While hair loss is a natural process, there are instances in which it is a symptom of some underlying cause, such as a genetic disease or an environmental factor. Finding the root of the problem is key in determining what treatment is right for you. There are approximately 1,000,000 hair follicles on a person’s head. Each of these follicles is capable of growing as many as 20 unique strands of hair over the course of a lifetime.
You may be surprised to know that we loose roughly 100 strands of hair a day. Anything exceeding this number is often indicative of an abnormal hair growth pattern.
The most common causes of hair loss in men and women are:
Androgenetic AlopeciaAlopecia AreataStressChemotherapySplit EndsLet’s take a moment to examine each of these.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Studies suggest that genetic disorders – as opposed to environmental factors – are much more likely to create irregular hair loss. In fact, 95% of hair loss in men is the result of a condition called Androgenetic Alopecia. This disorder is caused by an imbalance of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Alopecia Areata
Sudden, patchy hair loss is often caused by a disorder known as Alopecia Areata. This disorder occurs when the body’s own immune system acts as a deterrent to hair growth. It has been observed that around 2% of people experience this type of hair loss at some point in their life. In advanced stages of this disorder, total hair loss is not uncommon.
Stress
We’ve all experienced it. Whether at home, at work, or in personal relationships, stress is always creeping into our lives. When hair loss is caused by stress, the process of growing new hairs slows down. However, this decline in hair growth is not always a sign of an abnormality. Hair loss caused by stress is often temporary and will decrease over time.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy and other chemical and radiation treatments may lead to a sudden loss of hair. Normally this type of hair loss is not permanent. Once a person completes their treatment, hair follicles resume normal growth patterns.
Split Ends
Split ends are created when hair continues to grow while their shafts split into multiple branches. This type of abnormal hair growth is a result of having either fine hair, chemically treated hair, or hair that is constantly exposed to chlorine.
Other less common causes of hair loss include: chronic illness, hormonal irregularities, skin infections, burns, and toxic metal poisoning. In order to find out what treatment is right for you, you must first get to the root of the problem – literally! With the right treatment, you will be able to enjoy normal hair growth once again.