Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a problem.

Alopecia or baldness is the absence, thinning (the strands become less numerous) or temporary or permanent loss of hair or fur, which can occur locally, regionally or completely.

Baldness is a condition that affects men more, as hair loss is directly associated with the presence of male sex hormones, especially testosterone. Women also produce this hormone, but in very small quantities. Therefore, cases of baldness are rarer among women and, when they do occur, the loss is less drastic.

The life cycle of each strand of hair is marked by phases of growth, rest and shedding. Around 90% of our hair is in the growth phase. After a short period of rest, in which it stops growing, the strand falls out and, in its place, a new strand enters the growth phase. Therefore, a person can lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair every day, without the risk of developing baldness, because of this process of continuous renewal. The fact is that the average lifespan of a strand of hair, from birth to loss, is around one and a half to two years.

The two main causes of permanent hair loss are heredity and male hormones. Both cause the hair follicles (bulbs) to weaken and accelerate permanent hair loss.

Hair loss can also be caused by: infections caused by fungi or bacteria; trauma to the hair area; compulsive habits of pulling out hair from a certain area, such as the head, eyebrows or beard; excess oiliness that causes seborrheic dermatitis; excessive use of chemical products; thyroid disorders; poor diet and vitamin deficiency; medications; stress.

After surgeries and childbirth and during chemotherapy treatment, hair loss can be more intense, but temporary. In these cases, once the cause has ceased, the hair will grow back.