Loss of hair; Alopecia; Baldness

The average total number of hairs on head (scalp hair) is between 100,000 and 150,000. Hair loss usually develops gradually and may be patchy or diffuse (all over). Roughly 100 hairs are lost from your head every day.

Each hair stays alive for an average of 4 years; during its life span it grows about half an inch per month. As the hair falls out it is replaced within 6 months by a new one.

Typical male pattern baldness involves a receding hairline and thinning around the crown with eventual bald spots. Ultimately, you may have only a horseshoe ring of hair around the sides.

Female pattern baldness involves a thinning throughout the scalp while the frontal hairline generally remains intact.

Hair loss triggers several medical conditions such as the following:

Alopecia - Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.

Alopecia totalis - Loss of all the scalp hair is called as Alopecia totalis.

Alopecia universalis - Loss of all body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes is called as Alopecia universalis.

Alopecia areata - Sudden loss of patches of hair is called as Alopecia areata.

Telogen effluvium - Excessive shedding of hair, but not complete baldness, related with various illnesses and drug treatments, rapid weight loss, anemia, stress, or pregnancy.

Trichotillomania - Patches of broken hairs and incomplete hair loss, usually on the scalp but sometimes involving the eyebrows. This is found especially in children. The child is most likely rubbing or pulling out hair.

Male pattern baldness or Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) - Male pattern baldness or Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is common in men and it is generally genetic. Associated with the presence of androgens- male sex hormones.

Involutional alopecia - Gradual thinning of hair with age is called as Involutional alopecia.

All women experience some hair thinning as they grow older, especially after menopause, but in some it begins as early as puberty.

Most women lose some hair two or three months after having a baby because hormonal, changes prevent normal hair loss during pregnancy.

Causes for Hair Loss

Although the most common cause of hair loss in men is Male Pattern Baldness, there are many other ailments and conditions which cause or contribute to premature hair loss and substandard appearance of hair in both men and women.

These conditions can be genetic, environmental, or biological in origin.

Aging Both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and amount as they age. Inherited or "pattern baldness" affects many more men than women. About 25% of men begin to bald by the time they are 30 years old, and about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern by age 60.

Heredity Genetic baldness may cause by the body's failure to produce new hairs and not by excessive hair loss.

Hormones In addition to genes, male-pattern baldness seems to require the presence of the male hormone testosterone. Men who do not produce testosterone (because of genetic abnormalities or castration) do not develop this pattern of baldness. Some women also develop a particular pattern of hair loss due to genetics, age, and male hormones that tend to increase in women after menopause. The pattern is different from that of men.

Poor circulation

Acute illness

Surgery

Radiation exposure

Skin disease

Sudden weight loss

High fever

Iron deficiency

Diabetes

Thyroid disease

Drugs those drugs which are used in chemotherapy, antidepressants, etc.

Exposure to chemicals those chemicals which are used to purify swimming pools, bleach, dye, and perm hair.

Burns

X-rays

Scalp injuries

Poor diet

Vitamin deficiencies

In women following child birth

Stress

Some scientists believe that the body's immune system mistakes hair follicles for foreign tissue and attacks them. Many suspect a genetic component. 

Conventional Treatments for Hair Loss

For hair grow FDA approved remedies are Rogaine, or topical minoxidil and Propecia.

Rogaine, or topical minoxidil: a shampoo available in a few strengths.

Propecia: a small dose of the prostate drug finasteride.

Drawbacks

Drawbacks of Rogaine and Propecia:

As one stops taking this drug one starts losing hair again and the quality of the overall hair is poor. So, once started one has to continue with this for the rest of your life. 

Very expensive.

If Rogaine used for long periods of time it may cause heart changes, though it is blood-pressure-lowering medicine.

Propecia reduces libido. Interference with testosterone to another form of the hormone.

The treatment may be painful (if injected in the scalp).

 It may also cause permanent scarring in the scalp.