Although it is common to lose about 100 hairs every day through normal brushing and styling, if you notice thinning or large amounts of hair on your brush, you could have hair loss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 40 percent of women and 85 percent of men over 50 experience hair loss.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic website, hair loss can take many forms. Male- and female-pattern baldness typically begins with a receding hairline and thinning of hair at the top and sides of the head. In certain conditions, such as cicatricial alopecia and alopecia areata, hair comes out in patches, and you might also have pain and itchiness. Hair loss can occur in places other than the head, including the eyelashes, beard, eyebrows, arms and legs.
Causes
There are a variety of reasons for hair loss. In addition to hair loss associated with aging, hormone imbalances can cause hair loss, according to the Family Doctor website. Hormone fluctuations can be the result of an overactive thyroid gland or pregnancy. In addition, hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as a fungal infection or a disease like diabetes or lupus.
Treatment
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are a variety of treatment options for hair loss. Lotions and creams such as minoxidil and finasteride can stop hair from falling out and help grow new hair. In addition, a dermatologist or surgeon can perform a hair transplant procedure in which hairs harvested from other areas of the scalp are placed in balding areas. Scalp reduction procedures involve removing multiple inches of bald scalp and then suturing skin together.
Prevention
Eating a healthy, balanced diet that contains plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean meats can help you prevent hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic site. Take care of your hair by avoiding tight styles, chemical treatments like perms and straighteners, and heated styling tools such as curling irons and blow dryers. In addition, break the habit of playing with or twisting your hair, which can lead to damage and breakage.
Tips
If you are just starting to experience hair loss, switch to baby shampoo, according to the KidsHealth website. Shampoo only once a day, and towel dry your hair gently after shampooing, then allow it to air dry. If you have to use a blow dryer, put it on the coolest setting. Do not style your hair while it is still wet; hair is especially delicate while it is wet, and styling can stretch it and cause it to break.
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