Types of Hair Loss

It is normal for people to lose at least a hundred strands of their hair on a regular basis. This is because in the normal cycle of a person’s hair growth, a cycle which is expected to last for at least two to six years, strands of hair fall out regularly to be replaced by new ones that the scalp will grow in about 12 weeks. However, some people lose more than the expected number of stands in a day, more than the scalp can keep up with. In fact, there is a growing number of people today who experience the burden of hair loss.

If you think you are one of those people who are prone to hair loss, the first thing that you need to know is what specific types of hair loss there are. This will help you know if you are really into losing your hair for good or not.

The first type is the “androgenetic alopecia” or commonly known as pattern baldness. Males and females who are prone to this experience slow growth of hair combined with weaker stands of hair that are more likely to fall out. In this condition, the primary cause is a hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) which adversely affects hair located on the head. This condition is genetic and can be passed on from either or both parents, it was previously thought to be passed on by only the paternal grandfather. The rate of hair loss seems to speed up with age but can occur anytime from puberty onwards.

Another type is called, “cicatricial alopecia” or scarring alopecia, which is a type of permanent hair loss. Its occurence is poorly understood but always involves inflammation directed at the hair follicle. In this condition, the inflammation damages the hair follicle and replaces it with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss. The infalmmation and scarring are usually beneath the skin so do not result in visible scars. Scarring alopecia can be caused by certain skin conditions like lupus erythematosus and lichen planus wherein experts are yet to discover what is it that causes the inflammation.

The next type “alopecia areata” is the type of hair loss, which is considered as an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own hair follicles and suppresses or stops hair growth. Although there is already a classification for this, the cause of the condition is not yet clear. People who suffer from his condition are those who are generally healthy and have no skin disorders. General opinion is that the condition can be caused by autoimmune disorders like thyroid illness, genes, or a combination of hereditary and environmental factors. In up to 90% of cases hair grows back normally

Another type of hair loss that is represented by a change in the normal hair cycle, is called “telogen effluvium”. This condition presents itself as a general thinning of the hair, more hair than normal might fall out and is most noticeable when you wash your hair. However, the rest of your hair and scalp arrear normal and healthy. There are no noticeable "bald patches". Its occurrence is usually associated with a major stressfull event such as child birth or a major accident or operation.It can also be caused by major emotional events such as the death of someone close. This major event can interrupt the natural hair growth cycle so older hairs, at the end of their cycle are not replaced.Other causes may be nutritional or dfective thyroid operation which your doctor should test for. There is no treatment, normally the hair thickness returns over time.

Another type of hair loss which is becoming more prevalent today, is "traction alopecia". This specific hair loss is usually caused by hairstyling that puts too much pressure on the scalp. The pulling inherent in wearing hair in a tight ponytail or braids causes the roots of the hair to be weak and stops it from growing healthily. It is reversible if detected early on, but will lead to permanent hair loss over a long period of time.