Hair loss is very common in all age groups of people. Women & men are affected equally. Hair loss can occur for verity of reasons. About 70 percent of all men experience some degree of male pattern baldness while almost 30 percent of women have female pattern baldness.

Types of hair loss

Androgenic alopecia

This condition affects both men & women. It is generally described as male pattern baldness & female pattern baldness.

Female pattern baldness

This is a common type of hair loss in women. In this condition women experience more thinning of hair or hairs become less uniformly all over the scalp

Male pattern baldness

This can be called common baldness or permanent pattern baldness. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition.

Loose anlagen syndrome

It a condition where hairs get easily & painlessly pulled out. Mostly reported in childhood & sometimes may be found in adulthood. In this condition histopathological findings show cleft between hairs.

Alopecia areata

This is an autoimmune disorder. In it immune system mistakenly attacks on hair follicles. Damage to the hair follicles is usually not permanent. It occurs when clumps of hair fall out & scalp becomes totally smooth. In some cases hairs may become thinner without noticeable patches of hair loss.

Common causes of hair loss

1. Iron deficiency anaemia
2. Thyroid problem
3. Vitamin D deficiency
4. Hormonal imbalance
5. Tight hair style
   In these conditions hair may regrow after correcting the cause.

Causes of permanent hair loss

It is more likely to have permanent hair loss if one has

1. Family history of this condition
2. Have an autoimmune diseases
3. Is prone to allergy

Other causes of hair loss

Worm infestation

Ring worm is the commonest cause of hair fall. In this itchy, round bald patches on scalp can occur. It can be treated with anti fungal medicine.

Pregnancy

In pregnancy hormonal changes may occur. These can cause hair fall. But this type of hair loss doesn’t last for forever after child birth hormonal level return to normal level & hair can regrow within 6 moths to 1 year.

Birth control pills

Birth control pills can cause little bit hair fall. In this case hormones that suppress ovulation can cause thinning of hair. But it generally occurs in only few women.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have a chronic hormonal imbalance. It causes higher level of androgen in body due to that thinning of hair occurs on the scalp but causes extra hair to sprout on the face & body

Blood thinner drugs

These type of drugs related to heart disease, arthritis & depression can cause hair fall.

Chemotherapy and radiation

Hair fall is the common side effect of chemo & radiation therapy.

Crash diet

Because of crash diet one can lose weight upto 10 to 15 kg but with this he or she may notice hair loss upto 6 months.

Cosmetic over processing

Sometimes allergy to cosmetics can affect the hair follicles & causes hair loss.

Severe trauma

In severe trauma involving major blood loss can cause hair fall.

Some other causes on hair loss are

• Emotional stress
• Major surgery
• Serious illness

Hair loss prevention

• First correct the common cause of hair fall such as anaemia, vitamin D & iron deficiency etc. Iron deficiency commonly causes hair loss so eat spinach, soya beans, dal, red kidney beans, chicken, meat, eggs and fish for iron intake.
• Massage scalp daily with herbal oils such as coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil etc. It is beneficial because it increases the blood circulation of scalp & keep hair follicles active.
• Diet plays an essential part in healthy hair growth that’s why one should eat healthy food to prevent the hair fall. Fruits which are reach in vitamin C, food high in protein, iron, calcium are good for health & for hair loss
• Egg is good for treating hair loss because it contains proteins & minerals
• Meditation - Most of the time stress and tension are the main cause of hair fall so meditation is the best medicine for that because it reduces stress & maintains the hormonal level.
• Regular colouring, straightening, perming, blow drying should be avoided to prevent hair loss.
• Pollution, dust & humidity affects the hair & causes hair fall so when you go out use scarf to cover your head