It’s normal to lose some hair daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. For most individuals, the lost hair is replaced, maintaining a full head of hair. However, factors like illness, hormonal changes, stress, aging, or genetic conditions can disrupt this cycle. This can lead to increased hair fall, with new strands not always growing back.What is hair loss?Hair fall, medically known as alopecia, refers to the condition where a person experiences a reduction in the amount of hair on their scalp or other parts of the body. It can vary from mild thinning to complete baldness and may occur gradually or suddenly, depending on the underlying cause. Hair fall is a common concern that affects both men and women and can have significant physical and emotional impacts.

What are the types of hair loss?

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Baldness)

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair fall, affecting both men and women.

• Men: Often called male-pattern baldness, it starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.
• Women: Known as female-pattern baldness, it manifests as overall thinning, particularly on the crown.
• Causes: Genetic predisposition and sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• Treatments: Medications like minoxidil or finasteride, hair transplant surgery, or laser therapy.

2. Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition characterized by excessive hair shedding.

• Causes: Triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, surgery, or nutritional deficiencies.
• Symptoms: Diffuse thinning across the scalp without bald patches.
• Treatments: Addressing the root cause, improving diet, and managing stress.

3. Alopecia Areat

An autoimmune disorder that causes sudden hair fall in specific areas.

• Symptoms: Round patches of hair fall on the scalp, beard, or other areas.
• Severe Forms: Alopecia totalis (complete scalp hair fall) or alopecia universalis (loss of all body hair).
• Causes: The immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
• Treatments: Corticosteroids, topical immunotherapy, and regrowth stimulants like minoxidil.

4. Traction Alopecia

This type of hair fall is caused by excessive tension on the hair.

• Causes: Hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp, such as braids, ponytails, or extensions.
• Symptoms: Hairline thinning and bald spots where tension is applied.
• Treatments: Avoiding tight hairstyles and allowing the scalp to recover.

5. Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia)

A rare form of permanent hair fall due to inflammation that destroys hair follicles.

• Symptoms: Bald patches often accompanied by redness, scaling, or pain.
• Causes: Conditions like lupus, lichen planopilaris, or severe infections.
• Treatments: Anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressants.

6. Anagen Effluvium

Rapid hair fall during the active growth phase of the hair cycle.

• Causes: Often linked to chemotherapy, radiation, or exposure to toxic substances.
• Symptoms: Sudden, widespread hair fall on the scalp and body.
• Treatments: Hair usually regrows after the treatment stops, with supportive therapies to boost regrowth.

7. Trichotillomania

A psychological condition where individuals compulsively pull out their hair.

• Causes: Stress, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
• Symptoms: Irregular bald patches on the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas.
• Treatments: Behavioral therapy, counseling, and stress management.

8. Diffuse Alopecia

Uniform thinning across the scalp rather than distinct bald spots.

• Causes: Nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, or certain medications.
• Symptoms: Gradual reduction in overall hair density.
• Treatments: Addressing underlying medical or nutritional issues.

How common is hair loss?

Hair fall, also known as alopecia, is a widespread condition that impacts people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While some degree of hair shedding is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, excessive or noticeable hair fall is a concern for many. Its prevalence varies based on factors like genetics, age, lifestyle, and overall health.

Prevalence of Hair fall in Men

• Hair fall is significantly common among men, particularly in the form of androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness).
• By the age of 50, about 50% of men experience some degree of hair thinning.
• Male-pattern baldness often begins in the late teens or early twenties and progresses over time.
• It typically starts as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.

Prevalence of Hair fall in Women

• Hair fall in women is also common, though it often manifests differently than in men.
• Approximately 40% of women experience noticeable hair thinning by age 50.
• Female-pattern hair fall (androgenetic alopecia) generally causes overall thinning on the top of the scalp rather than bald spots.
• Temporary hair fall conditions like telogen effluvium, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or pregnancy, affect a significant number of women.

Hair Loss in Children

• Although less common, hair fall can also affect children due to various causes:
• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition causing sudden hair fall in patches.
• Tinea Capitis: A fungal infection of the scalp.
• Trichotillomania: A psychological disorder involving hair-pulling.
• Studies suggest that around 3% of pediatric dermatology visits involve concerns about hair loss.

Global Statistics on Hair Loss

• Worldwide, an estimated 50-60% of men and women experience some form of hair fall.
• Permanent conditions like androgenetic alopecia are the most common cause globally.
• Temporary conditions such as telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium (common during chemotherapy) also contribute significantly to hair loss cases.

Factors Influencing Hair fall Prevalence

• Age: Hair fall becomes more prevalent with age due to natural thinning.
• Genetics: Family history plays a crucial role in androgenetic alopecia.
• Lifestyle: Stress, poor diet, and lack of hair care can lead to temporary hair fall.
• Health Conditions: Autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, and infections contribute to hair loss.
• Environmental Factors: Pollution and harsh hair treatments can exacerbate hair shedding.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes hair loss?

Hair fall has many possible causes. The most common include:

• Hereditary hair fall
• From genetics (genes you inherit from your parents).
• Fungal infections on the scalp.
• Hairstyles that pull the hair tightly (such as braids, hair extensions or tight ponytails).
• Haircare that may cause damage due to processing (including perms and bleach).
• Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy, childbirth or menopause).
• Medical treatment (such as chemotherapy and certain medications).
• Nutritional deficiencies (especially not getting enough iron or protein).
• Stressful events (like having surgery or losing a loved one).
• Thyroid disease

What are the symptoms of hair loss?

People experience hair loss differently based on its type and underlying causes. Common signs and symptoms include:

If you experience significant hair fall, it’s crucial to protect your scalp. Wearing a hat, scarf, or other head coverings when outdoors and applying sunscreen daily can help shield your scalp. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

A receding hairline, often seen in male-pattern baldness.

Overall thinning of hair across the scalp, typical in female-pattern hair loss.

Small, patchy areas of hair fall on the scalp.

Loss of hair from both the scalp and other areas of the body.

What are the complications of hair loss?

Losing hair, whether temporary or permanent, can be an emotionally challenging experience for many people. In some cases, hair fall may eventually lead to baldness. If you experience significant hair fall, it’s crucial to protect your scalp. Wearing a hat, scarf, or other head coverings when outdoors and applying sunscreen daily can help shield your scalp. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is hair fall diagnosed?

Medical History Review:

• Family history of hair fall
• Existing health conditions
• Current medications and treatments
• Lifestyle factors like stress and diet

Physical Examination:

• Assessing the extent and pattern of hair fall
• Checking for scalp conditions (dandruff, infections, inflammation)+
• Examining hair texture and growth

Pull Test:

• Gently pulling hair strands to check for shedding

Scalp Biopsy:

• Taking a small sample of the scalp to identify underlying conditions

Blood Tests:

• Thyroid function tests
• Iron levels
• Hormonal tests
• Autoimmune disease tests

Trichoscopy:

• Non-invasive scalp examination using a dermatoscope

Hair Density Measurement:

• Assessing the number of hairs per square inch

Dermatological Imaging:

• High-definition photographs or digital imaging to track hair loss over time

Management and Treatment

How is hair loss treated?

Medications:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Over-the-counter topical treatment that helps stimulate hair growth.
• Finasteride (Propecia): Oral medication for men that reduces hair fall by blocking the hormone DHT.
• Spironolactone: An oral medication used for women to treat hair fall caused by hormonal imbalances.

Hair Transplant Surgery:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): Involves removing a strip of scalp with healthy hair follicles for transplantation.
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Involves harvesting individual hair follicles from areas with thick hair and transplanting them to thinning areas.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:

• A procedure that involves drawing blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the PRP into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Laser Therapy:

• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) devices, like laser combs and helmets, help stimulate hair follicles and increase hair density.

Hairpieces and Wigs:

• Temporary solutions to cover hair fall, including wigs, toupees, and hair extensions.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (e.g., biotin, iron, and zinc) to support hair health.
• Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or exercise.

Hair Growth Shampoos and Serums:

• Topical products designed to improve scalp health, strengthen hair, and promote growth.

Stem Cell Therapy:

• Experimental treatments using stem cells to regenerate hair follicles and promote growth.

Corticosteroids:

• Injections or topical creams used to reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth in conditions like alopecia areata.

Alternative Therapies:

• Essential oils, acupuncture, and herbal supplements are sometimes used, though their effectiveness may vary.

Nisha Lamba Hair Fall Control Kit:

• A comprehensive hair care solution designed to reduce hair fall and stimulate hair growth. The kit typically includes natural ingredients like herbal oils, shampoos, and conditioners that strengthen the hair follicles, improve scalp health, and prevent further hair loss. This kit can be an effective part of a daily hair care routine to control and manage hair fall.While it’s not possible to prevent all types of hair loss, there are steps you can take to maintain healthy hair and reduce the risk of further loss. To help prevent hair loss:
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calories, protein, and iron
• Find effective ways to manage stress.
• Take steps to control thyroid disease or any other medical conditions that may contribute to hair loss.
• Avoid hairstyles that pull the hair tightly.
• If undergoing chemotherapy, consider using a cooling cap to minimize hair loss.
• Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for individuals experiencing hair loss?

Hair loss can occasionally indicate an underlying medical condition, but it does not pose a direct medical risk. Depending on the cause, hair loss may be either temporary or permanent. Treatments are available for certain types of hair loss. For conditions like alopecia areata, which can affect both children and adults, support groups can offer emotional assistance and help with resources like wigs or other coping strategies.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

• You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
• Burning, itching, or irritation on your scalp.
• Excessive shedding of hair on a daily basis.
• Hair loss on both your scalp and body.
• Sudden and significant hair loss.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

• You may want to ask your healthcare provider the following questions:
• What is causing my hair fall?
• Do I need to adjust any of my current medications?
• What are the most effective treatments for my type of hair loss?
• Am I a suitable candidate for a hair transplant?
• Are there treatments available to help me regrow my hair?