Hair Loss: Types and Causes

Hair loss, medically termed alopecia, refers to the shedding of hair from the scalp or body. While some daily hair shedding is normal (typically 50 to 100 hairs per day from a healthy scalp), significant or persistent loss can be indicative of underlying issues. Understanding the different types and causes is crucial for effective management.

Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss can manifest in several distinct patterns, each with characteristic features:

• Androgenetic Alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss, often referred to as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss. It is characterized by a gradual thinning of hair on the scalp, following a predictable pattern. In men, this often starts with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, it typically presents as a widening part and diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp, rarely leading to complete baldness.
• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. The patches are typically round or oval and can appear suddenly. In some cases, it can progress to total scalp hair loss (alopecia totalis) or complete body hair loss (alopecia universalis).
• Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair loss occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase (telogen phase) of the hair growth cycle. It results in widespread shedding, often noticeable several months after a triggering event, such as severe stress, childbirth, surgery, illness, or certain medications. The shedding is usually temporary, and hair regrowth often occurs once the trigger is removed.
• Anagen Effluvium: A rapid and extensive hair loss that occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. It is often a side effect of certain medical treatments, particularly chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicle cells. This type of hair loss is typically reversible once the treatment stops.
• Traction Alopecia: Caused by prolonged or repetitive tension on the hair follicles, usually from tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions. This constant pulling can damage the follicles, leading to hair thinning or loss, particularly around the hairline and temples. Early intervention can prevent permanent damage.
• Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp that can cause localized hair loss, often accompanied by scaling, redness, and itching. It is more common in children.
• Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia: A group of rare inflammatory conditions that destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue, resulting in permanent hair loss in the affected areas. Examples include frontal fibrosing alopecia and lichen planopilaris.

Causes of Hair Loss

The reasons behind hair loss are diverse and can involve a combination of factors:

• Genetics: Heredity plays a significant role, particularly in androgenetic alopecia. If your parents or close relatives experience hair loss, you may be more predisposed to it.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones can trigger hair loss. This is evident in pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid disorders. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, is a key hormone implicated in androgenetic alopecia.
• Medical Conditions: A range of medical conditions can contribute to hair loss. These include autoimmune diseases (like lupus or alopecia areata), scalp infections (such as tinea capitis), and skin conditions affecting the scalp (e.g., psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis). Iron deficiency anemia can also lead to hair shedding.
• Medications: Certain medications list hair loss as a potential side effect. These include drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, high blood pressure, and gout. Blood thinners and high doses of vitamin A can also impact hair growth.
• Stress: Significant physical or emotional stress can lead to telogen effluvium, causing a temporary increase in hair shedding. This can be due to major surgery, severe illness, or a traumatic event.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients can impair hair growth. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, and proteins are commonly associated with hair loss. Extreme dieting or absorption issues can exacerbate these deficiencies.
• Hair Styling Practices: Aggressive styling techniques, such as tight braiding, cornrows, chemical treatments, and excessive heat styling, can damage hair and follicles over time, leading to traction alopecia and breakage.
• Aging: As individuals age, hair growth naturally slows, and hair typically becomes finer and less dense. This is a normal part of the aging process.
• Environmental Factors: While less common than other causes, exposure to certain environmental toxins or pollutants may sometimes contribute to hair health issues. However, specific mechanisms are still under research.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

To better understand hair loss, it is helpful to know the basic stages of hair growth:

Stage	Description
Anagen	The active growth phase, lasting 2–7 years. About 90% of scalp hairs are in this stage.
Catagen	A transitional phase lasting 2–3 weeks. Hair growth stops, and the outer root sheath shrinks.
Telogen	The resting phase, lasting 2–4 months. Up to 15% of scalp hairs are in this stage, and old hair is shed.
Exogen	A newer, sometimes considered fourth phase where old hairs are fully released, often with mechanical forces.

Disruptions to this cycle, such as premature entry into the telogen phase or inhibition of the anagen phase, are fundamental to many types of hair loss.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While some temporary hair shedding is normal, persistent or sudden hair loss, accompanied by symptoms like itching, scaling, pain, or patchy loss, warrants professional evaluation. A dermatologist or trichologist can help identify the specific type and cause of hair loss and recommend appropriate management strategies.

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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.