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Hair Loss

Most people experience hair loss and on average, the normal person sheds 55 to 150 hairs per day. Basically this means that it is completely normal to shed hair so there's no need to worry needlessly when you do.. However 63 million people in the US suffer from abnormal hair loss. Abnormal hair loss is also known as “Alopecia”. Alopecia applies to both mens hair loss and womens hair loss.

Just a few terms to understand:

Androgenic Alopecia

- genetics, age and hormonal changes

- for men this is considered male pattern baldnes

- this begins as early as your teen years

Alopecia Areata

- sudden falling out of hair in round patches or spots;an autoimmune disease that causes the affected hair follicles to be attacked by your own immune system with the white blood cells stopping the hair growth

- this can occur on the scalp or body

- this is also highly unpredictable

- occurs in males and females of all ages and races

- begins in childhood

Postpartum Alopecia

- temporary hair loss from a pregnancy

- there is little loss during pregnancy

- excessive hair loss 3-9 months after delivery

- hair growth cycle returns to normal within a year after delivery

So what is causing my hair to fall out ?

Many things can cause your hair to fall out... however regaining your confidence again isn't that far away.

- it can fall out in small amounts or excessive amounts

- small amounts are okay

- if you think you’re losing your hair in excessive amounts you should consult your doctor

Here are a few things that may cause excessive hair loss

Illness/major surgery-

Stress- Hormone imbalance

- Overactive and under-active thyroid gland

- Pregnancy (during and after)

- Specific medications (hair loss stops after you stop taking those certain medications)

- Fungal infections of the scalp

- Varying diseases- Emotions

- Improper hair care (tight pigtails, cornrows, braids, pontails, rollers), however if scarring does occur that will cause permanent hair loss

Treatments

- there are ONLY two products that will treat hair loss:

minoxidil - topical (over the counter) medication

finasteride - oral (prescription) medication

- surgical treatments are also available (transplants, hair plugs etc.)

- non-surgical and non-medical options are also available (wigs, toupers, hair weaves and extensions).

Bottom line is no one likes hair loss so if you think you’re losing more hair than normal (35 – 150 strands per day) see your doctor or hair stylist.