Hair fall, also known as hair loss or alopecia, is a common condition characterized by the excessive shedding or loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. Hair fall can be temporary or permanent and can occur due to various factors. There are different types of hair fall, and each may have its own set of symptoms, causes, and potential side effects.
Types of Hair Fall:
Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness / Female Pattern Hair Loss): This is the most common type of hair fall and is hereditary. In men, it typically causes a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while in women, it leads to diffuse hair thinning on the top of the scalp.
Telogen Effluvium: This type of hair fall occurs when a significant number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase due to physiological or emotional stress. It can cause diffuse shedding of hair from all over the scalp.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp or other areas of the body.
Traction Alopecia: Caused by constant pulling or tension on the hair follicles due to tight hairstyles or hair extensions.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of hair fall can vary depending on the type and extent of hair loss. Common symptoms include:
Thinning of hair on the scalp.
Patchy hair loss in specific areas.
Visible hair shedding on pillows, clothes, or during showering.
Receding hairline in men.
Thinning of eyebrows or eyelashes.
Causes:
The causes of hair fall can be diverse and depend on the specific type of hair loss:
Androgenetic Alopecia: Primarily caused by genetics and hormones (androgens).
Telogen Effluvium: Stress, illness, childbirth, surgery, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can trigger telogen effluvium.
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder, and although the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Traction Alopecia: It results from constant pulling or tension on the hair follicles due to hairstyles like tight braids, ponytails, or hair extensions.
Side Effects:
In addition to the physical symptoms of hair loss, hair fall can have emotional and psychological side effects. It may lead to feelings of self-consciousness, reduced self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, especially when the hair loss is significant and affects a person's appearance and self-image.
