Hair Loss: Causes and Types

Understanding Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, affects millions globally. It's a complex issue stemming from a combination of genetic predispositions, hormonal fluctuations, autoimmune responses, and environmental stressors. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective management.

The Hair Growth Cycle

To comprehend hair loss, it's essential to first understand the natural hair growth cycle, which consists of three primary phases:

• Anagen (Growing Phase): This active phase lasts 2–7 years, during which hair follicles produce new hair. Approximately 85-90% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.
• Catagen (Transition Phase): A short transitional phase lasting about 2–3 weeks. Hair growth stops, and the hair follicle shrinks.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): This phase lasts around 3–4 months. Hair rests, and old hair is shed to make way for new hair. Approximately 10-15% of your hair is in this phase.

Disruptions to this cycle, such as premature entry into the telogen phase or shortening of the anagen phase, contribute to hair loss.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be triggered by a multitude of factors, often acting in combination.

Genetic Predisposition

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, is the most prevalent form of hair loss. It is hereditary and involves a sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. DHT miniaturizes hair follicles, leading to shorter, finer hair over time.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal imbalances significantly impact hair growth. Key periods include:

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Postpartum hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is common due to a sudden drop in estrogen levels after delivery.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both an overactive (hyperthyroidism) and underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid can disrupt the hair growth cycle.
• Menopause: Decreasing estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to hair thinning in women.

Medical Conditions and Treatments

Several health issues and their treatments can cause hair loss:

• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like alopecia areata, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to attack hair follicles.
• Scalp Infections: Fungal infections like tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp) can lead to localized hair loss.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including chemotherapy, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, list hair loss as a side effect.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and protein can impair hair growth.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Significant physical or emotional stress can push a large number of hair follicles into the telogen phase, resulting in increased shedding known as telogen effluvium. This typically occurs 2–3 months after a stressful event.

Hair Styling Practices and Chemical Damage

Aggressive styling, such as tight braids, ponytails, or chemical treatments like perms and relaxers, can cause damage. This type of loss is called traction alopecia, where constant tension pulls on the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and permanent damage over time.

Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss manifests in various ways, each with distinct characteristics and patterns.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

• Male Pattern: Characterized by a receding hairline and thinning on the crown, often progressing to partial or complete baldness.
• Female Pattern: Typically involves diffuse thinning over the entire scalp, with the part widening, but rarely results in complete baldness.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss, often in circular patterns. It can affect the scalp, beard, or other body hair. In rare cases, it can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).

Telogen Effluvium

Characterized by sudden, widespread shedding triggered by physical or emotional stress, illness, or hormonal shifts. Hair typically regrows once the underlying cause is resolved.

Anagen Effluvium

This rapid and extensive hair loss occurs during the anagen phase, often caused by chemotherapy or radiation. Hair follicles are acutely damaged, leading to widespread shedding.

Traction Alopecia

Results from prolonged or repetitive tension on hair follicles due to tight hairstyles. It often presents as hair loss along the hairline or at the temples.

Scarring Alopecias (Cicatricial Alopecias)

A group of inflammatory conditions that destroy the hair follicle, replacing it with scar tissue, leading to permanent hair loss in the affected areas. Examples include frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While some hair shedding is normal (50-100 hairs per day), significant or sudden hair loss warrants attention. Consulting a healthcare professional or dermatologist is recommended to accurately diagnose the type and cause of hair loss and to discuss potential management strategies. Early intervention is often key to preventing further progression and maximizing regrowth potential. Regular use of a stimulating shampoo and conditioner, like Watermans GrowMe, can support hair health and improve the appearance of thickness and fullness.

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Find these ingredients in Watermans products

• Biotin — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Growth Shampoo.
• Zinc — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Vitamins.