Hair Loss – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, affects many people regardless of gender, though men experience it more frequently. This condition can be temporary or permanent and may involve just the scalp or the entire body.
Several factors contribute to hair loss, including genetics, hormone changes, medical issues, and normal aging processes.
When excessive hair loss occurs on the scalp, it’s commonly called baldness. The most frequent cause is hereditary hair loss that progresses with age.
People react to hair loss in various ways: some accept it, while others hide it with hairstyles, makeup, or head coverings like hats and scarves.
Treatment options exist for those who wish to prevent further hair loss or stimulate new growth. Professional medical advice helps ensure the most effective approach for your situation.
Hair Loss Signs
Hair loss can occur in various ways based on its cause. It might happen quickly or over time, affecting only the scalp or the entire body.
Common signs of hair loss include:
Gradual thinning on top – This happens commonly with age. Men often notice receding hairlines at the forehead, while women typically see widening of their hair part. Older women may experience a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia).
Circular or patchy baldness – Some people develop round bald patches on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. The skin might feel itchy or painful before hair falls out.
Sudden hair loosening – Physical or emotional stress can cause hair to loosen suddenly. You might notice handfuls coming out when washing, combing, or gently pulling your hair. This usually causes temporary thinning.
Complete body hair loss – Some medical conditions and treatments like cancer chemotherapy can cause hair to fall out across the entire body. This hair typically regrows later.
Scaly scalp patches – This might indicate ringworm infection, often appearing with broken hair, redness, swelling, and sometimes oozing.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
See a doctor if ongoing hair loss causes distress and you want to explore treatment options. Women experiencing a receding hairline should seek early medical advice to prevent permanent hair loss.
Medical attention is also important if you notice sudden hair loss, patchy loss, or more hair than usual coming out during washing or combing. These could signal underlying health problems requiring treatment.
Tracking your hair loss pattern and any other symptoms can help your healthcare provider determine possible causes. Taking photos of affected areas over time might be useful during your appointment.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss happens when new hair growth doesn’t keep pace with hair shedding. While it’s normal to lose 50-100 hairs daily, this usually goes unnoticed as new hair grows simultaneously.
Several factors can disrupt this balance:
Genetic Factors
Genetics plays a significant role in hair loss, as it frequently runs in families. This hereditary condition, known as androgenic alopecia, develops gradually with age.
Men typically experience receding hairlines and bald spots, while women notice thinning along the crown of the scalp.
Hormonal Changes
Various hormonal shifts can trigger hair loss, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Thyroid disorders
Medical Conditions
Several health issues can cause temporary or permanent hair loss:
- Alopecia areata (an immune system disorder causing patchy hair loss)
- Scalp infections like ringworm
- Trichotillomania (a hair-pulling disorder)
Medications
Hair loss can be a side effect of drugs used to treat:
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Heart conditions
- Gout
- High blood pressure
Radiation Treatment
People receiving radiation therapy to the head may experience hair loss. Hair might regrow differently than before treatment.
Stress and Trauma
Physical or emotional shock can lead to temporary hair thinning, typically occurring several months after the stressful event.
Hairstyling Practices
Hair loss can result from:
- Tight hairstyles (cornrows, pigtails) causing traction alopecia
- Chemical treatments like perms and hot oil treatments
- Excessive heat styling
When these practices lead to scarring of the scalp, the hair loss may become permanent rather than temporary.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chance of losing hair:
- Family history of baldness from either parent
- Age as people get older
- Weight loss that happens quickly
- Health problems like diabetes or lupus
- Stress in daily life
- Poor diet lacking key nutrients
These factors don’t always cause hair loss, but they can make it more likely to happen.
Prevention
While genetic baldness cannot be prevented, many other types of hair loss can be avoided with proper care. Following these tips may help you keep your hair healthy and reduce unnecessary loss.
Gentle Hair Care Practices
Be gentle when handling your hair to prevent breakage and loss:
- Use a wide-toothed comb, especially when hair is wet
- Apply detangler to minimize pulling and tugging
- Brush carefully to avoid pulling out hair
- Limit use of tight hairstyles with rubber bands, barrettes, and braids
- Avoid tension from tight ponytails or braids
Avoid Harsh Treatments
Heat and chemicals can damage hair and lead to breakage:
| Treatment to Avoid | Why It Causes Damage |
|---|---|
| Hot rollers | Heat damages hair structure |
| Curling irons | Excess heat breaks down hair proteins |
| Hot oil treatments | Can inflame hair follicles |
| Permanents | Chemical processing weakens hair |
Medication Review
Some medications and supplements can contribute to hair loss. Ask your doctor about:
- Reviewing your current medications
- Possible alternatives with fewer hair loss side effects
- Temporary nature of medication-related hair loss
Environmental Protection
Shield your hair from environmental damage:
- Protect hair from ultraviolet light with hats or scarves
- Use hair products with UV protection when outdoors
- Limit exposure to chlorinated water
- Rinse hair after swimming in pools
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle factors may influence hair health:
Consider quitting smoking, as research shows links between smoking and male pattern baldness. Some studies suggest that smoking may affect hair follicle health and circulation to the scalp.
Special Considerations for Medical Treatments
If undergoing chemotherapy, talk to your doctor about cooling caps. These devices can reduce the risk of hair loss during treatment by:
- Narrowing blood vessels beneath the scalp
- Reducing the amount of chemotherapy that reaches hair follicles
- Decreasing follicle activity and related hair loss
Remember that while genetic hair loss may not be preventable, many other causes of hair thinning can be addressed with proper care and attention.
