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hair loss

Top 7 Reasons for hair loss

Main reasons for hair loss

 

They are just follicles and yet a lot of social dynamics and self-image are playing out on our heads. Our hair is very much part of who we are, and hair loss can be distressing for both men and women. However, as we age, it is indeed normal to experience some form of hair loss, and in fact, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs from our heads every day. Losing hair is part of the natural hair cycle, but when hair loss is more than usual or/and happens suddenly, it can be alarming and affect you.

Here we will take a look at the most common causes leading to hair loss and PRP Therapy.

 

WHAT IS THE HAIR CYCLE?

 

As new hair is created in the follicle, it pushes out the hair shaft, creating longer-looking hair. Typically, hair grows about 0.3mm to 0.4mm each day. Thankfully, not all hair follicles are growing new hair at the same time. Hair growth occurs in a cycle. At any given time, each strand is in a different part of the cycle. Otherwise, they would shed at the same time and we would be bald like a tree in autumn!

Let’s have a look at the different phases in the hair cycle:

1. Anagen: Growing phase 

First, the stages of hair growth begin with the anagen phase and this is the longest phase, lasting about 2 to 6 years.

During the anagen phase, your hair follicles are pushing out hairs that will continue to grow  (about half an inch each month) until they are cut or reach the end of their lifespan and simply fall out.

At any time, about 85/90% of the hair follicles on your scalp are in the anagen phase.

2. Catagen: Transition phase

Secondly, the catagen phase starts when the anagen phase ends, and tends to last about 10 days or so.

During this cycle, hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows. The hair also separates from the bottom of the hair follicle, yet remains in place during its final days of growing.

Only about 5 percent of the hair follicles on your scalp are in the catagen phase at any given time.

3. Telogen: Resting phase 

Thirdly, the telogen phase typically lasts around 3 months. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of your hair follicles are in this phase.

This phase is also called “resting” because the hairs don’t grow during the telogen phase, but they don’t usually fall out either. The telogen phase is also when new hairs start to form in follicles that have just released hairs during the catagen phase.

Many experts consider the telogen phase the shedding phase, as well, but many scientists have divided this stage into two parts: the telogen and exogen stages.

4. Exogen: Shedding phase 

Finally, the exogen phase is essentially a “continuity” of the telogen stage of hair growth. During the exogen phase, hair is shed but losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is normal.

This cycle can last about 2 to 5 months, new hair follicles are growing, and “older” hairs fall away.

Read more: The four-stage cycle of hair

TOP CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

Losing some hair every day is completely natural. But when you are losing excessive hair, it can be difficult to figure out what’s causing that hair loss.

Most of the time minor hair loss is just a sign of the normal hair cycle. In other instances, it can be a sign of a hair loss condition and this can be distressing.

Here below are the main causes of hair loss.

Genetics

Some people might be more likely to experience hair loss or not based on their genetic predisposition. If you have a history of balding in either your mother’s or father’s side of your family, then it could be a reason for your hair loss.

One of the most common types of genetically related alopecia (hair loss) is androgenic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of hair loss in both men (male-pattern baldness) and women (female-pattern baldness).

In men, there is a well-defined pattern in losing hair, starting above both temples. Over time, the receding hairline tends to form an “M” shape. Additionally, there could be hair thinning at the crown that could worsen to partial and even complete baldness.

The pattern of hair loss in women differs from the male one as the hair becomes thinner all over the head, and the hairline does not recede. Moreover, Androgenetic alopecia in women rarely leads to total baldness.

Hormones

Hormones are considered one of the main risk factors for hair loss in both men and women. In fact, the hormones affecting hair loss include dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thyroid, and estrogen hormone. In the case of a disruption to the hormonal cycles, or a sudden change in hormone levels then that could lead to hair loss.

Testosterone is released continuously in men and levels decrease progressively as we age. This decrease in testosterone can lead to hair loss in some men.

And for instance, for some women, hair loss can happen during menopause due to the change in hormone production, and also in pregnancy, when estrogen level rises.

Read more: Hormones & Hair loss

Environmental factors & lifestyle

Another cause of hair loss can be related to environmental factors and the lifestyle one leads. In general, leading a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, drinking in moderation, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and following a healthy diet, will help to keep your hair strong in addition to feeling better for your overall health.

However, there are external factors that can cause hair loss, of which we have less control over. Some of those triggers include for example:

Stress

Some stress to the body can cause hair loss even weeks after an event. This could be physical stress after a surgical trauma but also But, it’s not just physical stress but also psychological, emotional stress such as long periods of stress and angst can be linked to hair loss. In these instances, however, hair loss is often temporary.

That is why it is important to manage and mitigate the source of stress in order to help regrow your hair.

Pollution

Pollution is also a source of skin damage and premature aging and can also affect the hair. After all, the scalp is an extension of our skin. The fact is that environmental pollution contributes to an increase of free radicals in the body, which in turn triggers a process called oxidative stress. When this happens, your immune system isn’t able to fight and neutralize all the free radicals effectively. These free radicals can then damage the cellular membranes, lipids, proteins, and even DNA, which can be a contributing factor towards losing hair.

Read more: Skin & Pollution

Nutrition

Eating healthy is important for your overall health and consequently for your hair. Thus, cases of nutritional deficiency and sudden weight loss can negatively impact your hair as they are not getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Iron, zinc, and vitamin deficiencies can contribute to hair shedding, so it’s important to follow a varied, healthy diet.

Illness

There are many conditions that can be connected to hair loss. For instance, skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, and autoimmune conditions like lupus. Another illness could be polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). And finally, Fungal infections of the scalp are also connected to hair loss. Furthermore, hair loss can be associated with some medications. In most cases, hair loss originally coming from an illness or medication can be reversed.

CAN PRP HELP WITH HAIR LOSS?

In general, PRP can absolutely help with hair thinning and hair loss. This said, like any treatment, the results can vary from one individual to the next but we have seen positive results for the great majority of our patients.

GET HAIR LOSS EXPERT HELP

If you are concerned about hair loss or are considering hair restoration treatments we can offer advice and help to find the most suitable treatment course for you.

Nar London located in Harley Street, London is a leader in Hair Loss and non-invasive Hair Restoration treatments. Book a  consultation now (£50 that can be redeemed against the treatment) or book directly your treatment online.