Hair loss is a natural part of the body's process of renewal. As some hair falls out, new growth replaces it. However, this process may be accelerated by a number of conditions.Your hair goes through a cycle of growth and rest. The course of each cycle varies by individual. But in general, the growth phase of scalp hair, known as anagen, typically lasts two to three years. Most people normally shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. Stress is another factor linked to hair loss. Gradual thinning is a normal part of aging. Since stress is often transient, if its cause clears up, the resultant hair loss should disappear as well. The following are some types of hair loss, with information about each:
Causes of specific types of hair loss :
Pattern baldness : In male- and female-pattern baldness, the time of growth shortens, and the hairs are not as thick or sturdy. Women's pattern of hair loss is analogous to men's, but has several important differences. The ages we begin having hair loss are the same. A history of androgenetic alopecia on either side of your family increases your risk of balding. Women tend to lose hair on the crown and at the hairline, which is referred to as female-pattern hair loss.
Treatment : However natural or normal this may be, many women want to reverse or halt this trend. Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available. Overstyling and excessive brushing also can cause hair to fall out if the hair shaft becomes damaged.
A new drug,Propecia is now being tested by Merck on post-menopausal women. It comes in pills and is only for men. It may take up to 6 months before you can tell if one of these medicines is working. These often give better cosmetic results at lower costs and with less trouble
Age: By age 30, 1 in 4 men is balding; by age 60, 2 in 3 men are balding or bald.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a single hair is 4.5 years; the hair then falls out and is replaced within 6 months by a new hair.
Disease. Diabetes and lupus can cause hair loss.
Cicatricial (scarring) alopecia. The other type of stress-induced hair loss is known as alopecia areata, and involves a white blood cell attack on the hair follicles.This type of permanent hair loss occurs when inflammation damages and scars the hair follicle. People who develop alopecia areata are generally in good health. With alopecia areata, your hair generally grows back, but you may lose and regrow your hair a number of times.
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