Hair Loss or medical term known as alopecia, more commonly understood as baldness, is a condition that impacts millions of people worldwide. It manifests in various forms, ranging from gradual thinning to complete baldness. Male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, lichen planopilaris, lupus etc. are some of the numerous types of baldness present in the world. The factors ranging from genetics, hormonal, physiological or even the lifestyle approach of a person determine the type of baldness one experiences.
Classification of Hair Loss:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly referred to as male and female baldness, androgenetic alopecia is a result of an inherited gene in the presence of androgens.
- Telogen Effluvium: This condition is most likely to experience post-surgical trauma or after giving birth. This condition is usually a result of stress or even hormonal change.
- Alopecia Areata: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the scalp patches begin to go bald because of hair follicles present within the patch.
- Traction Alopecia: As the name suggests, it is because of tight hairstyles or hair being pulled by tight hair styles.
- Scarring Alopecia: This is the most damaging as the bald spots can never come back and is usually irreversible. Due to conditions such as lupus or lichen planopilaris, the hair follicles become inflamed resulting in permanent bald patches.
Common Triggers of Hair Loss:
- Nutritional deficiencies such as lack of vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, or vitamin D can cause hair loss.
- If the body has been under a huge amount of stress and/or paired with not enough sleep can be one of the common reasons for hair loss.
- Hormonal imbalances in the body including conditions like PCOS/PCOD, depression, pregnancy, menopause, thyroid and others.
- Overuse of hair styling products and equipment.
Understanding Hair Loss Cycle:
Hair growth follows a cycle comprising three stages:
- Growth Phase: Active hair growth lasting 2–6 years.
- Transitional Phase: A short phase where growth slows.
- Resting Phase: Hair falls out, and new hair begins to grow.
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