution, and use sun protection when going outdoors.
- Avoid smoking: There is a possible link between smoking and hair loss, so it is recommended to quit this harmful habit.
- Consult your doctor during chemotherapy: If you are undergoing chemotherapy, ask your doctor about the possibility of using a cooling cap, which may reduce the effects of hair loss during treatment.
Applying these tips can help maintain scalp and hair health and reduce the risk of hair loss.
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Hair Loss Treatment
Hair loss treatment usually depends on the type and cause of hair loss, as the doctor determines the appropriate treatment based on the diagnosis.
In cases where the cause is medications or treatable medical conditions, treatment may include taking nutritional supplements that contain essential vitamins and minerals. In the case of polycystic ovary syndrome, the doctor may recommend certain hormones such as cyproterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol to treat hair loss.
As for treating hereditary baldness in men, several options can be used including: Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, Mesotherapy, laser hair loss treatment, PRP injections, and hair transplantation.
You can get more information about hair loss treatment by reading our dedicated article on this topic.