Understanding Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair loss is something a teenager has to worry about when he reaches the age of 20 to 30. Men are predominantly irked by this condition in which genetics are considered blameful, although in some instances, women tend to get similar problems at some point in their life. Shedding of the hair is totally normal; an individual sheds hair on a daily basis in approximately 20 to 80 hair shafts a day. In order to understand hair loss (alopecia), it is imperative to determine first how the hair regrowth and to familiarize its growth cycle.

The Hair Growth Cycle:

Anagen (Growth) Phase

-      This is commonly known as the growing period of the hair. It is estimated that a single hair grows at a rate of five to six inches per year. The anagen phase usually lasts about 5 to 6 years.

Catagen (Shedding) Phase

-      This is the transitional period. It occurs when the mature hair moves away from the root and its supply of nutrition-rich blood and is eventually shed by normal or it is pushed out by the growth of new hair. The catagen phase will last 2 to 4 weeks.

Telogen (Resting) Phase

-      Telogen phase is the resting period of the hair. It is typically 3 to 4 months in length and older hairs are shed at the end of this period and are being replaced by newer hairs.

Generally, hair shedding can be ordinary. However, it would be alarming enough if a person sheds more than a hundred hair shafts per day. Losing this much hair would indicate something wrong is going on and that it needs critical evaluation and accurate diagnosis.

Hair loss causes include:

• Genetics (the prevalent cause of male and female hair loss)
• Chemical damages to the hair
• Certain medications
• Hormonal disorders
• Vitamin deficiency
• Thyroid problems
• Crash diets
• Stress
• Age

It is true indeed that Hair Loss can be very frustrating, going bald is not easy as it sounds, it is intended to be a worrisome condition as it alters emotional and physical well-being, leading to social discomforts and worse, depression.

A condition like hair loss is associated with numerous intricate causes (as mentioned above) that are somehow hard to determine what precise treatment should be done. Identifying these causes is extremely beneficial and to talk to an expert with regards to hair loss is highly advantageous in deciding to halt the disturbing condition.