First published
06/06/2022
Written by
@Mo & Ash
Hair Strands are made up from a protein called Keratin that is produced in hair follicles. Hair follicles are usually situated 3-5mm below the outer layer of the scalp, there produce strings of keratin cells which we know as hair strands, as new keratin strands are formed the older ones get pushed out through the scalp as hairs. The typical hair strand will grow at the rate of about 6 inches per year. The average adult head around 100,00-150,000 hairs and the average person will typically sheds100 hairs a day.
Hair follicles have a life cycle, this is divided into 3 phases:
Anagen– Active growth phase of the follicles, hair follicles are actively producing keratin strands and hairs are growing. This phase can last for anywhere between 2 to 8 years
Catagen– this may also be referred to as the transitional phase, this is where follicles transition from the growth phase and usually lasts about 2-3 weeks
Telogen– This phase may also be referred to as the resting phase that usually lasts for 2-3 months and at the end of this phase the hair strand will shed and the next hair cycle starts.
There are several types of alopecia (hair loss) with varying aetiologies:
Involution Alopecia: Natural condition in which hair gradually thins with age, a greater number of hair follicles go into resting phase with less follicles in the growth phase.
Androgenic alopecia: a genetic condition which affects both men and women. In men it is referred to as Male pattern baldness where men can start suffering from the condition as early as their teens it is characterised by a receding hairline with gradual loss in the frontal scalp and crown. In women (female pattern baldness) this is usually seen later in age with thinning noticed over the whole scalp but more noticeable in the crown. A major cause of this loss is associated with androgens more noticeably DHT. This is one of the most common type of hair loss and we have a full article on this in our clubhouse section.
Alopecia Areata: is a condition in which the body attacks its own hair follicles. It can impact all patients or all ages and is often sudden and in patches. Alopecia areata can progress to complete baldness (alopecia totalis) and in some cases patients can experience loss of all the hair on the body, this is called Alopecia Universalis. In 9/10 patients the hair returns within a few years.
Telogen effluvium: the temporary thinning of hair over the scalp which occurs because of changes in the growth cycle. A larger portion of hair follicles enter the resting phase resulting in excessive shedding. Some common causes of telogen effluvium include Medications, Nutritional deficiencies, immune disorders, pregnancy/ postpartum, chronic illness and stress.
Scarring alopecia: scarring alopecia results in permanent hair loss. Certain conditions or injuries can result in scars that destroy follicular ability to regenerate. Scarring alopecia can result from physical injuries, Inflammatory skin conditions or skin disorders such as cellulitis, acnes, lichen planus and burns.
Traction alopecia: this alopecia is caused by the constant pulling force on some hair more than others leading to bald patches. This is commonly seen in patients who wear their hair tightly. Traction alopecia can be revered or improved if the traction forces are removed after a few weeks or months, if this is long term it can lead to permanent damage to follicles.
Golden Nugget: As you can see there are several types of hair loss, unfortunately there is not a one fits all solution. Correct diagnosis is key to determining the best treatment. Take our free consultation to see which treatment best suits your scalp and hair.
For more from Dense Lifestyle Editor Mo & Ash follow him on instagram at @custom_field
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