Hair loss, also known as alopecia, refers to the condition where a person experiences a loss of hair from the scalp or sometimes from other parts of the body. It can occur gradually or suddenly and can affect both men and women. Hair loss can have various causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, medications, or as a result of aging.
There are different types of hair loss, such as:
- Androgenetic alopecia: Also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, this is the most common type and is influenced by genetics and hormones.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patches of hair loss.
- Telogen effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs when there’s a significant stress or shock to the body, leading to a larger-than-normal number of hairs entering the resting phase of the hair growth cycle.
- Anagen effluvium: This type of hair loss is usually due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy that disrupt the hair growth cycle.
- Traction alopecia: Caused by excessive pulling or tension on the hair follicles due to hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or extensions.
Treatment for hair loss depends on the underlying cause. It can include medications, topical treatments, lifestyle changes, or procedures such as hair transplants. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Causes of hair loss
Hereditary hair loss
Both men and women develop this type of hair loss, which is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. In men, it’s called male pattern hair loss. Women get female pattern hair loss. Regardless of whether it develops in a man or women, the medical term is androgenic alopecia.
No matter which term you use, it means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles (what each hair grows out of) to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. Shrinking can begin as early as your teens, but it usually starts later in life.
In women, the first noticeable sign of hereditary hair loss is usually overall thinning or a widening part.
When a man has hereditary hair loss, the first sign is often a receding hairline or bald spot at the top of his head.
Age
With age, most people notice some hair loss because hair growth slows. At some point, hair follicles stop growing hair, which causes the hair on our scalp to thin. Hair also starts to lose its color. A woman’s hairline naturally starts to recede.
Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a disease that develops when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles (what holds the hair in place), causing hair loss. You can lose hair anywhere on your body, including your scalp, inside your nose, and in your ears. Some people lose their eyelashes or eyebrows.
Cancer treatment
If you receive chemotherapy or have radiation treatment to your head or neck, you may lose all (or most of) your hair within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Childbirth, illness, or other stressors
A few months after giving birth, recovering from an illness, or having an operation, you may notice a lot more hairs in your brush or on your pillow. This can also happen after a stressful time in your life, such as a divorce or death of a loved one.
Hair care
If you color, perm, or relax your hair, you could be damaging your hair. Over time, this damage can lead to hair loss.
Hairstyle pulls on your scalp
If you often wear your hair tightly pulled back, the continual pulling can lead to permanent hair loss. The medical name for this condition is traction alopecia.
Hormonal imbalance
A common cause of this imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It leads to cysts on a woman’s ovaries, along with other signs and symptoms, which can include hair loss. Stopping some types of birth control pills can cause a temporary hormonal imbalance. Women who develop a hormonal imbalance can develop thinning hair (or hair loss) on their scalp.
Scalp infection
A scalp infection can lead to scaly and sometimes inflamed areas on your scalp. You may see what look like small black dots on your scalp. These are actually stubs of hair. Some people develop a bald spot.
Medication
A possible side effect of some medications is hair loss. If you think a medication is causing your hair loss, ask the doctor who prescribed it if hair loss is a possible side effect. It’s essential that you do not stop taking the medication before talking with your doctor. Abruptly stopping some medications can cause serious health problems.
Scalp psoriasis
Many people who have plaque psoriasis develop psoriasis on their scalp at some point. This can lead to hair loss.
Pulling your hair
Some people pull on their hair, often to relieve stress. They may be unaware that they’re pulling their hair. The medical term for this is trichotillomania.
Scarring alopecia
This condition develops when inflammation destroys hair follicles. Once destroyed, a hair follicle cannot grow hair. Diverse conditions can cause this. The medical name for this group of conditions is cicatricial alopecia.
Thyroid disease
If you have a problem with your thyroid, you may see thinning hair. Some people notice that their hair comes out in clumps when they brush it.
Too little biotin, iron, protein, or zinc
If you’re not getting enough of one or more of these, you can have noticeable hair loss.
Friction
People can develop hair loss where boots, socks, or tight clothing frequently rubs against their skin. The medical term for this is frictional alopecia.
HAIR ANALYSIS
Hair loss analysis refers to the process of examining and evaluating the causes and characteristics of hair loss in an individual. It involves assessing various factors to determine the underlying reasons for hair thinning or balding. Here are the key aspects typically involved in hair loss analysis:
Components of Hair Loss Analysis:
- Medical History and Examination:
– A thorough medical history is taken to identify any underlying health conditions, medications taken, surgical history, and family history of hair loss (genetic predisposition).
- Scalp Examination:
– A visual examination of the scalp is conducted to assess the pattern and extent of hair loss. This may include using tools like a dermoscope to examine the scalp and hair follicles closely.
- Hair Pull Test:
– A simple test where gentle traction is applied to a small bundle of hairs to determine the number of hairs shed. Excessive hair loss during this test can indicate conditions like telogen effluvium.
- Laboratory Tests:
– Blood tests may be conducted to check for underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, hormonal imbalances (like androgenetic alopecia), or autoimmune diseases that can contribute to hair loss.
- Hair Analysis:
– Sometimes hair analysis for mineral content or drug use (as mentioned earlier) may also be part of the assessment if relevant to understanding the cause of hair loss.
- Scalp Biopsy (in some cases):
– A scalp biopsy may be performed to obtain a small sample of scalp tissue for microscopic examination, helping to diagnose certain scalp conditions that cause hair loss.
Hair loss analysis involves a comprehensive evaluation of medical history, scalp examination, and sometimes laboratory tests to determine the cause of hair loss. It’s essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare provider specializing in hair disorders is recommended for proper diagnosis and management of hair loss.