Hair Loss: An Overview
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or gender. It can also affect one's scalp or entire body and be temporary or permanent, depending on its cause. While some people may choose to let their hair loss go untreated, many people are interested in learning the reason for their hair loss and strive to restore the growth of their natural hair.
If your hair is thinning, it's important to determine the cause before seeking hair restoration treatment. Check out these common causes of hair loss before scheduling a consultation with a hair restoration specialist at LH Hair.
Symptoms of Hair Loss
Hair loss can affect individuals differently. While some people may lose their hair gradually over time, others will notice a change in the thickness of their hair suddenly.
Here are some common signs of hair loss to be aware of:
- Gradual hair thinning on top of head: This is the most common type of hair loss, particularly as men and women age. For men, gradual hair thinning usually begins to become noticeable their hairline. On the other hand, women may notice a broadening part in their hair.
- Sudden hair loosening: This usually occurs when a man or woman undergoes a period of unusual emotional stress. When this takes place, the person may notice handfuls of hair falling out at one time when they comb, wash, or simply run their fingers through their hair.
- Patchy bald spots: This type of hair loss can affect one's head, beard, or eyebrows.
- Full-body hair loss: This typically happens at one time due to some type of medical intervention, such as chemotherapy. It is usually temporary.
Common Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be surprising for people who experience it, especially if it is sudden. It's important to remember that just because you notice loose hairs on your pillow, shower, or brush doesn't necessarily mean that your hair loss is unusual. It's normal for people to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. While this sounds like a lot, it's typically not noticeable because other hairs are rapidly replacing them. Hair loss takes place when there aren't new hairs to replace the ones you lose.
Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of hair loss include:
- Heredity: The most common source of hair loss is genetics and affects men and women alike as they age. This takes place gradually over time and is usually very predictable in terms of where the thinning hair occurs -- a bald spot and receding hairline in men and thinning hair around the crown of the scalp in women.
- Medical/hormonal changes: Hormonal shifts are among the most common causes of hair loss, including pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid conditions. Hormonal changes can lead to temporary and permanent hair loss. Other medical conditions can contribute to hair loss, such as immune system disorders, scalp infections, and hair-pulling disorders.
- Medications: Hair loss is sometimes a result of taking certain medications. This is common in people with cancer, depression, arthritis, cardiac disease, and more.
- Stress: In the months following a stressful event, it's common for people to experience all-over hair thinning.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain hairstyling can cause temporary or permanent hair loss, including cornrows and chemical treatments.
Managing Your Hair Loss is Possible
Regardless of what is causing your thinning hair or hair loss, it's possible to find hairstyles and restoration treatments that help you look and feel your best. The trusted hair restoration experts at LH Hair are eager to assist you in properly diagnosing the cause of your hair loss, then creating a personalized treatment plan to meet your unique hair needs. Contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation to learn more.
