Reasons for Hair Loss

There is an old saying that hair is a woman's "crowning glory." The term "bad hair day" became such a popular cliché that it made its way onto T-shirts, greeting cards and coffee mugs. Men are equally concerned about their hair, and baldness can be a sensitive topic for many males. Though hair loss is more common among men, women can also suffer from this.

Cycles

Hair grows from hair follicles in the scalp. Hair growth occurs in cycles, which includes a growth and rest phase. During the rest phase, the hair stops growing and enters into what is known as club hair. This club hair will remain in the follicle until the next growth phase. During the next growth phase, new hair will push the club hair from the follicle, creating a shedding process. A healthy scalp will shed from 50 to 100 hairs each day.

Follicle

If a hair follicle dies, it's unable to grow new hair. When hair is shed through the natural shedding process that occurs in the growing process, there will be no hair to replace what has been lost. This will cause a person's hair to thin, and can eventually lead to baldness.

Damage

Scalp infections can damage or scar hair follicles. Skin conditions such as lupus erythematosus or lichen planus can damage the follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss. Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, can cause more frequent shedding--yet the hair will typically keep growing back. A shock to the system or emotional distress can cause roots to continue to rest after the club hair has shed. Eventually, they become active again. Hair follicles can also become damaged due to excessive hair treatments or styling.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the normal growth cycle of the hair is altered. The phases become shorter and shorter, resulting in more hair clubs that may all be shed at one time. This causes significant hair loss during pregnancy and can result in thinner hair--and in extreme cases, baldness. This type of hair loss is not permanent.

Heredity

Heredity plays a role in pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia . During each subsequent growth cycle, the new hair roots become less and less stable and can easily fall out. If there is a history of androgenetic alopecia in your family, you have an increased risk.

Factors

Hair loss can be the result of poor nutrition. Insufficient iron and protein, eating disorders or genetics. Some medications can also trigger hair loss, such as those used to treat heart problems, high blood pressure, arthritis and depression. Radiation and chemotherapy will result in hair loss, yet it is typically temporary. Hormonal changes such as thyroid problems or menopause can also cause excessive hair loss.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic on Hair Loss
• Hair Loss in Men and Women
• Hair Loss & Hair Restoration

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