Compared to men the ratio of women suffering through hair loss is low. Hair loss impacts up to 50 % of men as well as 30 percent of women and it can cause loss of self esteem and self confidence.

Hair loss is caused by a number of factors, and some are still unknown to many scientists. Hair loss can occur from both hereditary means but also in ways that are influenced by diet and lifestyle conditions. It’s nothing serious, but sometimes hair loss can be a sign of something worse going on in the body

Types of Hair Loss

Androgenic alopecia. It is a very common type of hair loss, which can affect both the genders. This type of hair loss is hereditary and can be inherited from either side of the family. During this hair loss the hair growth decreases with time and the hair follicles grow hair that are thinner. In case of men the hair loss usually occur in the front and on the vertex of the scalp where as in women the overall growth is affected.

Alopecia areata. This type of hair loss affects both men and women and occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles resulting in circular patches of baldness around the scalp. Mild form of Alopecia areata usually affects hair of the head only while in severe situation the whole body gets affected. Due to this type of hair loss the hair follicles enter the rest (telogen) phase too soon making the hair loss condition even worse.

Telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss occurs when large numbers of hairs enter the resting phase (telogen) causing rapid shedding and thinning. It is also known as diffuse hair loss or Stress-Related Baldness in which more than 50% of the hair is affected, and the hair loss may continue up to 3 months. Some of the Causes of this type of hair loss include stress, recent surgery, illness, Poor nutrition, medications, hormonal changes and pregnancy, This is not a permanent type of hair loss and the growth phase comes back to normal once these causes overcomes.

Traction Alpoecia. This type of hair loss occurs as a result of repeated pulling of the hair due to harsh brushing or hairstyles such as a tight ponytail, braids, knots etc. These hairstyles pull hair too tight affecting areas around the edge of the hairline making the hair loss noticeable around the face and forehead.

Trichotillomania. This type of hair loss also occur due to excessive pulling on the hair but this pulling does not occur as a result of cosmetics but when people under going any complex emotional or mental problem pull their healthy hair out. This makes them feel relief and relax. During this period the person pulls hair out of the scalp, eyelashes, or eyebrows.

Male Pattern Baldness. This type of hair loss affects 15% of American men at the age of 25 and 40% by 35. It is a natural hair loss and constitutes almost 95% of all male hair loss. The real cause of this type of hair loss is not known but it is said it occurs as a result of genes or hormones. If your fathers or four fathers have suffered through this type of hair loss then there are growing chances that you will undergo the same condition. During this hair loss, your hair begins to thin at the temples and at the crown eventually affecting the whole scalp.

Female Pattern Baldness. Compared to men the ratio of women suffering through hair loss is low. As much as 20 million American women suffer from Female Pattern Baldness, which also occurs as a result of genetics. This type of hair loss can affect women as early as puberty, but usually occurs after menopause.

Anagen Effluviam. This is a temporary type of hair loss that occurs when the chemicals used by an individual kills the hair follicles resulting in lost patches of hair. This type of hair loss usually occurs due to cancer drugs.

Dr Andrew Kim and his team of experienced Hair Transplant Technicians at Australian Institute of Hair Restoration, specialize exclusively in the practice of surgical hair transplant in Sydney. Dr Kim provides detailed and comprehensive information on the procedures performed so that patients can fully consider their treatment option.

Reference

Quickhairlosstreatment.com, “Different Types of Hair loss”

(Accessed on January 3, 2011)