Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.
Scientists believe the cause is genetic, as it tends to run in families. Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. Alopecia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, though most cases develop before the age of 30.
Alopecia areata is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss. Hair follicles are the structures in skin that form hair. While hair can be lost from any part of the body, alopecia areata usually affects the head and face.
When to call a professional. Make an appointment to see your doctor if: you suddenly develop a bald spot on your scalp. your hair stylist tells you that your hair is thinning, or that you have small bald areas.
Yes, hair can grow back on bald spots. However, the rate of regrowth and the thickness of the hair may vary depending on the cause of the bald spot. Treatments such as minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and laser therapy may help to stimulate hair growth.
Stress is well known to cause hair loss. However, this hair loss is unlikely to be permanent and will grow back. The hair should start to grow back roughly 6 months after the stress has resolved. It is important to distinguish between physical and emotional stress when it comes to hair loss.
The condition can develop at any age, although most people develop alopecia areata for the first time before the age of 30. Alopecia areata is not life-threatening and does not cause physical pain. However, the psychosocial effects of hair loss can be devastating.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks your body's hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Medications and therapies can help your hair regrow, though severe cases may not respond to treatment.
No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.
Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)
In the type of patchy hair loss known as alopecia areata, hair loss occurs suddenly and usually starts with one or more circular bald patches that may overlap.
Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.
The main symptom of alopecia areata is hair loss that occurs in small, round patches on your head. This leaves smooth, peach-colored areas of scalp exposed. A mild case of alopecia areata starts with one to two coin-size hairless patches. In many instances, it stops after that.
So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.
Topical over-the-counter medication
Most people need to apply minoxidil two to three times daily for three to six months before seeing regrowth. If the medication does cause hair to regrow on a bald spot, you will likely need to continue to apply it daily to maintain the growth.
Alopecia areata can be triggered by environmental factors like stress, injury, or illness. But in many cases, there is no clear answer as to why someone develops alopecia areata.
Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].
You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
Unlike hair loss caused by chemotherapy or autoimmune disorders, hormonal hair loss is gradual. You might not notice it until your hairline has visibly receded, your ponytail has grown thinner, or your scalp has become visible.
Quality sleep is as vital for healthy hair as it is for overall health. When we don't sleep enough, it can throw off the levels of certain hormones that help our hair grow, such as oestrogen and melatonin. People experiencing regular poor sleep tend to notice more hair shedding and thinning.
Hair may regrow on its own in about a year, and some people never have another episode of hair loss. Sometimes, hair needs help to regrow. Without treatment, hair loss may remain the same or worsen. With treatment, it's possible to see some regrowth in 6 weeks.
Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition. Some types of hair loss are permanent, like male and female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss usually runs in the family. Other types of hair loss may be temporary.
Stage 1: There's little or no hair loss or hairline recession. Stage 2: There's slight hair loss near the skin between your ears and forehead (temples). Stage 3: You have deep hairline recession around your temples, and your hairline may have an “M” or “U” shape.