Do I Have Hair Loss (Alopecia)?

Countless men and women from various ages and walks of life are faced with the effects of hair loss. While this symptom can be both inconvenient and embarrassing, baldness and loss of hair are not conditions that must be simply accepted as a part of life. There are many types of treatment known to be effective in fighting hair loss. The majority of these treatments, however, are not applied until the underlying cause of the symptom is known specifically.

In order to best understand the reasons men and women lose hair initially, it is beneficial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the way the human scalp works. The skin of the scalp is affected greatly by a number of internal and external factors, all of which impact the way hair grows, remains intact, or begins to fall out. External factors can include repetitive rubbing, pulling, or abrasion of the scalp. When hair falls out due to continued, repeated tension (often caused by hair accessories such as hair bands and rubber bands), the loss is called traction alopecia. Tight braids, such as corn rows, can also cause breakage and damaging pulling of the hair follicles. Fortunately, this condition usually subsides after the cause of the hair loss and breakage is removed. Many individuals suffering from this particular type of loss elect to undergo hair transplant therapy, after which the hair on the head remains strong and natural-looking for years to follow.

A common internal cause of hair loss is nearly entirely based upon hormone levels reactions within the body. This is often referred to as male pattern baldness, though it can certainly affect women as well. Also called androgenetic alopecia, this condition can impact the lives of hair loss sufferers at any age, though it is most frequently seen in aging men and women, with the majority of the loss experienced by middle-aged to older men. Treatment for this type of loss ranges from transplant options to topical creams and medications, all of which present varying degrees of success in restoring lost hair and preventing further loss.

Telogen effluvium, another type of alopecia, is often triggered by a trauma, intense hormonal shifts, or medication. Though the hair loss experienced may cause anxiety, recovery is usually seen in a matter of six months, usually following the removal of the initial stressor or cause.

Another type of baldness caused by internal factors is alopecia areata. This type of hair loss results in highly noticeable patches of baldness on the scalp as well as on other areas of the body. In a small number of cases, this condition can spread to impact the entire scalp, leaving it completely bald. Genetic factors for this condition have been determined, showing a link between family members in many cases. The condition is perceived to be a symptom of certain autoimmune disorders in which the body attempts to attack its own hair follicles, preventing hair growth after initial fall. Hair treatment and health professionals continue to work toward discovering a permanent cure for this condition.