logo for understandhairloss.org
leftimage for understandhairloss.org

Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by numerous conditions being medical, side effect of medication, genetics as well as environmental. Anyone, men, women and children, can suffer from hair loss. Alopecia is Latin and is the medical term for hair loss, whatever the cause.

Individual hair grows (Anagen phase), has a transition (Catagen phase), as well as a resting and replacement phase (Telagon phase). This cycle can last up to six years, but typically lasts two to three years. During this cycle, hair grows approximately 1/3 to 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) a month. At the end of the cycle, the hair falls out by itself and a new hair begins to grow in its place.

Hair contains the protein called keratin, which is produced in the hair follicles. As the follicles produce new hair cells, the old cells are being driven out through the skin. At any time, approximately 90-95% of a person�s hair is growing.

Most people naturally approximately 75 hairs per day, which is part of the normal hair cycle, where old hair dies, and fall out, and is being replaced, by new hairs. Continuing thinning of hair is part of aging as the hair growth rate slows down the older a person gets. When the rate of losing hair exceeds the rate of new hair growth, or the hair loss is concentrated in a specific area of the head, this may lead to baldness.




Normal Hair Growth

    * About 90 percent of the hair is growing at any one time, and the growth phase lasts between two and six years.
    * Ten percent of the hair is in a resting phase that lasts two to three months, and at the end of its resting stage the hair is shed.
    * When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again.
    * Scalp hair grows about one-half inch per month, but as people age their rate of hair growth slows.
    * Most hair shedding is due to the normal hair cycle, and losing 50 to 100 hairs per day is expected and is no cause for alarm.

Causes of Excessive Hair Loss

Excess hair loss can have many different causes. Hair will regrow spontaneously in some forms of hair loss. Other forms can be treated successfully by a dermatologist. For the several forms of hair loss for which there is no cure at present, there is research in progress that holds promise for the future. Talk to your dermatologist about the best options for you.



The most common hair loss types are:

Of the most common types of hair loss, some results in permanent hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia and Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)), while others only results in temporary hair loss (Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium and Traction Alopecia).
We have listed further hair loss types below. The list is not complete, as today there are literally hundreds of illnesses that have hair loss as a symptom. Also, the list may not apply to all hair loss sufferers, as different people react differently to the same illness or medication.

Of the most common types of hair loss, some results in permanent hair loss Androgenetic Alopecia and Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia)), while others only results in temporary hair loss (Alopecia Areata, Telogen Effluvium and Traction Alopecia.
We have listed further hair loss types below. The list is not complete, as today there are literally hundreds of illnesses that have hair loss as a symptom. Also, the list may not apply to all hair loss sufferers, as different people react differently to the same illness or medication.

Other hair loss types include:
  • Alopecia Universalis
  • Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • Epidermolysis Bullosa
  • Folliculitis
  • Gastric bypass surgery (Bariatric)
  • Heredity (Genetic)
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • Iron deficiency (Anemia)
  • Lichen Planus
  • Lupus
  • Malnutrition
  • Medication (side effects)
  • Pituitary tumors
  • Radiation therapy
  • Stress
  • Trichotillomania

This list of hair loss types, symptoms and causes will help you to research yourself as well as ask your dermatologist or doctor the right questions. Good more in depth resources from the medical point of view include InteliHealth, the Mayo Clinic and WebMD The lists are not exhaustive. If you are experiencing sudden hair loss, you should see your dermatologist or doctor immediately.





Top of page Hair Loss

Return to Homepage

footer for hair loss page