Hair loss is also known as alopecia. A normal man loses around 50-100 hairs every day. However, excessive shedding and hair fall can indicate alopecia. Hair loss can be permanent or temporary.
Hair loss grows over the year. No one is going to lose all their hair in a single day. Hair loss is treatable. With the right meds and lifestyle changes, a timely visit to a dermatologist can help. Otherwise, a hair transplant is the only solution for hair loss or alopecia.
Types of Hair Loss
There are many types of hair loss. Some are treatable with the help of meditation, but for others, you need to have hair surgery.
Androgenic alopecia: This alopecia is a genetic disorder, which you cannot treat with medicine. People lose their hair permanently after reaching a certain age. The only solution for this hair loss is a hair transplant. This is also known as male pattern baldness.
Alopecia areata: Alopecia areata is a disease that forces the immune system to attack hair follicles, causing hair loss all over the body.
Telogen effluvium: This hair loss is caused by sudden shock. This shock is caused by emotional and physical stress, and to manage that stress, our body releases a high amount of cortisol. It can cause excessive hair shedding in a short time. This loss is reversible, and you will notice new hair follicles after 2 to 3 months.
Anagen effluvium: This hair loss is caused by medical treatments (chemo and hormonal replacement therapy) that cause sudden and very severe hair shedding. But after the therapy, this hair loss will be reversible.
What are the Causes of Hair Loss?
Hair loss is a very complex condition. Many reasons can cause it. It is important to address the main cause of your hair loss. There are some common causes of hair loss given below.
Hereditary hair loss: This is genetic hair loss that is considered a permanent condition. You can treat it with hair transplant surgery.
Fungal infections: Some scalp infections, like dermatophytes, can cause temporary hair loss. But if the treatment for hair loss is delayed, then it can cause scarring on the scalp that results in permanent hair loss.
Hairstyles: Some hairstyles, like ponytails and braids, pull the hair tightly, which can increase the chances of a hairline receding.
Hormonal changes: sometimes hormonal changes can cause temporary hair loss. The hormonal changes are pregnancy, menopause, and DHT.
Medical treatment: Some medical treatments, like hormone replacement therapy, chemo, and medication, can cause hair loss.
Visible Signs of Early Hair Loss?
Receding hairline: Receding hair is the most common sign of androgenetic alopecia. Receding in the hairline is caused by genetics. But bad hairstyles and processed foods can speed up the process of hair recession.
Thinning hair: Hair thinning can be caused by many reasons, such as genetics, medication, and nutrient deficiencies. In hair thinning, hair becomes very fragile and sensitive. It can fall out and break very easily.
Bald spots: Bald spots can be a sign of hair loss. Many reasons, such as scarring, fungal infections, therapies, and diseases, can cause bald spots. But bald spots are treatable with medications like minoxidil 10%, finasteride, saw palmetto, etc.
Loose hair: If you are losing more than 100 hairs every day. It is a sign of hair loss. You can consult a dermatologist to address the root cause of your excessive hair loss.
Painful hair loss: If you feel itchiness, inflammation, and scalp psoriasis during temporary hair loss. Then it indicates that you’re losing your hair permanently in the future.
Slower hair growth: In your face, slow hair growth during the anagen phase can be caused by short anagen syndrome (SAS). The hair’s life is shortened, and as a result, the hair cannot grow longer.
Thinning temples: Thinning temples are caused by various reasons. However, the higher chances of thinning temples are due to permanent hair loss. This includes conditions like frontal fibrosing alopecia. Pulling the hair can damage the hair follicles, which can cause thinning temples.
Scalp pruritus: It is also known as itching. It is caused by many reasons, such as infection, alopecia, and dermatitis. Scalp pruritus damages the hair follicles, which can lead to temporary hair loss. However, if the treatment is delayed, it can cause permanent hair loss.
Conclusion
Everyone loves their hair. Regular men can lose 100 hairs a day, and it is very normal. But not being able to grow back that hair is a sign of permanent hair loss. However, we cannot identify other early signs of hair loss. They may cause issues like hair loss, shedding, and follicle damage. There are four types of hair loss: androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and anagen effluvium. Some of them are temporary hair loss, and some are permanent. Signs of hair loss include a receding hairline, thinning hair, slow growth, itchy scalp, and painful loss. To find the root cause of your hair loss, you can get a hair loss treatment consultation from an experienced dermatologist.
