Condition: Hair Loss

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss is a condition where the hair becomes thin, falls out, or does not grow back, resulting in visibly thinning hair or bald patches. This type of hair loss occurs often when hair follicles weaken or get damaged, commonly linked to aging, hormonal fluctuations, or environmental factors. Although hair loss is very normal, there are many things which will cause premature hair loss or worsen this condition. You may be taken aback to know that are numerous factors resulting in hair loss including stress, bad eating habits as well as hormonal imbalance, some medical conditions and even hairstyling. While not life-threatening, hair loss can have a profound effect on a person’s looks and self-esteem.

The most common  causes of hair loss are:

• Age: Hair growth slows as we get older, and follicles will produce thinner, weaker strands before resulting in permanent hair loss.
• Hormones Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, pregnancy, or due to conditions like the thyroid disorder can interfere with the hair growth phase.
• Stress and illness: Physical or emotional stress and illnesses can cause hair follicles to enter a resting phase in which they can become temporarily shed.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in key nutrients, such as iron, zinc, or biotin, can impair hair structure and contribute to hair fall.
• Styling Practices: Excessive use of heat styling tools, tight hairstyles, and harsh chemicals can damage the hair and the follicles, leading to hair falling out.

Loss of hair varies from mild thinning to complete baldness which is most apparent on the hair and scalp disorders front. It’s not physically damaging, but it can have a very real emotional and psychological impact. The silver lining slow hair loss is that, with the right at-home regimen and treatments in the chair, hair loss can be slowed or even reversed for a fuller, healthier head of hair.

What Does Hair Loss Feel Like?

The experience of hair loss can be distressing and provocative, coming as it does with a type of vulnerability, or loss of agency, over one’s appearance. Physically, this can show up as added hair fall, seeing more hair on brushes, pillows, or in the shower, and sometimes scalp tenderness or itching in the areas impacted noticeable hair loss. Thinning hair or bald patches may become more visible over time, affecting self-esteem and confidence. Common experiences associated with female pattern hair loss include:

• Increased Shedding: Most people see an increase in the amount of hair that comes out when brushing, washing, and on their pillows, which marks the beginning of hair loss.
• Thinning Hair: Hair gradually takes up less space on the head, allowing more of the scalp to be apparent, especially near the crown or part.
• Receding Hairline: Hairline begins to go back from the forefront or temples, and is a frequent early sign due to pattern baldness.
• Bald patches: Small or larger patches where hair doesn’t grow, usually seen on the scalp or beard.