For both men and women, experiencing hair loss can be upsetting. Knowing what kind of hair loss you have and why is a crucial first step in getting treatment. In this article we talk about the most common types of hair loss and their causes.
Alopecia Androgenetica
Male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most prevalent kind of hair loss. About 80 million men and women in the US are thought to be affected by androgenetic alopecia. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles over time, and our genes are both connected to this kind of hair loss.
Androgenetic alopecia in men has a distinct pattern that frequently progresses from hair loss on the head and temples to a receding hairline. Women typically see scattered thinning on top of their heads but retain their frontal hairline.
Although there is a genetic component to both male and female pattern baldness, additional variables that might affect hair loss include stress, sickness, drugs, ageing, and hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy or menopause. Individuals who suffer from androgenetic alopecia may initially exhibit symptoms in their late teens or early twenties.
Telogen Fluvium
The number of hair follicles that produce hair changes, resulting in telogen effluvium. It results in increased hair loss that frequently creates significantly thinned hair because it causes hair to shed more quickly than usual. In contrast to androgenetic alopecia, hair loss is typically transient and does not cause harm to the hair follicles.
Numerous factors can cause telogen effluvium. Typical reasons include:
– Severe infection, surgery, elevated temperature, or long-term disease
– Serious life events or mental stress
– Inadequate intake of vitamins, iron, zinc, protein, and other nutrients
– Quick weight reduction or low mass
– Being pregnant and giving birth – Stopping or altering hormonal prescriptions, such as birth control
The shedding might last for six to nine months, but it usually happens one to three months following the stressor. Early intervention can lessen the effects of extended hair loss.
Areata Alopecia
An autoimmune condition called alopecia areata results in small, circular patches of hair loss. Although it can happen at any age, it usually first manifests in adolescence or early adulthood. Researchers think that environmental factors including stress and genetics induce alopecia areata by initiating an autoimmune response.
The immune system of the body misattacks the hair follicles in alopecia areata, leading them to suddenly stop producing hair. Recurrence is normal, but new hair growth usually resumes within 6 to 12 months. It is possible to lose full body or scalp hair in certain situations.
The goals of treatment are to control stress, promote hair growth, and inhibit the immunological response. The optimal course of treatment depends in part on the severity and pattern of hair loss.
Alopecia Traction
Hair loss brought on by persistent pulling or stress on the hair is known as traction alopecia. If done excessively, hairstyles that use chemical relaxers, make tight braids, ponytails, cornrows, or hair extensions can permanently damage the hair follicles and result in hair loss. The hairline and temples are typically where the damage is found.
Traction alopecia, as the name implies, results only from injury to the hair and its follicles; it is not brought on by hormones, heredity, or other medical conditions. Existing hair can regenerate normally if the source of strain is removed. However, if the follicles have experienced significant stress, scarring and permanent loss may result.
Reducing Injury
Inadequate haircuts that remove excessive length or blunt ends can harm the health and integrity of hair. It can cause breakage and split ends that gradually move up the hair shaft, particularly in cases when the hair has undergone chemical or colour processing. This may make hair loss and thinning worse.
Trimming damage is the term used to describe noticeable hair thinning following a severe haircut. When hair grows out, it usually goes away after a few months. Damage can be avoided by being careful, using protective styles, and scheduling routine trims.
Nutritional Deficiency and Dieting
Intakes of low amounts of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins can disrupt the regular cycles of hair growth. This is particularly likely when following a tight diet. The vital nutrients required for healthy hair follicles can be significantly lowered by rapid weight loss and eating disorders such as anorexia. Rather than occurring in patches, the hair loss is typically scattered.
Hair loss caused by dieting can be reversed by increasing nutritional intake. Prolonged inadequacies, however, may have irreversible consequences. A healthy, vitamin- and mineral-rich diet preserves hair follicles and promotes the ideal density of hair.
In conclusion
there are numerous variables that contribute to hair loss, ranging from genetic predisposition to dietary and styling behaviours. The good news is that you may appropriately customise treatment if you are aware of your unique kind and trigger for hair loss. Another factor that can help is being watchful about reducing harm from traction, cutting, and nutritional inadequacies. Consult your healthcare physician for assistance in managing distressing hair loss. I sincerely hope you find this “What Are the Most Common Types of Hair Loss and Their Causes?” article hlepful.