What causes hair loss?
There are different factors that can cause hair loss it could be genetics, stress or lack of vitamins.
Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common disorder and can be due to many causes. Human hair undergoes phases of growth and rest during their life span. The growth phase is called anagen; 80% of the scalp hair is in this phase at any point of time. 20% of the hair is in the sleeping phase called telogen. It has been estimated that the scalp normally contains about 100,000hairs. Therefore, the average number of hairs that can be lost in a day is about 100. Hair loss can be of several different types, including alopecia areata (temporary hair loss in a coin-shaped patch), telogenef fluvium (temporary hair loss secondary to a stressor on the system), and androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss). The most common, male pattern hair loss is seen during the 20s or early 30s by gradual loss of hair, chiefly on the top of the head and in the angles at the frontal hairline. It is thought to be due to the male hormone combined with genetic factors.
There are several different types of hair loss such as alopecia areata ( temporary hair loss in a coin shaped patch ), telogen effluvium ( temporary hair loss as a result of stress on the system such as a severe illness or certain types of medication ) and androgenetic alopecia ( male pattern hair loss ). Androgenetic Alopecia is by far the most common form of hair loss. This condition generally becomes evident in the 20’s or early 30’s by a gradual loss of hair on the top of the head and in the angles at the front hairline. The exact mechanisms associated with this type of hair loss are still unknown but without doubt inherited factors and the effect of androgens ( male sex hormones ) are mostly responsible.
The most common cause of hair loss is heredity. Men and women inherit the gene for hair loss from either or both parents. In men, the hormone dihydrotestosterone causes a gradual miniaturization and eventual loss of hair follicles that are genetically susceptible. The mechanism of female pattern hair loss is not clearly known. The age of onset, extent, and rate of hair loss vary from person to person. Men and women exhibit hereditary hair loss differently. Severe illness, medications, malnutrition, or vitamin deficiency can accelerate this process. When applied incorrectly, permanent hair color and chemical relaxers damage the hair and follicle to the extent that hair loss can be permanent. Causes of hair loss do not include wearing a hat, excessive shampooing, lack of blood flow, or clogged pores.
