Not all hair loss is abnormal or a cause for concern. The average human being loses approximately between 100 – 120 hairs per day or even slightly more, as the individual hairs pass through various growth stages and eventually fall out at the end of their lifecycle.
Three Growth Stages
Anagen – the active, growing phase during which hairs grow for between two to six years.
Catagen – the middle phase, when hair is firmly in place on the head and continues to grow for about two to three weeks.
Telogen – the resting phase, lasting two to three months, during which no growth whatever takes place. Hairs that are shed daily as part of their normal cycle are usually in the last phase of the resting period, after which they are replaced by new growth. Approximately 10% of head hair is in this last stage at any given time, leaving 90% in one of two growing stages.
Alarm bells ring whenever one notices a little more falling hair than usual, forgetting that virtually the entire body is constantly in a state of discarding and renewing dead cells. This process is usually only noticed on the epidermis, the upper layer of the skin, where exfoliation of dead cells forms part of most skin care routines.
Each hair consists mainly of the protein keratin which is produced by hair follicles situated in the epidermis. When these follicles produce new cells, old cells are pushed up, gradually forming the hair shaft as more and more cells are added at a rate (growth) of up to about 15 cms per year. Growth rate gradually slows with age, as does cell renewal.
Types of Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Androgenic Alopecia – a genetic predisposition leading to hair loss in men and women. If their parents had male or female pattern baldness, chances are relatively good that they will be prone to this. The condition can affect men by their early 20’s – a receding hairline and steady disappearance of hair from the crown and front of scalp. Female pattern baldness commences later, from about the 40’s and manifests as on-going thinning all over the scalp, especially at the frontal top of the head.
Involutional Alopecia – continuing thinning of the hair, often age associated when many follicles enter the resting stage.
Alopecia Universalis – all body hair, inclusive of lashes and eyebrows, falls out.
Alopecia Areatis – sudden onset patches of hair loss or complete baldness, generally seen in children and young adults. The immune system frequently speeds up suddenly, just prior to hair loss, creating a reaction in the follicles. In most cases, the hair grows back.
Trichotillomania – a psychological disorder which causes sufferers to pull their hair out.
Telogen Effluvium – many follicles enter the resting stage simultaneously, leaving remaining hair spread thinly on the scalp.
Research has indicated that hair loss is on the increase amongst men and women. Although it is very difficult to diagnose the exact causes of hair loss or thinning hair, some possible causes may include the following:
Possible Causes
Hormonal changes – usually rapid changes such as post childbirth or an excess of male hormones (androgens), which occur naturally in males and females alike. Hormonal imbalances, increased testosterone and the body’s inclination to convert it to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), may be inherited from both or either parent.
Stress and illness – both possibly contributing to more than usual hair loss. Constriction of circulation can result in poor assimilation of nutrients, particularly vitamins. Increased stress levels may cause an increase in testosterone levels, which is converted into DHT, interrupting the hair growth cycles.
Diet and nutrition – intake of excess animal fats and poor nutrition have an adverse effect on hair and its condition. Rapid weight loss, liquid protein diets, and vitamin A levels that are too high create a reaction which reduces amino acids and vitamin assimilation, so essential for healthy hair growth.
Health – overall health and lifestyle factors aid or thwart hair and scalp health. Thyroid disorders and treatments for a malfunctioning thyroid are contributors to poor hair and scalp health, especially since the thyroid’s function includes the production of hormones.
Genetics – inherited from one or both parents.
X-rays, Injuries and Burns – traumatic to the system and skin, usually only causing temporary hair loss.
Drugs and Medications – chemotherapy and radiation used in cancer treatment virtually always cause hair loss, but regrowth occurs after cessation of treatments. Use of blood pressure and blood thinning medications, oral contraceptives, diabetes, heart and acne medications may result in some hair loss.
Environmental Issues – continued exposure to pollutants, chemicals, chlorine, minerals and pseudo estrogens, which mimic estrogens and toxins from within the body, all take their toll on hair. Exposure to high levels of sunlight and harmful UV rays, tanning beds and fluorescent lights creates free radicals, penetrating the skin and causing premature ageing all over the body, probably affecting the hair too.
Auto-immune disorders can cause alopecia areata and its resultant partial or complete baldness.
Cosmetic processes – overuse and incorrect use of products, use of harsh, incorrect products and treatments and tight braiding adversely affect hair. Severe damage may be caused, but normally the hair grows back when the damaging practice is stopped.
Treatments and Solutions
As with the rest of the body, following a daily hygiene routine for the scalp is an essential part of hair care and hair loss prevention. It is vital to use products and treatments that are professionally recommended for each hair type and its condition.
Manufacturers of mass marketed shampoos make all manner of claims, but many of these products contain very harsh ingredients, merely washing and cleaning the hair shaft and possibly creating some deterioration of hair and scalp condition.
Professionally developed cleansers do much more than clean hair; they thoroughly cleanse the skin on the scalp and the actual hair follicle, in addition to the hair itself. Proper cleansing prepares all relevant areas to absorb nutrient rich moisturizing products which follow.
Salon recommended conditioning treatments energise the cellular activity of the follicular tissue and the scalp’s surface, while providing essential moisture. Cleansers, conditioners, treatments, supplements and styling aids containing bionutrients, such as amino acids, vitamins and proteins nourish and enhance the health and appearance of hair and its crucially important support system.
Not all hair care products are the same or accomplish the same results. It’s definitely worthwhile to book a consultation with a reputable salon that employs experienced, knowledgeable stylists who operate with honesty and integrity and are dedicated to their clients and clients’ hair. They will analyse and assess hair and scalp before offering any suggestions.
Scientifically researched, developed and tested ranges of products for different types of thinning hair are available through various professional hair salons countrywide, enabling users to make the most of their hair and improve its health, condition and appearance – fundamental steps in dealing with thin or thinning hair.
Available at Pasquale Hairstylists
Ask you knowledgable Pasquale Stylist for advice
Nioxin Shampoo
Nioxin Conditioner
Nioxin Treatment
Redken Intra Force Shampoo
Redken Intra Force Conditioner
Redken Intra Force Treatment
Trichotin pharmaceutical supplement ladies
Trichotin pharmaceutical supplement gents
Comprehensive variety of volume building shampoos
Comprehensive variety of volume building conditioners
Variety of volume building Styling Aids
Toppik powder to disguise balding areas on scalp
Researcher and author – Anne Wilken