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Definition of hair loss
Hair loss which is majorly known as alopecia refers to the loss of hair from the scalp or any part of the body. It’s also known as alopecia. Hair grows on virtually every part of the skin apart from the palms and sores of the feet. Hair is made up of a protein called keratin which is produced by the hair follicles. When new hair cells are made the old hair cells are pushed out which is referred to as hair falling off. It’s thus not alarming to find hair on your comb as this is a normal body process. However when this becomes sudden and increased it could be alarming as you need to keep the hair you have.
Each hair follicle consists of its life cycle which is normally influenced by things such as age, health status, and hormonal factors. A hair’s life cycle is normally divided into three stages: the anagen where the hair is actively growing, catagen where we have the transitional hair and telogen which is the final phase after which the hair falls off and a new one comes up. This is repeated all over again.
Signs of hair loss
- The entire body loses hair
- slow thinning of hair on top of the head
- Fast and quick loosening of the hair
- Patchy or circular bald spots
Types of hair loss
- Involutional alopecia which refers to the loss of hair with age. It’s a natural condition whereby more hair goes into the resting stage.
- Androgenic alopecia which is as a result of genes. This affects women and men wherein in men its causes a slow disappearance of hair from the scalp and receding hairline. In women, it occurs in the later years characterized by a weakening of hair over the whole scalp.
- Alopecia areata. It’s usually immediate and known to cause loss of hair in children. Usually characterized by patchy hair loss and may cause complete baldness.
- Alopecia Universalis which is characterized by hair falling off the whole body. This includes eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair.
- Trichotillomania is also a hair disorder whereby a person can pull their hair out. Mainly found in children.
Causes of hair loss
Knowing or identifying the reasons for hair loss can help prevent oneself from it and also the medical cost associated with replacing lost hair.
Genes from both the parents may predispose one either to permanent baldness in either male or females.
Changes in hormones are also said to contribute immensely especially androgen produced both in male and female.
Drugs as such used in chemotherapy in cancer treatment and birth control pills may also lead to hair loss
Cosmetic procedures have also been known for making hair weak and brittle. These include perms, dyeing, and tight braiding. Though these may only cause temporary hair loss which can be resolved once the problem is eliminated.
A low protein diet can cause hair loss and stress and illness can also lead to temporary hair loss.
How to prevent loss of hair and keep the hair you have?
- Avoiding tight hairstyles that include twisting and pulling of hair and braiding.
- Avoid medicines and supplements that could harm your hair and also smoking.
- Treat the hair gently when washing and brushing.
Staff Writer; Greg Jones