Hair loss is normal, with people losing on average 50 to 100 hairs a day. Each hair strand grows for two to six years before going into a resting phase for several months and falling out, upon which the growth cycle begins again. As people age, it is common for hair to become thinner, but for some people hair loss is more extreme. Causes range from genetics, certain medications, underlying medical conditions, overstyling, malnutrition and stress.
Pattern Baldness
Pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss and occurs in both men and women. For men, thinning or bald spots are usually located around the forehead or top of the head, while in women there is a general thinning all over the head. The condition is inherited, with the age of onset and the degree of hair loss generally attributed to genetics. Having a close relative with pattern baldness raises your chances of developing the condition.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a condition in which hair loss usually occurs in quarter-sized patches on the head, though it can extend beyond the scalp and lead to total hair loss. Usually the hair grows back within several months. Classified as an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks hair follicles, preventing growth, the cause is unknown. Research suggests that heredity plays a role.
Ringworm of the Scalp
Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection most common in adolescents. It causes one or more small bald spots with scaly skin; these spots tend to expand without treatment. The fungal infection is contagious and is caused by microorganisms that act as parasites on the body. The fungi attack the skin and invade the hair shaft, causing it to break. Outbreaks are common in schools and daycare centers and can be transmitted from pets.
Underlying Disorders and Medications
Hair loss is common in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism due to hormonal changes, diabetes and lupus. In the latter two diseases, hair loss is often one of the earliest symptoms. Chemotherapy drugs, which attack cells within hair roots, can also cause hair to fall out, as can a number of medications used to treat high blood pressure, heart problems, arthritis, gout and depression.
Other causes
Overstyling, a poor diet and sudden emotional or physical stress have also been attributed to hair loss. The use of harsh chemicals, found in some styling products and hair dyes, can damage the hair, making it more prone to breakage. Diets deficient in protein and iron can cause hair to become more brittle and the rate of growth to slow. This is a common symptom in people suffering from eating disorders, because they are not receiving sufficient nutrients. Hair loss can also result from intense stress, provoking white blood cells to attack the hair follicles.
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