Most men and women experience some degree of hair loss on a daily basis.
This is because when the growth cycle ends, the hair naturally falls out, resulting in further hair loss. But it’s only when hair loss becomes more severe that you need to be concerned.
Different forms of hair loss
Men and women experience hair loss in different ways. For men, it is called male pattern baldness and for women, female pattern baldness.
However, in very rare cases, both men and women can experience extreme hair loss, such as in the case of male pattern baldness, where the entire body loses hair.
Characteristics of Male Pattern Baldness
Most male alopecia is characterized by male pattern baldness. In male-pattern baldness, the hair falls to the back and sides of the head and looks like a horseshoe from a distance. The top of the head is usually devoid of hair.
In some men, hair thinning begins with a reduction in the hairline, in others, it begins on the top of the head. In men, it is common for hair loss to occur on the top of the head and for the hairline to decrease at the same time. Typically, hair loss occurs at the very back of the head.
Characteristics of thinning hair in women
In women, hair loss is the result of a general thinning of the scalp. In most women, hair does not fall out completely but can become so thin that the scalp is clearly visible.
However, hormonal hair loss is usually irreversible in both men and women.
Why does hair loss occur?
There are many causes of hair loss.
1. The most common cause of hair loss is high levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone on the scalp. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a by-product of the male hormone testosterone. In both men and women, hair undergoes a process of growth, shedding, and regrowth. High levels of the hormone DHT in the scalp result in a prolonged resting phase of the hair. Each hair follicle produces hair for a limited period of time and then goes into a complete resting phase and eventually stops producing new hair.
In men, it has been observed that the DHT hormone is present throughout the scalp, but that hair loss occurs mainly on the top of the head. Compared to the top of the head, the hair follicles at the temples and the back of the head are not affected by DHT.
2. High sebum content in the hair can also lead to hair loss. When sebum clogs the pores of the hair follicles, the hair is subsequently deprived of nutrients, which can lead to hair loss. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the hair clean by washing it, opening the clogged pores, and caring for the hair all the time.
3. Fractional diet and lack of healthy eating habits can also lead to hair loss. But even in these cases, hair loss can be significantly reversed by improving the diet. A diet rich in protein and iron can help stem hair loss.
4. Lifestyle changes and nervous tension are also causes of hair loss. It is therefore important for both men and women to avoid stress in their lives as much as possible.
Can thinning hair be treated?
Yes, thinning hair can be treated to some extent. The first step in treating thinning hair is to eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Hair is made up of keratin protein, and the amount of protein needed for healthy hair differs between men and women. Women need about 60 grams of protein per day for healthy hair, while men need about 90 grams.
In many cases, improved dietary habits cannot prevent hair loss. In these cases, thinning hair can be treated with laser, surgical and non-surgical treatments.
There is no specific treatment for thinning hair. Whichever treatment you choose, it will take patience to see changes. After all, hair follicles have a long resting period between growth cycles, which can last up to three months. It can take several months before a significant change in hair loss is visible.
About Author
Sara is a freelance writer, linguist, and communications expert based in Southern Europe. At age 10, she read a book called “1001 Questions about the Human Body” and has since dedicated her life to breaking down the complexities and myths around the human body like hair plasma treatment and the culture surrounding it, especially in relation to mental and physical health. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
