Hair plays a significant role in our appearance, so any noticeable or sudden hair loss can cause anxiety. Patients often ask:

• “I’ve lost so much hair recently—will I go bald?”
• “I avoid washing my hair because it seems to make it worse.”
• “How long will this shedding last?”
• “Can my hair grow back normally?”
• “Is there an underlying health issue causing this?”

Understanding the causes of hair loss is the first step to finding answers. Let’s explore the hair growth cycle, common types of hair loss, and how to care for your scalp.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

The human scalp contains 100,000 to 150,000 hair follicles. Hair grows about 1 cm per month and follows a natural cycle:

1. Anagen (Growth Phase): Around 90% of hair is in this phase, lasting 2-6 years.
2. Catagen (Transition Phase): A brief stage (2-3 weeks) when hair growth stops, involving about 1% of hair.
3. Telogen (Resting Phase): Roughly 10% of hair is here, lasting about 3 months, after which hair falls out, and the cycle restarts.

Each hair follicle (the structure at the root of every strand of hair) undergoes an estimated 10 to 30 growth cycles throughout your lifetime. (Source from Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss by Nicole Natarelli )

It’s normal to lose 50-150 hairs daily. However, shedding more than 100-150 strands or experiencing sudden hair loss may warrant medical evaluation.

Types of Hair Loss: Scarring vs. Non-Scarring

Hair loss is categorized into two main types:

1. Scarring Hair Loss: Inflammation damages hair follicles irreversibly, causing permanent hair loss.
2. Non-Scarring Hair Loss: Hair follicles are not permanently damaged, and regrowth is usually possible with or without treatment.

Common Causes of Non-Scarring Hair Loss

1. Alopecia Areata: Sudden, coin-sized bald patches caused by an autoimmune reaction. Stress and trauma can trigger or exacerbate this condition.
2. Syphilitic Alopecia: Hair loss due to secondary syphilis, often appearing as patchy or diffuse thinning. Antibiotic treatment is essential.
3. Tinea Capitis: Fungal infection from contaminated tools, pets, or close contact. Symptoms include redness, itching, pustules, and broken hair. Antifungal medications are required.
4. Telogen Effluvium: Triggered by stress, illness, surgery, or other shocks, this condition causes temporary shedding. Hair typically regrows in 6-9 months.
5. Traction Alopecia: Long-term tight hairstyles can lead to hair loss. Loosening hairstyles usually resolves the issue.
6. Androgenetic Alopecia: A genetic condition affecting men and women. Men often experience receding hairlines and crown thinning, while women notice overall thinning from the top.

Common Causes of Scarring Hair Loss

1. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: An autoimmune condition causing red, scaly patches and permanent hair loss if untreated.
2. Lichen Planopilaris: Inflammation around follicles leads to itching, redness, and scarring.
3. Dissecting Cellulitis of the Scalp: Severe follicular inflammation causes nodules, abscesses, and scarring.

Scalp Care: Daily Habits for Healthy Hair

Proper scalp care can help prevent and manage hair loss:

1. Shampoo Wisely: Choose gentle, plant-based shampoos with ingredients like glycyrrhetinic acid complex, glycerin, argan oil, or jojoba oil. Avoid harsh chemicals such as sulfates, parabens, and triclosan.
2. Wash Smart: Shampoo frequency depends on how quickly your scalp gets oily. If it feels greasy after a day, wash it daily. Otherwise, reduce it to every 2-3 days. Use lukewarm water and gently massage your scalp with your fingertips.
3. Dry Hair Carefully: Avoid high heat and harsh blow-drying.
4. Minimize Damage: Reduce hair dyeing and heat styling. Avoid tight hairstyles that strain hair follicles.
5. Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and amino acids. Sleep well, manage stress, and avoid smoking.

When to See a Doctor

If hair loss becomes severe or persistent, consult a dermatologist. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can restore hair growth and improve overall scalp health. Remember, the earlier the intervention, the better the chances of regaining your hair’s fullness and health.