Hair loss (alopecia) is a common occurrence in all hair-bearing mammals that happens naturally during the hair development cycle. Over the course of a 24-hour period, most people (assuming they have a full head of hair) shed around 100 scalp hairs. When hair loss occurs in the wrong location at the wrong time in the wrong person, it may become an aesthetic issue. Damage to the hair shaft, which can cause breaking near the scalp, should be differentiated from true hair loss. Exogenous substances used to change the physical properties of the hair shaft (hair colour, etc.) or other types of self-manipulation are frequently responsible for this type of damage.

Hair loss (alopecia) affects around one-third of women at some point in their life, with as many as two-thirds of postmenopausal women experiencing hair thinning or bald patches. Because it is less socially acceptable for women to lose their hair, it has a bigger impact on them than it does on males. The mental well-being and quality of life of a woman can be significantly impacted by alopecia.

Hair Loss

The most common kind of hair loss in both men and women is alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia, or female (or male) pattern hair loss, is the name for it. Hair loss in men generally starts above the temples, and the receding hairline ultimately forms a distinctive "M" shape; hair at the top of the head thins as well, leading to baldness. In women, androgenetic alopecia appears as gradual thinning at the part line, followed by extensive hair loss from the top of the head. A woman's hairline rarely recedes, and she rarely goes bald.

Medical problems, medicines, and physical or mental stress are just a few of the possible reasons of hair loss in women. It's critical to consult your health care physician or a dermatologist if you observe unexpected hair loss of any sort to establish the reason and treatment options. To address emotional issues, you might also ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist or support group. Women's hair loss can be aggravating, but tools for dealing with the condition have grown in recent years.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair growth takes about 2 to 3 years to complete a cycle. During this period, each hair grows around 1 centimetre each month. At any given time, around 90% of the hair on your scalp is growing. At any given time, around 10% of the hair on your scalp is in a resting phase. The resting hair comes out after 3 to 4 months, and new hair begins to grow in its place.

Hair Loss

It is normal to shed some hair each day as part of this cycle. Some people, however, may have significant (abnormal) hair loss. Men, women, and children can all suffer from this form of hair loss.

What are the cycles of hair growth?

The cycle of hair is divided into three stages:

  1. Anagen phase 
  2. Catagen phase
  3. Telogen phase
  • The anagen (growth) phase can span anywhere from two to eight years. Approximately 85 percent to 90 percent of the hair on your head is in this phase.
  • The transition period, which lasts two to three weeks, causes hair follicles to decrease.
  • Two to four months is spent in the telogen phase (resting phase). The hair falls out towards the end of this period.

How common is Hair Loss in Women?

Many people believe that males are the only ones who experience hair loss. More than half of women, however, are expected to have substantial hair loss. Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, affecting around one-third of all vulnerable women in the United States, or roughly 30 million women.

What is the impact of lupus on hair?

Skin issues, such as rashes or blisters on the scalp, are common in persons with lupus, and they can lead to hair loss. Certain lupus medications, such as steroids and immunosuppressives, can cause hair loss and thinning. Consult your doctor if you find you're losing or thinning hair.

5 Illnesses Causes of Hair Loss & Baldness

1. History of the family (Heredity).

A genetic disease that occurs with ageing is the most prevalent cause of hair loss. Androgenic alopecia, often known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness, is a disease that affects both men and women. In men, it manifests as a receding hairline and bald patches, whereas in women, it manifests as thinning hair around the crown of the head.

Hair Loss

2. Due to Medications

A variety of medicines used to treat common health conditions might cause hair loss as a side effect. Medications that thin the blood, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, NSAIDs, and beta and calcium channel blockers can all cause hair loss or baldness. Hair loss can also be caused by too much vitamin A or retinoids, which are vitamin A-based medications. As they attempt to eliminate cancer cells, certain chemotherapy medicines have been known to induce complete hair loss. Hair should come back once you stop taking any medication that causes hair loss, just as it does after chemo.

3. Diet Deficiencies (What You Eat Affects Your Hair)

Essential vitamins and minerals, such as protein, obtained from a nutritious, diverse, and well-balanced diet promote excellent health throughout the body, ensuring that all of your organs and internal systems function properly. Poor nutrition or adhering to a highly restrictive crash or fad diet can cause nutritional shortages, which can contribute to hair loss ranging from thinning to patches of baldness.

4. Your Hair and Emotional Stress

Significant emotional stress can disrupt the regular cycle of hair development when you're coping with a life-altering event, such as a divorce or break-up, bankruptcy or other financial troubles, the loss of a house, or the death of a loved one. Temporary hair loss can be caused by significant emotional pressures, but once the stress is under control, normal hair growth is typically restored.

5. Hormonal shifts and medical problems are two factors to consider.

Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid issues are just a few of the diseases that can cause permanent or temporary hair loss. Alopecia areata (al-o-PEE-she-uh ar-e-A-tuh) is an immune system ailment that causes patchy hair loss, as well as scalp infections like ringworm and trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh).