Do you see a lot of hair remaining on the brush when you style your hair? Normally this is not something to worry about, the average person sheds 50-100 hairs each day. However, more than that can indicate a problem.
When it comes to hair thinning and hair loss, there are many varieties and a multitude of potential causes. Diagnosing the precise cause for hair loss is a vital first step in combating the issue.
What Are the Common Types of Hair Loss?
At the top of the list is androgenic alopecia, which affects more than 50 million men in the United States alone. It is commonly referred to as male pattern baldness. It is the single most common form of hair loss and is usually treated surgically or with medication.
Often occurring after a medical procedure or chronic health condition, telogen effluvium is a condition where the follicles enter the natural telogen (or resting) phase of growth and do not begin a new growth cycle. It is denoted by thinning hair at the temples and crown of the head.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition. It causes one’s immune system to attack healthy follicles resulting in hair loss and the inability to regrow lost hair.
Traction alopecia is caused persistent hair pulling and tension on hair follicles. It is most often seen in people who wear tightly braided hairstyles, ponytails, or other styles that pull the hair tight over a prolonged period of time. In most cases the bare spots regrow the lost hair once the person adopts a less injurious hairstyle, though the damage can also be permanent if the hair follicles are sufficiently damaged.
Scarring alopecia is caused by the destruction of the hair follicle. This form of hair loss is permanent – as hair cannot regrow from a dead follicle – and can be caused by a variety of factors. Autoimmune disorders, inflammatory conditions, burns, injuries, and sometimes even medical procedures can cause this form of hair loss.
How Do I Know What Type of Hair Loss I Have?
The pattern of the thinning or loss of hair is a big clue, although there is no substitute for a professional diagnosis. That said, here are a few general things to look for.
- Male pattern baldness usually begins with thinning hair at the temples which then continues along the hairline and top of the head, creating a M-shaped hairline.
- Telogen effluvium is denoted by thinning hair at the temples and crown of the head and coincides with or closely follows a period of high stress.
- Alopecia areata is usually identified by coin-sized patches of hair loss and is commonly referred to as “spot baldness“.
- Traction alopecia most often results in hair loss along the sides and front of the scalp, frequently coupled with some form of skin irritation on the scalp. (One potential early warning sign that traction alopecia could become an issue is pain or persistent tension after pulling hair into the bun, braid, or other tight hairstyle.)
What Hair Type Loses the Most Hair?
Despite folklore stating otherwise, there is no difference in hair loss rates between differing types of hair. Both straight and curly hair have the same problems at the same rates. Curly hair does, however, have greater opportunities for physical damage to the hair shaft than straighter types do.
How Do I Know If My Hair Loss Is Normal?
Some hair loss is both normal and healthy. The average person leaves up to 50-100 hairs on their hairbrush or in their shower drains daily.
Look for the distance between your hairline and eyebrows expanding, the part in your hair becoming wider, shorter or broken hairs on your brush, or an excess of hair in your drains. Any of these can indicate excessive hair loss.
Precision Hair Restoration, Your Hair Restoration Experts
Are you concerned about hair thinning or hair loss? Allow our team of experts to work with you on diagnosing the issue and planning a personalized treatment plan with your specific needs in mind. Contact us today for a free consultation!
