Baldness is a condition that affects both men and women across the globe. In both cases, the underlying causes for hair loss can be vastly different. This introductory tract gives you some basic facts and information you need to know about baldness.

Our hair is constantly growing, falling out and then growing back. A hair growth cycle can last anywhere from a couple of years up to as long as six years. At the end of this cycle, the dead hair falls out, to be replaced by new hair growth.

The problem that occurs with baldness is that when this old hair falls out, new hair does not grow back in its place if the follicles are dead. When this happens, you will begin to notice some slight thinning in the affected area.

The most common type of baldness is referred to as male pattern baldness, which occurs in men.  Unfortunately, this type of baldness is permanent. Male pattern baldness can present itself in the form of a receding hairline or even total hair loss over the top of the scalp, leaving hair intact around the sides of the head.

Likewise, the most common type of baldness among women is referred to as female pattern baldness. As with men, women begin to experience thinning on top of the head. In some women this happens at the front of the head. For others it begins to show at the crown of the head. In women, total baldness usually does not occur. However, the hair falls out and thins to such an extent, that it leaves a spot on top of the head where the scalp is greatly noticeable.

Another type of baldness that is commonly seen by doctors is patchy baldness. This type of baldness usually occurs when ringworm is present on the scalp. The scalp becomes extremely dry and scaly and hair loss where the ringworm or sore is located. This kind of baldness is almost always treatable and the hair usually grows back once the sore has been treated.

If your hair has been falling out lately don’t be unduly alarmed as it does not necessarily mean that you will go bald. It is quite normal for you to lose hair your  every day. However, if your hair loss seems to be occurring more than usual, seek medical advice for a definite diagnosis of this problem.