Hair Loss: Common Types and Effective Solutions

The Hair Growth Cycle

To understand hair loss, it's essential to first grasp the normal hair growth cycle, which consists of three main phases:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): This active phase can last from two to seven years. During anagen, hair follicles produce new hair cells that push out old, clubbed hair. Approximately 85-90% of your hair is in this phase at any given time.
• Catagen (Transition Phase): Lasting about two to three weeks, this is a transitional stage where hair growth stops. The hair follicle shrinks, and the dermal papilla, which supplies blood and nutrients to the follicle, detaches.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): This phase lasts for around two to four months. During telogen, the hair is at rest, and the old hair prepares to shed. Approximately 10-15% of your hair is in this phase. At the end of telogen, new hair begins to grow, pushing the old hair out.

A fourth phase, exogen, is sometimes recognized as the shedding phase, occurring within or at the end of telogen when the old hair detaches and falls out.

Average hair shedding is around 50-100 hairs per day. When this rate significantly increases, or if hair density visibly decreases, it indicates a hair loss condition.

Common Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, manifests in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and causes.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

This is the most common form of hair loss, affecting both men and women. It is primarily genetic and hormonal.

• In Men (Male Pattern Baldness): Characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, often progressing to partial or complete baldness. It is linked to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen that can miniaturize susceptible hair follicles.
• In Women (Female Pattern Hair Loss): Typically presents as diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp, with a maintained frontal hairline. Total baldness is rare. Hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and aging play significant roles.

Telogen Effluvium

This condition involves excessive shedding of hair, usually several months after a significant physical or emotional stressor. It occurs when a large number of hairs prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase.

Common Triggers:

• Childbirth
• Severe illness or fever
• Surgery
• Extreme psychological stress
• Crash diets or significant weight loss
• Certain medications
• Thyroid dysfunction

Hair loss from telogen effluvium is generally temporary, with hair regrowth occurring once the underlying trigger is addressed.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition where the body