Is Hair Loss Normal?

Hair loss can affect anyone – and it does! It is normal to shed 50-100 hairs per day! Follicles throughout the head get tired and need rest. Once they go through this resting phase, the hair then returns. This cycle continues throughout a lifetime until there are no more cycles. The hair then becomes finer and finer and eventually stops growing altogether. If you are noticing patches, bald spots, or clumps of hair coming out at once, you should seek out your doctor, dermatologist, or hair professional.

What is Alopecia?

Alopecia, from the Greek Alopekia, is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows. It is a genetic predisposition that can come from both sides of the family. And, while there can be other factors involved, there are a number of options available to treat it.

Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) is the most common type of loss in men. It can be inherited from either side of the family. The condition involves the breakdown of testosterone into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). The excess of this male hormone can lead to progressive hair loss. This can often be treated with surgery and medical therapies.

Alopecia areata, Alopecia totalis, and Alopecia universalis are variants of Alopecia and are the result of the immune system attacking hair follicles. Even though this is a medical condition, it is not contagious.

Why Is My Hair Falling Out?

If you’re losing more than 100 hairs a day, check out some potential reasons below. Increased hair loss is where we begin to seek out medical help from a professional. Health conditions that can affect your hair loss include:

Alopecia

Alopecia could be the medical condition affecting your hair loss. The immune system attacks the hair follicles. Your hair could grow back without treatment, or it could not – it’s very unpredictable.

Thyroid conditions

Hyper- or hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss. It’s one of the more common hormone-related causes of hair loss. Usually, with treatment of the thyroid issues, the hair loss is reversed.

Lupus

The autoimmune disease could cause some damage to your hair follicles. Generally, patchy hair loss and lesions on the scalp are caused by lupus.

Hormones

Women go through a lot of hormonal changes in their life. Particularly during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances can cause hair loss.

Medication

Heavy duty drugs take a tremendous toll on your body. The most invasive drugs would include chemotherapy, but many other medications that come with side effects that do damage to your hair and contribute to hair loss include some oral contraceptives, antidepressants, thyroid medicines, anti-convulsion drugs, and anti-coagulants. It goes without saying that the side effects of various medications affect different people differently and while not absolutely guaranteed to cause hair loss, can definitely be a major contributor under the right circumstances.

Lack of nutrition

Proper nutrition is good for you! Your mother was right. A diet with a long-term zinc or iron deficiency has been commonly linked to poor quality hair and hair loss. A proper diet, with exercise and a regular sleep cycle does wonders for your body and your hair. Make sure any diet includes healthy, whole foods with the recommended daily allowances of vitamins A to D, healthy fats, biotin, selenium and copper for healthy hair growth.

Stress

Stress can do a number on your body, and that includes your hair. Seemingly simple things like fevers can contribute in minor ways to hair loss. Of course, major stress factors that have been show to contribute to hair loss and are well document include post-partum hair loss, major surgery, drastic lifestyle changes, and others. Remember what your mother said: eat a well balanced diet, take your vitamins, get the proper amount of sleep and exercise, and even engage in meaningful stress management.  Many busy executives have found daily meditation to be extremely helpful in maintain a healthy body and a healthy outlook.

Hair Loss Treatment & Replacement Options

There are a variety of treatments that can have a positive effect on your hair growth, including low level laser hair therapy. To learn more about our custom hair replacement procedures and to explore the many advanced hair loss treatment options available to you at HSU Unlimited, we invite you to speak with an experienced HSU hair replacement specialist today. Our hair replacement specialists will work closely with you to find the perfect solution for your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget. We invite you to schedule a free, private consultation today with our world-class Kenner, LA hair restoration specialists. We’re ready to get you on the road to looking and feeling your best.