Expert information on Hair Health & Hair Loss

Understanding Hair Loss: Causes, Myths, and Facts
Hair loss is a concern that affects many individuals, both men and women, often leading to anxiety and self-doubt. Observing strands of hair in the shower or on a pillow can cause alarm, but it’s important to note that shedding 50–100 hairs daily is normal. These strands, often dislodged during shampooing, have already been naturally shed. However, if you notice excessive hair on your pillow, clothing, or scalp visibility increasing, it may indicate a condition such as telogen effluvium.

To assess potential hair thinning, you can perform a simple “tug test.” Gently pull a small group of 15–20 hairs between your thumb and forefinger. If more than six hairs come loose, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

How Hair Grows and the Role of Hair Follicles
The visible part of the hair, known as the shaft, grows from a follicle beneath the skin's surface. At the base of each follicle lies the root, where hair growth occurs. Blood vessels nourish the root, allowing cells to multiply and push the hair upward. As these cells move further from the follicle, they lose nourishment, die, and form keratin, the hard protein that makes up the hair shaft.

Hair thickness is determined by the size of the follicle. Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty or aging, can influence follicle size, leading to thicker or finer hair. As we age, the follicles shrink, resulting in thinner hair strands.

The Phases of Hair Growth
Hair growth occurs in cycles, consisting of three main phases:

Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active phase where hair grows approximately 1 cm per month. It lasts 2–5 years, during which 90% of the scalp’s hair follicles are actively producing hair.

Catagen (Regression Phase): This is a short transitional phase where hair growth slows, lasting a few weeks.

Telogen (Resting Phase): During this phase, hair growth stops, and the follicle remains dormant for about 5 months. At the end of this phase, the hair is shed, making room for a new strand to grow.

Damage to follicles or disruption in these cycles can result in hair thinning or baldness. Once a follicle is destroyed, it cannot regenerate hair, leading to permanent hair loss in the affected area.

Common Causes of Baldness
One of the most prevalent causes of hair loss is androgenic alopecia or pattern baldness. This condition primarily affects the anterior hairline and the crown, resulting in miniaturized hairs and a progressively thinning appearance. Genetics play a significant role in this type of hair loss, with certain genes inherited from both parents contributing to early baldness.

Other factors that can also lead to hair loss include stress, medical treatments like chemotherapy, skin diseases, and hair styling practices that exert tension on the scalp, such as tight ponytails or braiding, causing traction alopecia.

Debunking Hair Loss Myths
Several myths surround hair loss, often adding to the confusion:

Brushing hair 100 times daily does not stimulate growth; it can damage hair shafts. Frequent shampooing does not cause hair loss; it only removes strands that have already shed naturally. Wearing wigs or toupees does not hinder hair growth, but poorly fitted or excessively tight wigs can damage hair. Heated styling tools can harm the hair shaft, making it fragile and prone to breakage. Protein-containing shampoos and conditioners do not promote hair growth but temporarily enhance hair appearance by filling surface defects. Contrary to popular belief, the use of hair dyes, perms, or hairsprays does not worsen thinning hair but can cause breakage if overused.

The Link Between Hair Loss and Health
Certain health conditions and deficiencies can contribute to hair loss:

Zinc deficiency: Well-documented cause, though supplementation benefits remain debated.
Stress: Triggers chemicals that interfere with the hair growth cycle.

Interestingly, studies have found a connection between male pattern baldness and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Men with hair loss at the crown of the head may have a 40% higher risk of heart disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and smoking cessation, is essential.

Hair Loss and Aging
Hair density naturally decreases with age:

In their 20s, a person typically has around 615 hair follicles per square centimeter. By their 50s, this reduces to 485. By their 80s, it drops to 435. Additionally, individual hair strands become finer over time, contributing to a sparser appearance. While hair loss is often inevitable, understanding its causes and addressing the myths surrounding it can help individuals manage their concerns more effectively. Consulting a specialist can provide tailored solutions, whether for genetic baldness or hair loss due to external factors.