Hair loss and thinning in common problem among men & women. The myth of causes of hair loss is no longer merely associated with aging, but also depends on our lifestyle, nutrition, habits and genetic causes. Some are natural while other causes of hair loss are self induced or due to medical conditions. We shall explore the real causes of hair loss & thinning in both men and women in this article.
Table of Contents
Stages of Hair Growth
Hair growth occurs in three distinct stages known as the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. These stages collectively make up the hair growth cycle, which repeats continuously throughout a person’s life.
Anagen Phase:
- Active growth phase of hair follicles
- Cells in the follicle rapidly divide, producing new hair strands
- Lasts 2 to 7 years on average
- Hair grows about half an inch (1.25 centimeters) per month
- Duration influences the length and thickness of hair
Catagen Phase:
- Transitional phase between anagen and telogen phases
- Lasts 2 to 3 weeks
- Growth of the hair shaft stops
- Outer root sheath shrinks and attaches to the hair shaft
- Follicle detaches from the blood supply
Telogen Phase:
- Resting phase of the hair growth cycle
- Lasts 2 to 4 months
- Shedding of old hair occurs
- New hair begins to grow beneath in the follicle
- Normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day
- Influenced by factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and medical conditions
These stages collectively make up the continuous hair growth cycle, with each phase playing a crucial role in determining the length, thickness, and overall health of the hair.
Types of Hair Loss (Alopecia)
Hair loss can manifest in various forms and patterns, each with distinct characteristics. Some common examples include:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia is also known as ‘pattern baldness’. It refers to the gradual thinning of hair on the crown or temples, often in a characteristic pattern. In men, it starts with a receding hairline and progresses to baldness on the top. In women, hair thinning is apparent from the widening of the part line.
2. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is referred to as ‘patchy hair loss’. In this condition, coin-sized bald patches forms on the scalp or body, which can merge and spread.
3. Telogen Effluvium
Excess hair shedding is called telogen effluvium. This condition results in overall hair thinning due to stress, illness, hormonal changes, or medications. This condition occurs a few months after a triggering event.
4. Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia starts from tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails leads to gradual hair loss along the hairline or in areas under tension.
5. Scarring Baldness (Cicatricial Alopecia):
Scarring baldness or ‘cicatricial alopecia’ is irreversible hair loss condition. In this type of hair loss, scarring due to inflammation and destruction of hair follicles. Affected areas may appear smooth and shiny.
Causes of Hair Loss & Thinning
Following is the list of the real causes of hair loss & thinning in men and women.
i. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones are key to the human body functions. Androgens play crucial role in the hair growth cycle, any imbalance of the androgen hormones can be the cause of hair loss known as androgenetic alopecia or pattern baldness. In this condition, hair follicles become sensitive to a derivative of testosterone called ‘dihydrotestosterone (DHT)’. DHT binds to the hair follicles and causes them to miniaturize over time, producing shorter, finer hair and ultimately causing hair loss/ thinning.
Hormonal imbalance can happen due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and can cause the hair fall and thinning.
ii. Digestive Problems
Problems in the gut is one of the leading causes of hair loss. Digestive tract is responsible for the absorption of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which are essential for hair growth and development. Any disturbance in the digestive tract would result in malabsorption and hence, the supply of these nutrients to hair follicles is disturbed which affects the health and growth of hair follicles.
iii. Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is essential for metabolism, protein synthesis, antioxidant activities and immune system support. A deficiency in zinc can disturb the normal functioning of hair follicles, causing hair thinning or loss. This disruption in hair growth is responsible for premature shedding and stunted growth of hair.
Alternatively, zinc also play a crucial role in metabolism of androgens in human body, and any deficiency in zinc also disrupts the functions of androgens.
iv. Poor Blood Flow
Blood is the carrier of oxygen, nutrients, minerals, amino acids and hormones to the hair follicle, which is necessary for normal hair growth and maintenance. A poor blood in scalp due to any reason (such as tight hairstyles, scalp tension, certain medical condition etc.) can lead to slow hair growth, weaker hair shafts and ultimately hair thinning and hair loss.
v. Stress & Emotional Disturbance
Cortisol hormone is produced by adrenal glands is known as ‘the stress hormone’. It helps body regulate metabolism, manage stress and also controls blood pressure. In chronic stress or prolonged emotional disturbance, cortisol production levels are high. Excessive cortisol also disrupts the hair growth cycle and causes excessive shedding of hair, a condition known as ‘telogen effluvium’.
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vi. Thyroid Problems
Thyroid produces various hormones crucial for metabolism. In case of thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid), the metabolic processes are disturbed also affecting the hair growth cycle. Imbalances in thyroid hormones lead the changes in hair texture, leading to hair loss and thinning.
vii. Genetics
Genetic predisposition is the common cause of androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) as well as alopecia areata (patchy hair loss). In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles are genetically programmed to be sensitive to DHT leading to miniaturization of hair follicles, hair thinning and eventual hair loss.
viii. Microbial Imbalance
An imbalance of scalp microbiota due to any reason is one of the causes of hair loss. Microbial imbalance of scalp can be caused due to excessive use of harsh hair products leading to scalp inflammation and hair loss. Fungal infection such as dandruff is also cause of hair loss and hair shedding by affecting scalp health.
