Normal Hair Cycle

An adult scalp contains on average 100,000 hair follicles. Each hair follicle undergoes a repetitive sequence of growth and rest known as the hair cycle. The growth phase ( Anagen ) is followed by short transition phase ( catagen )during which the hair remodels into a club shaped resting follicle, which remains dormant for the resting phase of the cycle ( telogen ).

The duration of catagen and telogen are relatively constant, while the duration of anagen varies considerably. As the linear growth rate of hair is also relatively constant, the duration of anagen is the principal determinant of hair length on different part of skin.

Hair Loss

Hair loss is a condition in which hair falls at an abnormal rate, eventually leading to partial or complete baldness. The medical term for hair loss is alopecia. It is a common problem in both males and females. Broadly there are two types of hair loss.

Permanent: Also known as androgenic alopecia, this is the most common type of hair loss. Also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, it is caused by heredity and genetics.

Temporary: Occurs during serious illness, skin infection, use of certain drugs, thyroid disease etc.

Causes of Hair loss

--> Androgens Dihydrotesterone (DHT) – Hereditical.
--> Hyper & Hypothyroidism.
--> Hypoparathyoidism >> Calcium levels.
--> Serum Ferritin levels>> Anemia.
--> Low serum protein>> Aminoacids.
--> Vit A,C,E, Zinc, selenium, copper, Deficiency etc.
--> Dieting, stress,Anxiety, Lack of sleep
--> Hair Abuse >> Dyes,Perming,Straightening.
--> Some medication and treatments like chemotherapy are also responsible for hair loss.
--> Prolonged illness.
--> Side effect of drugs like Analgesics( Painkillers ), Antihypertensives(BP).
--> Anticonvulsants, Antithyroid drugs, Glaucoma, Gout, Anticoagulants, Oral.
--> Contraceptives etc.
--> Post pregnancy hair loss.
--> Diabetes , Thyroid disorders.

Pseudominiaturization (Thinning of hair ) due to other causes

--> Bad hair growth with or without associated androgenic alopecia.
--> Poor or inadequate care of the scalp.
--> Multiple vitamin& mineral defeciencies.
--> Reduced blood flow.
--> High activity of sweat & sebum glands.
--> Smoking.
--> Fast foods.
--> Foods with artificial flavours,Colors,Preservatives, taste-makers.
--> Sugar based foods like chocolates, ice cream, desserts, sweets.
--> Fried foods
--> Bakery products
--> All vitamins, minerals are lost in the process of making juice.

Effects of hair loss:

Usually people donot become serious about the hair loss till the baldness sets in. But once the skin becomes visible through the hair the person begin to panic by the time he has already lost more than 50%. It then results in:
--> Loss of Confidence.
--> Adverse effect on matrimonial prospects.
--> Avoidance of social setting
--> Social humiliation.
--> Lowered self esteem.