Hair Loss Frequently Asked Questions
What are the stages of normal hair growth?
Healthy hair growth follows a repeating three-phase cycle – growth (anagen stage), transition (catagen stage), then falling out and resting (telogen stage).
During the growth phase, which lasts about two to six years, hair grows in hair follicles at a rate of about one centimeter per month. About eighty to ninety percent of the hair is in the growth stage at any one time. The next stage is the transition phase, which lasts two to three weeks. This is the time when growth stops, the hair root shortens and shrinks, and resting starts. The final phase of the cycle is the resting phase which lasts two to three months. As the growth cycle ends, the hair follicles lose their old hair and then restart the process of producing new hairs
Human hair follicles produce two types of hair – terminal hairs and vellus hairs. Terminal hairs are the thick, colored hairs that we commonly associate with hair. Vellus hair, often referred to as peach fuzz, is short, fine, colorless hair. As hair goes thru its cycle, hair follicles usually produce the same type and thickness of hair. With some hair loss, however, the hair loss is actually just a gradual change from thick terminal hairs to thin vellus hairs in the hair follicle.
What is a normal rate of hair loss?
It is normal to lose about 100 hairs per day. This is a small percent of the approximately 100,000 hairs on the average head. Hair falls out as a natural part of the hair growth cycle. Hair loss problems occur when the growth rate of the hair is not as constant as the resting or falling out rate or when vellus hairs replace terminal hairs.
What are the reasons for hair loss?
Hair loss is largely determined by genetics, but there are many other reasons for hair loss as well. Hair loss can also be caused by medications, drug use, illness, high fever, pregnancy, stress, trauma, poor diet and nutrition, extreme weight loss or gain, environmental toxins and pollutants, allergic reactions to hair products, and tightly pulled hairstyles.
What are the types of hair loss?
The medical term for hair loss is alopecia, and it has many different causes. The levels of hair loss can range from scattered hair loss to full scale hair loss. Some hair loss reflects a permanent and gradual change in hair growth patterns and some loss is temporary due to stressors to the body. The three major categories of hair loss are: AndroGenetic Alopecia (AGA), which is the most common type of hair loss resulting from heredity, hormones and age; Alopecia Areata (AA), which is a sudden loss of hair due to an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, it is often reversible; Telogen Effluvium, which is temporary hair loss due to a stressor to the body, which is usually reversed once the condition is resolved.
How does minoxidil (Rogaine) help treat hair loss?
Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a liquid medication that is applied directly to the scalp. While the exact reason minoxidil helps with hair loss is unknown, it is thought that the hair follicles are exposed to an increased flow from the dilation of the blood vessels in the scalp. Minoxidil is effective at decreasing hair loss and stimulating new growth. The treatment can be used by both men and women. A treatment of twelve months is recommended before results can be determined because of the hair growth cycle.
How effective is finasteride (Propecia) at treating hair loss?
Finasteride, a medication in pill form, is a treatment for hair loss in men only. It has been shown to be very effective in treating mild to moderate male-pattern hair loss. Most men using Propecia report an increase in the amount of hair, less hair loss, and a noticeable improvement in their appearance. Because of the hair growth cycle, it is recommended that Propecia be taken for twelve months before determining effectiveness.
What is saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto is a small palm tree native to the eastern US. The berries contain a biologically active substance similar in action to finasteride. Although studies have been done in its use for enlarged prostates in men, it has not been studied for its use in hair loss treatment.
How effective is hair transplantation?
Hair transplants are very effective in both men and women with permanent results. Outcomes can vary, however, based on the skill and technique of the hair restoration surgeon. It is important to find a reputable hair restoration surgeon to get the best and most natural looking results.
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