Hair fall is a common problem that affects people of all ages and genders. Losing a few strands of hair every day is normal but excessive hair fall can be alarming and can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. There are several types of hair fall and the causes can range from genetics and hormonal imbalances to stress, diet, and lifestyle choices.
Understanding the different types of hair fall and their underlying causes is crucial in determining the most effective treatment or hair fall remedies. Male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and traction alopecia are some of the most common types of hair fall.
In this article, we will delve into the different types of hair fall, the various causes of hair fall, and effective remedies. Whether you’re looking to regrow hair, improve hair health, or simply prevent hair fall, this guide will provide you with the information you need to achieve your hair goals.
Types of Hair Fall
Hair fall is a common problem faced by many people. The causes of hair fall are many, including stress, hormones, genetics, diet, and lifestyle. This is why when hair fall is treated its type is important to identify for the correct hair fall treatment.
Here are some common types of hair fall:
1. Androgenetic Alopecia
This is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by a genetic predisposition and hormonal imbalances, resulting in gradual hair thinning and eventual baldness. It is of two types:
- Male Pattern Baldness: It affects men more than women and is characterised by a receding hairline and balding on the crown of the head. Hair fall is more common in men than in women, with about two-thirds of men experiencing some degree of hair loss by age 35. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a major contributor to male pattern baldness, a condition that affects up to 70% of men.
- Female Pattern Baldness: Similar to male pattern baldness, hair fall reasons in female also include genetics and hormonal changes. It results in thinning of hair on the top and crown of the head.
2. Telogen Effluvium
This type of hair fall is caused by a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding of hair during the resting phase (telogen). It can be caused by stress, illness, medication, hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.
3. Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body.
4. Traction Alopecia
This type of hair fall is caused by repeated tension on the hair follicles, often from tight hairstyles or hair accessories. It’s more common in women and can lead to hair breakage and hair loss around the hairline and temples.
5. Anagen Effluvium
This type of hair fall is caused by damage to the hair follicles during the active growth phase (anagen), often from chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
6. Scarring Alopecia
This is a rare type of hair loss caused by inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss.
7. Trichotillomania
This is a psychological disorder where a person compulsively pulls out their own hair, leading to hair loss and bald patches.
Causes of Hair Fall
Hair fall, also known as hair loss or alopecia, can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common hair loss causes:
1. Genetics
One of the most common causes of hair fall is genetics. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is an inherited condition that causes hair loss.
2. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders can cause hair fall.
3. Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions such as alopecia areata, scalp infections, and autoimmune disorders can cause hair fall.
4. Medications
Certain medications such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and steroids can cause hair fall as a side effect. Hair fall is a common side effect of chemotherapy, a treatment for cancer that targets rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins and minerals such as iron, biotin, and zinc can lead to hair fall.
6. Physical and Emotional Stress
Physical stress due to surgery, illness, or injury, and emotional stress due to anxiety and depression can cause hair fall.
7. Hairstyles and Treatments
This is one of the most ignored or overlooked hair loss causes. Certain hairstyles and treatments such as tight braids, weaves, and chemical treatments can cause hair fall due to excessive pulling, breakage, and damage to hair follicles.
8. Ageing
As we age, the rate of hair growth slows down, and hair follicles shrink, leading to hair thinning and hair fall.
Hair Fall Solution and Treatment
Any hair fall treatment will depend on the underlying causes of hair fall and the condition. However, there are some common treatments and hair fall solution that can be explored. Take a look:
1. Medications
Prescription medications such as minoxidil and finasteride can help promote hair growth and slow down hair fall in both men and women.
2. Hair Care
Proper hair care, such as using gentle shampoos and avoiding tight hairstyles and chemical treatments, can help prevent hair fall and promote healthy hair growth.
3. Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements such as biotin, iron, and zinc can work as one of the effective hair fall remedies to help prevent hair fall due to nutritional deficiencies.
4. Scalp Treatments
Scalp treatments such as laser therapy, scalp massage, and hair masks can help improve blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth.
5. Hair Transplantation
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another to promote hair growth in areas with thinning or no hair.
6. Lifestyle Changes
If you are looking at effective hair fall remedies, try managing stress, exercising regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet. This can help improve overall health and prevent hair fall.
It is important to consult a dermatologist first and identify the underlying hair loss causes so that the best hair fall solution can be determined. They may also recommend additional hair fall treatment such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own blood into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Home Remedies for Hair Fall
If you are wondering how to stop hair fall, here are some home remedies that may help prevent hair fall:
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains enzymes that can help promote hair growth and reduce hair fall. Apply fresh aloe vera gel on the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with water.
2. Coconut Oil
This is one of the most effective and easy-to-use ingredients in all home remedies for hair fall. Coconut oil can help nourish hair follicles and prevent hair breakage. Massage warm coconut oil onto the scalp and leave it on overnight before rinsing off with a gentle shampoo.
3. Onion Juice
Onion juice contains sulphur that can help improve blood circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Apply onion juice on the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with water.
4. Egg Mask
Eggs are great for hair fall remedies as they are rich in protein that can help strengthen hair follicles and reduce hair fall. Beat one egg or create an egg mask and apply it to the scalp and hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing off with water.
5. Green Tea
Many do not know of the use of green tea in home remedies for hair fall. However, green tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce hair fall and promote hair growth. Brew a cup of green tea and allow it to cool. Apply the green tea on the scalp and leave it on for an hour before rinsing off with water.
It is important to note that all home remedies for hair fall may not work for everyone and it’s important to identify the underlying cause of hair fall and seek appropriate treatment if necessary.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are several types of hair fall, each with its own causes and treatments. Some common types of hair fall include male and female pattern baldness, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and traction alopecia. Causes of hair fall can range from genetics and hormonal imbalances to nutritional deficiencies, stress, and environmental factors.
Treatment for hair fall depends on the underlying hair loss causes and can include medications, hair care, nutritional supplements, scalp treatments, hair transplantation, and lifestyle changes. Home remedies for hair fall such as aloe vera, coconut oil, onion juice, egg masks, and green tea can also be effective in reducing hair fall. It’s important to consult a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of hair fall and determine the best course of treatment.
