Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common condition that can affect men, women, and even children.

Symptoms & Causes

It ranges from mild thinning to complete baldness and can happen for a variety of reasons.

For some, it’s hereditary, like male or female pattern baldness, which is linked to hormonal changes and genetic predisposition. For others, it’s triggered by stress, illness, or medical conditions such as alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.

Certain hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp, like ponytails or braids, can also cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia.

Types of Alopecia

• Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, caused by genetic predisposition and hormonal influences.
• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss.
• Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair loss due to stress, illness, or hormonal changes, causing more hairs to enter the resting phase.
• Traction Alopecia: Caused by hairstyles that pull tightly on the scalp, leading to gradual hair thinning.
• Scarring Alopecia: Hair loss caused by conditions like lichen planus or lupus, where hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.

Treatments

Hair loss can be distressing, but there are many ways to manage or treat it.

Topical treatments like minoxidil are widely used to encourage regrowth, while oral medications such as finasteride can help address hormonal causes in men.

For those looking for more dramatic results, hair transplant surgery or newer options may be considered. A healthy diet, proper scalp care, and stress management also play crucial roles in maintaining strong, healthy hair.

• Topical Treatments: Minoxidil is commonly used to promote hair regrowth.
• Oral Medications: Finasteride for men and spironolactone for women may help with hormonal-related hair loss.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management, a healthy diet, and proper scalp care can improve outcomes.
• Surgical Options: Hair transplant surgery may be considered for permanent hair loss.