Hair loss can affect your scalp as well as other parts of your body. Also known as alopecia, hair loss can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of various causes and affect just about anyone. However, it is more common in men. In this article, we look at the most common symptoms and causes of hair loss. We also look at some remedies that can help with hair loss.
Are You Experiencing Hair Loss? – Common Symptoms of Hair Loss to Look Out For
The occurrence of hair loss can manifest in different ways largely depending on the cause of the hair loss. Some common signs of hair loss include:
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Gradual thinning of hair at the top of the head
Thinning of hair is often noticeable as a gradual receding of the hairline at the forehead or a broadening in the part of the hair.
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Bald spots or patches
Some people lose hair in patches. You may notice circular or patch spots where hair has fallen out.
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Loose hair
You may notice more hair on your brush or comb after you have used it. For some people, simply passing your fingers through your hair will result in hair coming loose. Others may notice that their shower’s drain is becoming clogged with hair more often.
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Pain or itching
You may experience a painful or itchy scalp if an underlying skin condition is causing your hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
People lose between 50 and 100 hairs in a day. This is quite normal and often unnoticeable as the new hair grows in to replace that which is lost. However, excessive hair loss occurs at a rate that is much faster than which hair can be replaced and can result in baldness. Some of the most common causes of excessive hair loss include:
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Heredity
This is one of the most common causes of hair loss, especially when aging. Hair loss is a result of genetic factors inherited from your parents. It is the cause of male and female pattern baldness and affects up to 50 percent of the population.
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Medical conditions and hormonal changes
There are various health conditions that can result in temporary or permanent hair loss. These medical conditions include scalp infections such as ringworm. Changes in hormones as a result of pregnancy, menopause, childbirth, or even thyroid problems can also result in hair loss.
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Supplements and medications
Hair loss can also occur as a side effect of the ingestion of certain supplements or medications. For example, medications used for high blood pressure, heart problems, cancer, arthritis, and depression have been known to cause hair loss.
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Stress and anxiety
Many people have been known to experience thinning of hair as a result of experiencing emotional or physical shock or being under immense stress. This type of hair loss, however, is often temporary.
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Hair treatments and styles
Excessive styling or styles that pull the hair too tight can result in hair loss. Various treatments such as those involving the application of heat or corrosive chemicals can also cause the weakening of hair and hair loss.
Treatment Options for Hair Loss
There is a wide range of treatment options available for hair loss. The remedy you use will depend on what is causing your hair loss. Some common treatment options include:
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Lifestyle changes
This may include making changes to reduce your level of stress. You may also want to pay attention to your diet and ensure that you are eating healthy foods such as nuts to provide nutrients that support hair growth.
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Use of hair growth products
You can stop hair loss and reverse its effects by using hair growth products. Some notable products to use include Bondi Boost, Watermans, and Nioxin System 2. These products provide nutrients that stimulate hair growth. They also keep the scalp and hair moisturized and help to strengthen hair.
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Medications
There are various medications that your doctor can prescribe to help prevent hair loss. Your doctor can also change your current medical prescription to drugs that do not cause hair loss.
The information above provides only an overview of hair loss and its causes. You should consult with your doctor for a conclusive diagnosis and even more guidance on how to manage hair loss.
