Hair thinning and hair loss affect most people at some point in their lives, and it can be a devastating experience. The first step in combating it is determining the type and cause of the problem.
What are the Common Types of Hair Loss?
Hair loss can occur for a wide range of reasons – including side effects to medication or cancer treatment, nutritional deficits, high stress, genetics, injuries, and (of course) disease. The following are the most common hair loss causes:
Androgenic Alopecia (a.k.a. male or female pattern baldness):
The most common form of hair loss. In men, it manifests as a receding hairline or a bald spot on the crown of the head. Most men experience this form of hair loss by age 50, although it can strike as early as puberty. For women, it begins after menopause and manifests as overall hair thinning and decrease of hair volume.
Alopecia Areata:
Commonly referred to as spot baldness, this condition involves patchy hair loss that results in bald spots on the scalp or other areas of the body… each about the size of a coin. In most instances, there is no easily identifiable trigger.
Traction Alopecia:
When a person consistently wears their hair pulled tightly in hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, or cornrows – over time – the tension can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Traction alopecia can be reversible if treated early. Otherwise, a hair transplant is generally a viable solution.
Scarring Alopecia:
Also known as cicatricial alopecia, this form of hair loss is generally caused by inflammation that damages the hair follicle or burns. This form of hair loss is usually permanent.
Telogen Effluvium:
This scalp disorder is denoted by generalized thinning or shedding hair. It’s frequently associated with periods of high stress or illness that disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing it to enter its resting (or telogen) phase early and remaining in that phase longer than usual.
How Do I Know What Type of Hair Loss I Have?
Before hair loss can be treated, the type of hair loss must be determined. Sometimes you can tell from the pattern of loss – such as in male pattern baldness. But in other cases, the reason for the hair loss can be obscure. Obviously, the best course of action is to get a professional diagnosis as soon as you begin to notice the hair loss.
What Hair Type Loses the Most Hair?
There is no difference in the rate of hair loss between straight and curly hair, despite the common misconception otherwise. The growth cycle is the same for both… though sometimes curly hair can conceal early stages of hair loss.
Curly hair, however, can have additional opportunities to break when styling or attempting to remove tangles – which can damage hair. In addition, heated or chemical-based styling can do a great deal of harm to hair of either type.
How Do I Know If My Hair Loss Is Normal?
Everyone sheds their hair on a daily basis. It is a normal part of the growth cycle. The normal average amount of daily hair loss is between 50 and 100 strands daily out of 100,000 or more follicles that are on the average person’s scalp.
Examine your hairbrush after using it and look for broken or shorter hairs in the brush. Check the drain for excessive amounts of hair after taking a shower. Also, look for a widening of your part or a widening of the gap between your hairline and eyebrows. If you find any of these signs of hair loss, seek a professional diagnosis.
Concerned About Thinning Hair? Book a Consultation Today
You don’t have to live with the fear of losing your hair. Find out why your hair is thinning and the best treatment options for it. Come to the experts in hair restoration. Begin your journey to renewed confidence and improved self-esteem by scheduling a Frank & Honest Hair Consultation… and leave the hat at home!
