Are you starting to notice an increasing number of hair strands on your pillow or the floor? Maybe your drains are getting clogged more often than they used to. It’s possible your hair is falling out.
You’re not alone. In fact, people lose about 50 to 100 hairs every single day. Unfortunately, different types of hair loss could cause you to lose more.
What are the most common types of hair loss, and how can you prevent hair loss from occurring? Keep reading to find out.
In this guide, we’ll review everything you need to know for preventing hair loss. Then, you can develop a plan based on your distinct needs.
Read on to learn more!
The Types of Hair Loss
First, it helps to determine what type of hair loss you’re experiencing. Then, you can develop a treatment plan based on your unique situation. Here are a few different types of hair loss you might experience.
Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia is also referred to as male pattern baldness (MPB). It accounts for over 95% of hair loss in men. By the time they’re 35, about two-thirds of American men will experience hair loss.
By the time they’re 50, about 85% of men will have significantly thinning hair.
Hair loss in men can begin any time after puberty. Over time, it will progress. Hair loss in men usually starts at the temple and continues to the top of the head.
Many men with this form of hair loss eventually become bald.
Androgenic alopecia affects women, too. In fact, about 40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they’re 40.
Women might notice their hair has slowly started to thin. Most women experience this type of hair loss as they age. Not many experience baldness, though.
This type of hair loss in men and women is hereditary. It’s often managed with medication or surgery.
Telogen Effluvium
This type of hair loss occurs when follicles on the scalp enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. This phase is called telogen. If the next phase doesn’t start, hair could fall out all over the scalp.
Meanwhile, new hair won’t grow.
Telogen effluvium doesn’t usually cause baldness. However, you could lose close to 500 hairs a day. Your hair will also start to thin.
Different conditions can trigger telogen effluvium, including:
- Thyroid imbalance
- Surgery
- Fever
- Childbirth
- A vitamin or mineral deficiency
- Medications (like Isotretinoin or Warfarin)
- Starting or stopping oral contraceptives
You could develop chronic telogen effluvium if hair loss lasts over six months. If hair doesn’t start to grow, you can visit a dermatologist for medication.
Anagen Effluvium
Different types of hair loss can occur based on medical treatment. For example, anagen effluvium occurs after chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy can shut down hair follicle production in the scalp. Usually, the hair will grow back after chemotherapy is over.
Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue, including hair follicles. Your hair could fall out and new hair might not grow.
This condition can impact both children and adults. Hair in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas could fall out, too.
Tinea Capitis
Also known as scalp ringworm, tinea capitis is a fungal infection. It’s often a cause of hair loss in children. With this condition, hair will fall out in patches.
Patients usually require antifungal medication to treat tinea capitis.
Cicatricial Alopecia
Also known as scarring alopecia, this rare type of hair loss occurs when inflammation destroys hair follicles. Scar tissue can form, keeping new hair from growing.
Treatment can depend on what’s causing your symptoms.
Preventing Hair Loss
Now that we’ve discussed a few different types of hair loss, let’s prevent it. Here are a few tips that can reduce the likelihood your hair will fall out.
Change Your Hair Care Routine
A few changes to your hair care routine could help with preventing hair loss.
For example, try to avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair, including:
- Ponytails
- Cornrows
- Tight braids
These hairstyles could loosen the bond between your hair and scalp.
Minimize how often you use high-heat hair styling tools, too. Hair straighteners, dryers, and curling irons could damage your hair.
Avoid chemically treating or bleaching your hair as well.
Instead, start using a shampoo that’s suited for your hair type. Some shampoos contain harsh ingredients that could cause hair loss. Use a soft brush made from natural fibers, too.
Treatment Options
Consider speaking with your doctor about ways to prevent types of hair loss.
For example, they might recommend these treatments for women:
- Oral contraceptives
- Iron supplements
- Aldactone or other anti-androgen medications
- Rogaine
- Hormone replacement therapy
Common treatments for men include:
- Follicular unit transplantation
- Rogaine
- Propecia or Proscar
- Follicular unit extraction
You might want to consider a custom hair system, too.
Speak with a professional to determine the best treatment option based on your type of hair loss.
When should you see a doctor? If you’re losing hair in clumps and noticing bald spots, don’t hesitate to call for help. Your symptoms could indicate an underlying health problem.
Home Remedies
You can also try a few home remedies for preventing hair loss.
For example, it’s possible you’re experiencing a vitamin deficiency. Try these vitamins to produce stronger hair:
- Iron
- Niacin
- Selenium
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
Essential oils could promote hair growth, too. Try jatamansi, ginseng, Chinese hibiscus, or peppermint.
Otherwise, try a scalp massage. Scalp massages could promote circulation and hair growth.
Your diet might impact your hair health as well. Look for foods that are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress, which might cause hair loss.
Foods that are rich in antioxidants include:
- Beans and legumes
- Kale
- Spinach
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
Avoid foods that can contribute to oxidative stress, including sugar and alcohol. Otherwise, you might want to quit smoking.
The Different Types of Hair Loss: Your Guide to Keeping It All On Your Head
Don’t watch your hair fall out in clumps! Instead, get help. Understanding the different types of hair loss can help you seek the treatment you need.
Instead of watching your hair fall out, you can enjoy your strong, healthy, luscious locks.
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