Hair loss (alopecia) affects most men and women at some stage in their lives. Causes of hair loss include acute illness, chemotherapy, infections, burns, rough handling, autoimmune disease and inflammation of the scalp. Hereditary hair loss is the result of genetic and hormonal factors, and occurs when cells that normally control hair regeneration are lost.
Causes Of Hair Loss And Things To Remember
Causes Of Hair Loss
Hair loss (also known as alopecia) can ‘just happen’ or it may be linked to some medical conditions or use of medicines. It can be patchy or widespread, and may range from mild to severe.
Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss and is the result of genetic and hormonal factors. Hereditary baldness is so common that many people think it is a normal part of the ageing process.
Many men and women will be affected by hair loss at some stage in their lives. For most people, hair loss is mild and occurs later in life. However, when hair loss is premature or severe, it can cause distress. A range of treatments is available to slow or reduce hair loss and stimulate partial regrowth.
How hair grows
The human body is completely covered with hair follicles, except on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and lips. Hair follicles are pouch-like tubes of skin cells that contain the hair root. Most follicles are tiny, and many of the hairs they produce do not grow long enough to stick out from the pore.
Hair is made from a protein called keratin. The only living part of the hair is the root (sometimes known as the bulb), which is anchored to the base of the follicle. The follicle supplies oxygen and nutrients to the root, and lubricates the hair shaft with an oily substance called sebum.
Hair is in a constant cycle of growth, rest and renewal – it is natural to lose some hair each day. Hair grows in phases. The colour, curl, length, thickness and amount of hair depend on genetic factors.
Causes of hair loss
There are many possible causes of hair loss. Some result in temporary hair loss (known as telogen effluvium), while others may have longer-term effects. Breaking or damaging the hair shaft has no effect at all on the health of the hair root.
Some causes of hair loss include:
- Severe illness, major surgery or high fever, which may lead to a period of excess hair shedding
- Hormonal changes resulting from thyroid disease, childbirth or use of the birth control pill
- Alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder
- Medications such as those used in cancer chemotherapy or oral retinoids (powerful drugs used to treat skin conditions)
- Nervous habits such as continual hair pulling or scalp rubbing
- Rough handling – brushing too vigorously, tight rolling of hair curlers
- Overbleaching, or the use of harsh dyes and chemicals, which may cause split ends
- Burns or injuries
- Tinea capitis (ringworm of the scalp)
- Certain skin diseases such as lichen planus or lupus.
Genetic factors in hair loss
Identical twins lose hair at the same age, at the same rate and in the same pattern. This indicates that genetic factors are more important than environmental factors in causing hair loss.
Stress, diet, wearing hats, frequent washing, cigarettes and alcohol use are exaggerated as causes of hair loss.
Male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia)
While there are a number of treatments available for male pattern baldness, there is no cure. Treatments include minoxidil lotion and finasteride tablets, which are available on prescription. Cosmetic options include camouflage sprays, wigs and hair transplant surgery.
Hair loss in women (androgenetic alopecia)
Hair loss in women produces scattered thinning over the top of the scalp rather than a bald spot. Minor patterned hair loss occurs in over 55 per cent of women as they age, but only about 20 per cent of women develop moderate or severe hair loss.
A number of treatments are available for female pattern hair loss, including topical minoxidil lotion (not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women) and tablets such as spironolactone, which have antiandrogen properties (they lower the levels of male hormones). These are available on prescription and require medical supervision.
Things to remember
- The majority of men and women will be affected by hair loss at some stage in their lives.
- There are many causes of hair loss, ranging from rough handling to hereditary factors.
- A range of treatments is available to slow or reduce hair loss and stimulate partial regrowth.