Hair Loss Explained
General Overview
Male Pattern Baldness generally occurs in approximately 25% of men ages 25-30, 40% of men age 40, and 50% of men 50 years or more. There is no defined period during which a male begins to experience hair loss. With the onset of puberty, males can begin to lose hair due to production of male hormones. On the other hand, hair loss in women is found to be more sporadic as compared to male hair loss, and obviously much less common, however, very problematic to women experiencing the loss of hair.
The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases, namely Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.
In the first phase of hair loss (Anagen phase) hair fibers are produced from a highly active group of pear-shaped cells within the follicle (also called the dermal papilla). The longest of the three phases, the Anagen phase usually spans anywhere from six to 10 years, with an average growth rate of 1/2 inch per month.
Estimated to last approximately 14 to 21 days, hair growth enters a period of regression in the Catagen phase. Now the dermal papilla begins to condense as the hair cells become inactive. Because of the lack of cell stimulation, hair fiber and root sheaths stop growing.
In the last phase of the hair growth cycle, the hair follicle enters a period of rest lasting approximately 30 to 90 days. In this Telogen phase, the dermal papilla can become isolated and hair can usually be pulled out easily through normal activities like the combing, shampooing, or brushing. At any given point in time, approximately 10% of hair follicles on a person’s scalp are in the Telogen phase, meaning that it is normal for an average of 50 to 100 hairs to be lost through normal hair care activity.
This three-stage hair growth process goes on for the entire length of our human life.
Causes of Hair Loss
The majority of hair loss is found to be genetic. Inherited hair loss or Androgenetic Alopecia, is possibly the most common type of hair loss found in both males and females. It is a common (yet incorrect) belief among many that hair loss is caused by the constant wearing of hats or caps, clogged pores, or generally unhealthy hair shafts.
Androgenetic hair loss is referred to as ‘Male Pattern Baldness’ and ‘Common Female Hair Loss,' in the respective sexes. It results from a follicle’s genetically determined sensitivity to a person’s hormones. Hormones such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) cause sensitive follicles to shrink over the passage of time, thereby affecting the hair shaft. This causes thinning of the hair and ultimately results in permanent hair loss.
Factors such as stress, illness, nutrient deficiency, and the use of certain drugs may also cause hair loss but are mostly temporary in nature. Once cured of illness and infections, hair usually resumes normal growth patterns.
It is important to consult a doctor regarding possible hair loss treatments rather than placing trust in advertisements propagating ‘permanent solutions.’ These advertisements can be quite misleading and may cause more damage than cure. |
