Understanding the Different Types of Hair Loss

Did you know that the hair on your body has a normal growth cycle, including the ones on your head? What if we told you that part of your hair’s growing cycle also involves shedding? 

During the natural shedding process of the growth cycle, it’s normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair on your head each day. This triggers the next stage of the growth cycle, and new strands start growing in place of the ones you just shed.

However, it’s also possible to start shedding more strands of hair than you grow back. Thinning hair or hair loss can affect anyone at any age, including children. Hair loss can also occur for numerous reasons, so reaching an accurate diagnosis plays a key role in determining your treatment options.

Juan-Carlos Caballero, MD, provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic services at Warrenton Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center. Here are a few types of hair loss he sees at his Warrenton, Virginia, practice.

Hereditary or age-related hair loss

Approximately 80 million Americans live with this form of hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia — or more commonly, male- or female-pattern baldness. In most cases, androgenic alopecia occurs gradually, often starting as a bald spot or receding hairline in men and overall thinning along the crown in women.

When you have androgenic alopecia, your hair follicles eventually stop producing hairs.

Hormone or medical-related hair loss

As you might imagine, hair loss in this category occurs because of changes within the body, such as: 

• Hormonal changes, such as thyroid problems, pregnancy, childbirth, or menopause
• Immune system disorders, such as alopecia areata
• Scalp infections, such as ringworm
• Psoriasis
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder
• Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies

You can also experience hair loss because of certain medications or medical treatments, especially those associated with depression, heart problems and high blood pressure, gout and arthritis, and cancer.

Stress-related hair loss

Believe it or not, stressful events can also lead to excessive shedding. This type of hair loss can occur during or after a variety of events, such as:

• Divorce
• Death of a loved one
• Childbirth
• Severe infections with high fevers
• Disease treatment, such as surgery

Fortunately, stress-related hair loss is often temporary.

Haircare and style-related hair loss

Sometimes, the choices you make with your hair can be part of the problem. For example, wearing your hair in tight styles, such as ponytails or braids, can lead to permanent hair loss.

Other hair care factors that can lead to hair loss include:

• Shampooing, combing, and brushing too often
• Brushing or vigorously rubbing wet hair with a towel
• Using harsh chemicals, such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners, and permanent waves
• Styling with hot rollers, curling irons, rubber bands, or barrettes

Instead, be gentle when handling your hair, especially when it’s wet and at its most fragile. 

Fortunately, many forms of hair loss can be slowed or reversed, but the earlier you seek treatment, the better. Dr. Caballero can help diagnose what’s to blame for your condition and determine the best strategy to help, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which can help reawaken dormant hair follicles.

Are you struggling with hair loss? Dr. Caballero can help. To learn more, call 540-212-7081 or request an appointment online with Warrenton Dermatology & Skin Therapy Center today.