It is estimated that almost 150 million people worldwide suffer from at least some kind of hair loss, also known as alopecia. By age 50, approximately 85% of men and 50% of women will see the effects of alopecia.
However, not all hair loss happens the same and can be experienced in any manner of ways, with various signs and symptoms associated with them. Some of these types of hair loss are only temporary, and you will be able to reverse the effects of hair loss after a period of time, while others are more permanent.
To help get a better understanding, here are a few common types of hair loss
Gradual thinning
Gradual thinning is the most common and natural type of hair loss. The human head typically sheds anywhere between 50-100 hairs a day, which typically goes unnoticed as they are replaced with newer growing follicles.
However, as we age, the signals that tell the brain to provide nutrients to your hair follicles can stop, ceasing their growth, resulting in no replacement for the fallen hair. In min, this loss of hair typically begins along the forehead, while women notice it through the part of their hair.
Sudden Hair Loss and Excess Shedding
As previously mentioned, the human head typically loses 100 hair follicles a day. However, in some cases, this number can become accelerated, causing a person to lose hundreds of follicles a day, faster than the rate it is able to grow back.
This type of hair loss is quite noticeable and can be a startling occurrence, as a person will often find their hair shedding while washing their hair, brushing, or waking up to find hair resting on their pillows.
Usually, the cause of this issue is acute or prolonged levels of stress. The fortunate part of this type of hair loss is usually temporary, and the hair will likely grow back once the cause of stress is rectified.
Full Body Hair Loss
Hair loss isn’t exclusive to just the head. Full-body hair loss, also known as Alopecia Universalis, is a type of hair loss that causes hair to fall out all over the body, from facial hair and eyebrows to chest and legs.
Usually, this hair loss is caused when the white blood cells mistake your hair follicles for foreign invaders, attacking them and causing their hair loss.
This type of hair loss has been linked to conditions such as vitiligo, thyroid, high levels of stress, as well as a result of chemotherapy. Depending on the cause behind it, this type of hair loss is usually temporary.
Scaling Patches
Ringworm is a fungal condition that can cause scaly and patchy irritations to the scalp. These irritations are often itchy and can cause bleeding and discharge when irritated too intensely.
Hair loss is another symptom caused by ringworm, where the follicles fall out where these scaly patches form. This type of loss is usually temporary and will clear up when the ringworm is treated; however, if the scalp becomes scarred from severe inflammation, the hair loss may be permanent.
