The causes and the facts
THERE IS NO SINGLE CAUSE OF THINNING HAIR; THERE ARE MANY
Thinning hair affects men and women of all ages. The cause is often genetic, and can also be triggered by certain life stages. Hair cells reproduce at a faster rate than any other in our bodies, so they are also sensitive to changes in our health or environment. Addressing thinning begins with understanding what causes and contributes to it, and the early warning signs to look out for.
SCALP CONCERNS
Dryness and oiliness are both indications of an unhealthy scalp environment, which can inhibit healthy hair growth. Seborrhea
» SEBORRHEASeborrhoeic dermatitis (also known as "seborrheic eczema") is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and torso. Typically, seborrheic dermatitis presents with scaly, flaky, itchy, and red skin. It particularly affects the sebaceous-gland-rich areas of skin. In adolescents and adults, seborrhoeic dermatitis usually presents as scalp scaling similar to dandruff or as mild to marked erythema of the nasolabial fold.
is a condition in which an excessive amount of sebum» SEBUMThe sebaceous glands are microscopic glands in the skin that secrete an oily/waxy matter, called sebum, to lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair of mammals. In humans, they are found in greatest abundance on the face and scalp, though they are distributed throughout all skin sites except the palms and soles. In the eyelids, meibomian sebaceous glands secrete a special type of sebum into tears. There are several related medical conditions, including acne, sebaceous cysts, hyperplasia, sebaceous adenoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma . is produced and builds up on the scalp (looking like an adult cradle cap), pointing to the hormonal imbalances associated with hair loss.
AREAS OF CONCERN
A receding hairline or thinning crown are indications of male pattern baldness, while noticeably wider part, thinning on the sides of the head or a smaller ponytail are signs of diffused thinning in women.
DAILY HAIR LOSS
It is normal to lose around 100 individual hair strands a day, but in order to maintain hair’s current volume it must be replaced at the same rate. If you notice more hair than usual in the shower or in your hairbrush after brushing, your hair will begin to look thinner.
EXCESSIVE BODY HAIR
In general, the more body hair a man has, the greater his risk of becoming bald. For example, if he has substantial chest, shoulder and back hair, he is 70% more likely to experience balding. For women, excessive body or facial hair can indicate the same hormonal imbalances that cause thinning.