Hair loss

Why hair falls out?

The hair on the head is an attribute of beauty and a symbol of physical attractiveness. They add self-confidence, improve well-being and facilitate social contacts. Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy a lush hairstyle throughout their lives. Excessive hair loss may appear as early as sexual maturation, but most often affects middle-aged people.

How hair grows?

The hair life cycle is independent in each hair follicle. The hair grows on average 2-6 years (anagen). After this time, it goes into the transient phase (catagen) when it no longer grows. In the resting phase (telogen) the hair shaft detaches from the nipple and falls out. Hair follicles need several months to regenerate and start a new hair production cycle.


When does the problem start?

The growth and hair loss phases are not synchronized with each other. Thanks to this, we do not lose all hair at the same time. If nothing interferes with the cycle, there is no risk that we will go bald. Every day we lose 50 to 100 hairs as a result of physiological reactions. It’s natural. It happens, however, that the losses are extensive, new hair does not grow, and the hairstyle is clearly thinning. It is a sign that something is wrong. The key in this case is a quick diagnosis and proper treatment.

Male hair loss

Approximately 85% of men before reaching 50 years old experience the hair loss problem. Moreover, some men experience that even before the age of 21. There are many factors responsible for hair loss: sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone, low testosterone, and various diseases. Excessive hair loss can also be caused by stress or some medications.

DHT (hormone disorder) may contribute to a reduction in the growth phase of hair follicles, causing them to shrink and showing reduced visibility on the scalp


1

The central part of the head without hair loss.


2

General thinning of the entire area of ​​the head, especially around the crown and the hairline.


3

A shift of hairline forming visible receding hairlines.


4

Hair loss almost from the entire scalp. Small amounts of hair appear only behind the ears and around the occipital lobe.

Types of hair loss

Excessive hair loss occurs when the balance between the number of hair in the growth phase and in the resting phase is disturbed. Sometimes such baldness is temporary. After proper diagnosis and treatment, the hair begins to grow again. Unfortunately, there is also a kind of baldness, which is caused by the death of the hair follicles, and the effects are permanent and irreversible.

Androgenetic alopecia in men

Male androgenetic alopecia is often preceded by seborrhea or greasy dandruff. In about half of the men around the age of 50 can be diagnosed with the characteristics of permanent, progressive baldness, known as male pattern baldness. Hair loss starts from the forehead angles and top of the head.

Alopecia areata in men

Alopecia areata is autoimmune, non-scarring baldness in the head or entire body. Hair loss usually occurs suddenly. Typical alopecia areas are round or oval and separated from normal hair.

Telogen hair loss in men

The resting phase lasts a few months and it ends with the creation of the anagenetic hair. Normally, a person loses about 50 telogen hairs a day.

Stages of male hair loss

  1. This is also called the active growth phase. This phase continues anywhere from 2 to 6 years with the average hair growing for 1,000 days – about 3 years. Anything short of 2 years results in balding. Approximately 80-85% of all hairs are in this phase at any given time.
  2. This is the regressive or transitional phase. It lasts for a period of 2 to 3 weeks, during which the hair stops growing but is not yet shed. Between 3 and 4% of our hair is in this phase at any given time.
  3. This resting phase continues for approximately 100 days (3-4 months), at the end of which the hair falls out and a new hair begins to take shape. About 10-13% of our hair is in this phase at any given time. When more hair than that enters and remains in this phase, the result is extensive hair loss. If over a long period of time, hair cannot regrow as fast as it is being lost, it’s time to consider hair growth remedies.

Female hair loss

Hair loss in women is significantly different from male baldness. Most women often complain about significant thinning of hair than about typical alopecia. Concomitant diseases such as anemia or thyroid problems can have a significant impact on our scalp, so after the diagnosis of the problem surgical treatment is not always necessary.

The most common causes of female hair loss:
• stress
• poor diet
• polluted environment, toxins
• vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• undetected and untreated diseases
• hormonal disorders


1

The central part of the head without hair loss.


2

Irregularly widening parting, with normal-looking hair.


3

The hair becomes thinner and the parting is more visible.


4

Extensive thinning of the hair at the crown.