Hair Growth Cycle 

On average, there are 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on the human scalp. Hair grows from hair roots, or follicles (sack like structures under the skin). The normal cycle of hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years. Hair growth occurs in 3 cycles. About 90 percent of the hair on your scalp is growing at any one time. This growth phase usually lasts for about 2-6 years (anagen). Each hair grows approximately 1 centimeter (less than half an inch) per month during this phase. It is then followed by the transitional phase (catagen) that takes 1-3 weeks. About 10 percent of the hair on your scalp, at any one time, is in a resting phase for 3 months (telogen). After 2 to 3 months, the resting hair falls out and new hair starts to grow in its place. It is normal to shed some hair each day (50-100) as part of this cycle. However, some people may experience excessive (more than normal) hair loss. Hair loss of this type can affect men, women and children.

Reasons for Excessive Hair fall ?

Excessive hair fall cannot be attributed to one specific reason but rather can be result of varied scenarios. For example, After an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly experience rapid hair fall. This sort of hair loss is temporary.

Anther scenario is Hormonal imbalance may cause hair loss. If your thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treating thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Many women notice hair loss about 3 months post pregnancy. This hair loss again can be due to hormones. During pregnancy, high levels of certain hormones cause the body to keep hair that would normally fall out. When the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels, that hair falls out and the normal cycle of growth and loss starts again.

Some medicines can also be another reason for excessive hair loss. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.
Certain infections, like fungal and bacterial, can cause hair loss.

Finally, hair loss may occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated.

Can improper care of my hair cause hair loss?

Remember strong chemical commonly found in shampoos and conditioners can damage your hair if used excessively or on a daily basis. Hot oil hair treatments or chemicals used in permanents (also called “perms”) may cause inflammation (swelling) of the hair follicle, which can result in scarring and hair loss. If you wear pigtails or cornrows or use tight hair rollers, the pull on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction Alopecia. If the pulling is stopped before scarring of the scalp develops, your hair will grow back normally. However, scarring can cause permanent hair loss.

What is common baldness?

The term “common baldness” usually means Male-Pattern Baldness. Male-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Men who start losing their hair at an early age tend to develop more extensive baldness. In male-pattern baldness, hair loss typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. The causes of male pattern baldness are thought to be complex and are not completely understood. However, as suggested by its medical name (androgenetic alopecia), male pattern baldness seems to involve both hormonal (androgenetic) and genetic factors.
Women may develop female-pattern baldness. In this form of hair loss, the hair becomes thin over the entire scalp.

Can you do something to stop hair loss?

Sure that’s what we are for. We start with requiring some preliminary investigation about your lifestyle i.e. your diet, any on-going medications, whether you are suffering from a chronic disease and general medical history and we are most interested in knowing, what you do to take care of your hair. For women, questions pertaining to your menstrual cycle, pregnancies would help us in suggesting a hair loss prevention program. We might recommend some basic blood sample and small test to ascertain your hair scalp condition.

Is there any treatment for hair loss?

Depending on your type of hair loss, treatments are available. If a medicine is causing your hair loss, we prescribe a oral medicine course. Recognizing and treating an infection may help stop the hair loss. Correcting a hormone imbalance may prevent further hair loss.

Medicines may also help slow or prevent the development of common baldness. One medicine, minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine), is available without a prescription. It is applied to the scalp. Both men and women can use it. Another medicine, finasteride, is available with a prescription. 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. 

Make an Appointment

For appointment or any question contact us to make an appointment with Surat leading dermatologist Dr Mahendra Vaghasiya. Equipped with many years of experience in treating patients with HAIR LOSS, he will evaluate your condition and discuss the treatment options with you. You may also send an email by filling Enquiry form at https://shrihariskin.com/contact and our team will respond to your questions or appointment request as soon as possible.