What Are The Causes of Hair Loss?
On average, a person sheds between 50 to 100 hairs from their scalp each day. This hair shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. The human scalp has approximately 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles, and each hair follicle goes through a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding.
It's worth remembering that hair loss is not usually something to be worried about but if you do have concerns, please consult your GP or our Trichologist who can help. Understanding the various causes of hair loss is crucial for effective management and tailored solutions.
Here we have compiled a list of common hair loss causes and possible solutions. Special mention should be made of Alopecia which can manifest in various forms, each with its distinct causes and characteristics. From Alopecia Areata to Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, and Traction Alopecia, understanding the root causes is crucial for effective management.
Fortunately, advancements in hair replacement systems, toppers, cranial prostheses, wigs, and frontal integration systems offer diverse solutions for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. However, please remember that only a qualified professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an effective treatment.
Male Pattern Baldness / Female Pattern Baldness
Also known as Androgenetic Alopecia, this type of hair loss is influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. It results in a gradual reduction in hair follicle size, leading to thinner and shorter hair. If family members have experienced hair loss at a given age, then you have a high chance of following suit.
Solutions
Hair replacement systems and toppers are effective solutions. These options seamlessly integrate with existing hair, providing coverage and volume precisely where needed.
Alopecia Areata
Sometimes referred to as 'spot balding' this is an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss in men and women. Hair loss may happen suddenly and create patches of baldness. It occurs because the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss.
Solutions
Custom-made wigs or cranial prostheses are a great way to disguise bald patches. These solutions offer full coverage, providing a natural appearance and helping individuals regain confidence.
Alopecia Totalis
This is where individuals experience complete hair loss from the scalp. The exact cause is unclear but it is believed to be an autoimmune response. Anaemia and low iron absorption may also cause Alopecia Totalis. The serious blood disorder, hemolytic anaemia, can also cause hair loss in this way.
Solutions
Wigs and cranial prostheses are commonly used to disguise Alopecia Totalis. Custom-made wigs ensure a secure and natural fit, offering a lifelike appearance. You may also benefit from vitamin scalp injections or IV vitamin drips.
Alopecia Universalis
This is an advanced form of Alopecia Areata, leading to the loss of hair on the entire body, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Genetics play a role in this type of alopecia but it has to come from both parents to be inherited.
Solutions
Cranial prostheses and custom-made wigs provide complete coverage and can be tailored to meet individual preferences.
Traction Alopecia
This type of hair loss is mostly seen in women. Traction Alopecia is caused by excessive tension on the hair, often caused by tight hairstyles, braids, cornrows, extensions or sleep-in rollers. Another cause may be sleeping in head scarfs causing hair loss for a period of time.
Solutions
Frontal integration systems are recommended for those dealing with Traction Alopecia. These systems seamlessly blend with existing hair, providing coverage for the affected areas.
Telogen Effluvium
This is a form of temporary hair loss characterised by an increased shedding of hair, often triggered by significant stressors such as illness, surgery, or emotional stress. During Telogen Effluvium, the hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase, leading to excessive hair shedding.
Solutions
Hair toppers, hair replacement systems, frontal integration systems and a cranial prosthesis can all work well for people experiencing Telogen Effluvium hair loss - with different options available depending on how severe your hair loss is.
Trichotillomania
This is a psychological disorder where individuals have the compulsive urge to pull out their hair to feel a sense of self-harming relief, usually from a stress or anxiety-related disorder. It tends to manifest during childhood or adolescence and can affect men and women.
Solutions
Seeking professional help from a mental health provider or therapist is crucial for proper diagnosis and tailored treatment. Cognitive behavioural treatment may be beneficial to help get to the root of the problem. For those looking to disguise the hair loss, you may wish to try a custom-made hair topper.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent male sex hormone, derived from testosterone, which plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues. However, an excess of DHT is associated with hair loss, particularly in individuals genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is more typically on the top and front of the head. Interestingly, DHT helps to promote the growth of beard and chest hair.
Solutions
Consult your GP or a qualified Trichologist who can help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your needs. Options available include medications, topical DHT blockers, laser hair growth therapy, and hair replacement systems.
Other Common Causes of Hair Loss
Medication-Related Hair Loss: Some prescription medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. This is most notable in thyroid medication which involves hormones.
Diet-Related Hair Loss: Poor diet can cause hair loss? If your body is not receiving proper diet such vitamins and nutrients, it will divert resources to other more important parts of the body.
Menopausal Hair Loss: Most women experiencing menopause are prone to hair loss. Moreover, after menopause, they will experience thinning of hair.
Hair Loss Due To Iron Deficiency: The deficiency is most common in young women. More so if they have a habit of following diets with very low calories.
Losing Hair During Childbirth & Pregnancy: After pregnancy, some women might lose their hair as the body recovers from the impact of childbirth. However, this is only temporary. After a short time of 6 to 12 months, hair often grows back.
Ageing: Hair loss often increases with age. As you grow older, your hair follicles may naturally shrink and die, leading to hair thinning and hair loss.
