Hair loss, or alopecia, is not something anyone wants to have, but the condition affects thousands of men and women. There are a variety of types of alopecia as well as a variety of treatments for the condition. Some alopecia can be prevented and many types can be treated. If you are experiencing hair loss, contact your doctor, who will be able to determine the best course of action.
Identification
Hair structure is made up of the follicle, root and shaft. The hair follicle consists of epithelial and connective tissues. The root of the hair is housed within the follicle. The portion of the hair protruding above the scalp is the hair shaft. Hair is layered with rows of keratin, the protein that is abundant in hair, note Slobodan M. Jankovic and Snezana V. Jankovic, writing in the Dermatology Online Journal. Several rows of keratin provide strength to hair.
Function
Hair has a three-phase growing cycle. Anagen, the first phase, lasts from two to six years and is the active growing part of the cycle. Catagen, the second phase, is when cells gradually stop dividing and hair becomes the protein keratin. Telogen, the final phase of the growing cycle, is when the hair falls out and the hair follicle re-enters the first phase so the cycle can start over. Hair loss occurs when hair fails to re-enter the anagen phase and the hair follicles become inactive.
Alopecia Types
The most common form of alopecia is androgenetic alopecia, which is hereditary thinning or balding. For men, this is usually characterized as a receding hairline or balding at the top of the head, and the loss is either partial or total. For women, androgenetic alopecia appears as thinning at the front, sides and crown, but rarely develops into complete baldness.
Cicatricial alopecia is defined as inflammation that damages and scars hair follicles, according to MayoClinic.com.
Alopecia areata occurs in small, round patches, and the hair loss may also include eyebrows, eyelashes and beard.
Telogen effluvium is temporary hair loss that may happen because of an illness or stress.
Traction alopecia can happen with certain hairstyles or accessories that repeatedly pull hair tight.
Prevention
Your hair and scalp will benefit greatly from a healthy diet, exercise and drinking plenty of water. Handle your hair with care and avoid wearing it in tight braids, buns or ponytails. Don't brush or comb your hair when it is wet and let it dry naturally. Avoid rubbing it vigorously with a towel. Improper use of chemical treatments such as hair dyes, tints, bleaches and straighteners can damage hair, breaking it so it appears thinner.
Treatment
Permanent hair loss cannot be cured, but all types of hair loss can be treated. Generally, the more extensive the hair loss, the less effective the treatment would be. Minoxidil is a popular treatment for androgenetic alopecia that helps to promote hair growth and prevent further loss. Finasteride is used for male pattern baldness to help slow hair loss. For some people, it may help new hair grow. For alopecia areata, injections of cortisone into the scalp can stimulate new hair growth. Hair restoration therapy, which includes transplants or scalp reduction, is also an option for treating alopecia.
