Hair Loss: An Overview
Posted on 14. Mar, 2009 by Melissa in Cosmetic Imperfections
The hair growing cycle consists of three phases – growing, resting, and shedding. Your hormones, specifically targeting the hair follicles, are what keep your hair growing at a regular rate. Hair typically grows at a rate of about one-half of one inch per month. Hair strands will grow for about five years, rest for two to four months, and then begin to be shed. Shedding happens so that new hair growth can grow from the hair follicle. A certain amount of shedding is normal – about 50-100 hairs – and occurs every day. Excessive shedding, defined as losing over 150 strands of hair each day for a prolonged time period, should be discussed with your doctor to determine the cause.
What Causes Hair Loss?
One temporary cause of hair loss can be improper hair care. Excessive chemical processing or harsh conditions, such as blow-drying hair with high heat, can cause hair loss. These activities can cause hair loss to be permanent if continued on a long-term basis.
Stress is often a cause of temporary hair loss. Hair loss can be the body’s reaction to a traumatic event such as a death, or to a life-changing event. Usually, this type of hair loss corrects itself when the stress is reduced. Chronic stress can have an adverse effect on your body as well, often causing moderate to severe hair loss.
Improper nutrition can be a cause of hair loss. If your body isn’t taking in the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals, you could likely shed an abnormal amount of hair. As with stress, this type of hair loss can usually be remedied by alterations in lifestyle and diet. Maintaining proper nutrition as well as exercising on a regular basis can help keep hair loss to a minimum.
Disease or illness can cause temporary hair loss, as can hormonal changes.
What Causes Permanent Hair Loss?
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss. This is also known as pattern baldness. It is most prevalent in men and it is a genetic condition. The growth cycle of the hair is shortened and the hair begins to root less solidly. Hairs can then more easily fall out.
In men, this manifests itself as what is known as a receding hairline. Hair loss starts at the forehead hairline and works its way back over the scalp over time. In women, this type of hair loss is much less common. It manifests itself more often as thinning hair at the forehead hairline, and more rarely results in baldness. The rate and pattern through which this type of baldness occurs depends on your genetic tendencies.
What Can You Do to Prevent Hair Loss?
Proper nutrition is a key element in hair loss prevention. A balanced diet with a variety of vitamins and minerals will help maintain proper hair growth. Avoid excessively treating your hair with chemicals and treat your hair gently. Avoid harsh brushing or the high heat of hair dryers. These can damage the hair follicles. There are over the counter medications that can often initiate new hair growth in some people. If hair loss is a concern and continues over time, consult your doctor.
