Hair goes through three stages during its life cycle. It starts in the anagen phase, growing six inches per year for two to six years, moves into the catagen phase, where the root begins to weaken and separate, and ends in the telogen phase. Most causes of hair loss involve the hastening of hair roots into the telogen phase or the diminished return to the beginning of the growth cycle.
Genes
Better known as pattern baldness, or common baldness, androgenetic alopecia usually results from a genetic condition pushing certain patterned areas of the scalp into the telogen phase faster and longer. According to a December 7, 2005 report by the University of Texas Medical Branch, androgenetic alopecia affects 30 percent of white men age 30 and 50 percent of white men age 50. This form of hair loss, caused by hormonal imbalances in old age, is inherited and can affect other animals as well, most typically male species because of its connection to testosterone levels.
Stress/Hormonal Changes
Many forms of stress can send hair follicles prematurely into the catagen and telogen, or resting, states of hair growth. In fact, intensive surgical procedures, fever, illness, emotional distress and even having a baby can trigger hormonal changes which result in excessive hair loss, starting within a few weeks to a maximum of four months after the event. This form of hair loss is generally given the name telogen effluvium. Fortunately, once the stressor causing hair loss is removed, recovery occurs within a few months, unlike androgenetic alopecia which is permanent.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Only a small percentage of people suffer hair loss because of a nutrient deficiency, particularly those with anorexia, on medications or with a digestive disorder. The Mayo Clinic points out that not having adequate levels of protein and iron, the building blocks of hair cells, can trigger hair loss. Even some fad diets and vegan diets can produce a significant amount of hair shedding. To prevent this, introduce a supplement into your diet where necessary. With time, hair will resume the normal cycle.
Infections/Diseases
Other causes of excessive hair loss include fungal infections, autoimmune diseases and skin diseases. Ringworm begins with an itching of the scalp, causing over 100 hairs to shed daily, and continues with balding in the infected area. Once treated, hair returns to normal. In the case of autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata, the body treats hair follicles as foreign objects, attacking them and causing a reduction in hair growth. With skin diseases, inflammation and scarring of the scalp can result in the permanent loss of hair, as hair cells do not reproduce below scar tissue.
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