General Causes
Genes
Genes are the biggest contributor to hair loss. You inherit the tendency for hair loss. Although hormones can play a role, hair loss tends to be genetic. Research shows that hair loss genes can come from either side of your family.Hormones
Although hormones govern many chemical processes in the body, only two affect hair loss: testosterone and dyhydrotestosterone (DHT). Testosterone is responsible for deepening the voice, building muscle mass and promoting hair growth under the arms and in the pubic area. DHT, on the other hand, promotes hair growth on the face and body and is responsible for acne, enlarged prostates and male pattern baldness. Without testosterone the body cannot make DHT and without DHT, male pattern baldness cannot occur. With the help of an enzyme known as 5 alpha-reductase, testosterone is converted to DHT. It is the presence of DHT in the hair follicle that activates the balding process.Time
Time is a factor in many things that occur in our bodies and losing hair is no exception. Baldness is a condition of advancing age.Diffused Alopecia
Diffused alopecia has some of the same causes as male pattern baldness, but never progresses to complete baldness. Three different types of this condition occur:Diffused unpatterned alopecia: a general thinning of the hair over the entire head including the fringe area. Much more common in women than in men.
Diffused patterned alopecia: hair noticeably thins in the same pattern as that for male pattern baldness. Can occur in both men and women.
Senile alopecia: a general thinning of the hair as one ages. Usually occurs after the age of 60 and affects both men and women equally.
Alopecia Areata
Diffused alopecia has some of the same causes as male pattern baldness, but never progresses to complete baldness. Three different types of this condition occur:Diffused unpatterned alopecia: a general thinning of the hair over the entire head including the fringe area. Much more common in women than in men.
Diffused patterned alopecia: hair noticeably thins in the same pattern as that for male pattern baldness. Can occur in both men and women.
Senile alopecia: a general thinning of the hair as one ages. Usually occurs after the age of 60 and affects both men and women equally.
It is not contagious; you can't catch AA from someone who has it. Researchers believe AA is an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, but in this case the individual's own immune system attacks hair follicles instead of bone joints. Just why or how AA develops is not clear. For whatever reason, the immune system is inappropriately activated and attacks hair follicles. Research using several disease models shows certain types of lymphocytes play a primary role in the hair loss. They seem to attack the hair follicles, mistakenly thinking that somehow they are a threat to the rest of the body.
AA can affect men, women, and children. It often appears as well-defined circular bald patches on the scalp. Many people will get just one or two patches, but for some the hair loss can be extensive. Unfortunately, children who develop AA before puberty are most likely to develop more extensive and persistent hair loss.
Alopecia Universalis
A member of the group of hair loss conditions called Alopecia Areata, the only difference between Alopecia Universalis and its variants is the extent of hair loss.The most advanced form in a series of conditions all related to the same disease, Alopecia Universalis is characterized by total a loss of body hair.
Anagen Effluvium
Characterized by the loss of hair in the anagen phase, this condition is associated with thinning over the entire scalp. Anticancer drugs, x-ray therapy, or harsh drugs such as arsenic, bismuth, colchicine, borax, gold and thallium typically cause anagen effluvium.Telogen Effluvium
Sometimes an unusually large number of follicles enter the resting stage, followed by hair loss in those follicles. This often results in significant and dramatic thinning. Keep in mind that this condition is temporary – new hairs will begin growing in a matter of months. Some causes of this condition include: hormonal changes associated with childbirth, the termination of a pregnancy, high fever or surgery. Other possible causes are conditions such as diabetes, thyroid conditions, anemia, or systemic lupus erythematosis.Self-induced Hair Loss
Two types of self-induced hair loss affect many people:1. Traction alopecia: caused by prolonged physical tension on the hair – like wearing tight braids, cornrows or hair extensions.
2. Trichotillomania: a psychological condition in which people pull and pluck out their own hair. Most commonly affects children, adolescents and women.