Hair loss is a concern that affects a large part of the population, regardless of gender or age. Your hair follicles shed hair regularly, only to rejuvenate and grow a new strand of hair again. While this is a natural process, losing hair above a certain range is concerning.
The abnormal loss of hair can be brought about by several factors that could be genetic, hormonal, medicine-induced, or lifestyle-based (Check Hair Loss Reasons). You may experience different symptoms and require different hair loss treatments based on these causes. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of hair loss and tips for hair loss prevention.
What is Hair Loss?
In medical terms, hair loss refers to losing over 100 hair strands in a day. If you lose around 50 to 100 strands, it is considered normal, even healthy. But the number higher than that can be a cause for concern. Also, if new hair does not grow or grows very slowly in the spots of hair shedding, bald patches can be observed easily.
The signs and symptoms of this condition are different among men and women. These differences lie in the pattern and sites where you lose your hair. Based on the cause of the case, the condition could be temporary or permanent, and similarly, you can take different approaches to address it.
The loss of hair could be in terms of overall thinning of the hair, a receding hairline, bald patches, or pattern balding. Your doctor will suggest solutions and treatment based on their overall observation of the condition.
What are the Common Hair Loss Symptoms?
Hair loss symptoms may vary between men and women, children and grownups, and individually. The following sections mention some common symptoms of hair loss in men and women.
Symptoms of Hair Loss in Men
- Thinning of hair volume
- Receding hairline
- Bald patches
- Horseshoe pattern baldness
Symptoms of Hair Loss in Females
- Thinning of hair volume
- Bald patches on the scalp
- Hair becomes loose from the base and breaks easily
In some cases, the loss of hair is observed on the entire body instead of being limited to the scalp. Children also may develop this condition which can be manifested in the form of bald patches, patches of broken hair, and excessive shedding of hair.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Loss of hair can be brought about by several factors. Some of these factors cause a permanent effect while others can be reversed. Some of the common factors that cause hair loss are discussed here.
1. Hereditary or Genetic Causes
In many cases, especially with men, people have a genetic factor causing baldness. This is often observed as androgenic alopecia, also called male pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. In men, this condition is usually characterized by a receding hairline and the appearance of bald patches. Women, on the other hand, lose hair along the crown of their heads. Some cases of pattern baldness can be treated in the early stages.
2. Hormonal Factors
Studies have found that an imbalance in the levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can lead to pattern baldness in men and women. Other hormonal imbalances in your body also affect your hair health. During pregnancy, women often experience abnormal hair loss. Menopause, childbirth, and issues with the functioning of the thyroid gland can also evoke this condition.
3. Infections and Illnesses
Alopecia areata is an immunity disorder that often leads to complete hair loss from the body and scalp. Other immunity disorders and certain health conditions can also lead to the abnormal shedding of hair. Fungal infections on the scalp, ringworms, trichotillomania, and other similar conditions also cause bald patches.
4. Medications and Treatment
Medications to treat or regulate high blood pressure, thyroid imbalances, gout, depression, arthritis, heart problems, and cancer also affect hair health and can cause abnormal loss of hair. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the two primary treatments for cancer are known to lead to loss of hair. It is advisable to avoid self-medication to prevent this side effect. If you are taking prescribed medications and experiencing hair loss, consult with your doctor about it and see if there are any better alternative medicines.
5. Stress and Lifestyle
Factors like lifestyle and emotional health can also cause abnormal hair loss in females and males. Stress is known to be a contributor to brittle hair health. Similarly, poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can play a major role in causing this condition. The effects of these factors, however, are temporary and can often be reversed by proper medical attention and care.
6. Frequent Hair Treatment
Heat treatments including blow-drying, straightening, and curling cause serious damage to the hair. Frequent bleaching, dying, or styling can also reduce the strength of your hair.
Tips for the Prevention of Hair Loss
In many instances, you can reverse the loss of the quality and volume of your hair. But while several hair loss treatments are available and effective, it is best to not jeopardize the health of your hair in the first place. Here are some tips you can follow to prevent hair loss in men and women.
- Handle your hair with care. Avoid very tight ponytails or other hairstyles that pull at the roots of your hair.
- Avoid brushing your hair harshly. Instead, separate the entire volume into three to four small parts and untangle them with a wide hair comb before using a regular hair brush.
- Keep your hair and scalp clean but do not overwash. Shampooing your hair too frequently can wipe off the natural oils and moisture from your scalp. And not washing it enough can lead to scalp infections.
- Limit the exposure of your hair to direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage your hair.
- If taking any medications, consult with your doctor about any possible side effects. If it causes hair loss, check if there are any safer alternatives.
- Whenever possible, avoid blow-drying your hair and let it air dry instead.
- Avoid the frequent use of heat-based or chemical-based hair treatments.
- Quit smoking and/or frequent alcohol consumption.
Take Care of Your Hair and Seek Help When Needed
Sometimes, the problem of excessive hair fall is temporary and is resolved in time with proper care. However, some hair loss conditions require medical attention or could be avoided with the right medical care.
So do not hesitate to seek professional advice when worried about the health of your hair. This is especially true when you observe any pattern with the loss of your hair like reducing hair volume in the crown of your hair or along the hairline. Seeking the help of a healthcare professional during the early stages of hair loss symptoms can help you resolve the problem sooner and with ease.
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