What is normal hair growth?
The scalp hair grows about one centimeter per month. It’s growth cycle is divided into 3 phases.
- Growing phase (Anagen) lasts for 2 to 6 years
- Stage of partial degeneration (Catagen) lasts for 10 to 14 days
- Resting phase (Telogen) lasts for 2 to 3 months whereby the hair drops subsequently
About 90% of the hair on the scalp is in the growing phase. About 10% is in the resting phase. The average life span of a hair is about five years.
How many hairs are normally shed every day?
Everyday some of the hair is being shed as part of the cycle. Up to a hundred strands of hair can be shed in one day.
What can cause excessive or abnormal hair loss?
Excessive hair loss or baldness (Alopecia) may occur:
- After a stressful condition such as :
- Serious illness
- Major surgery
- After giving birth
Hair stops growing and goes into a resting phase (Telogen effluvium) about 3 to 4 months following the above stressful episodes.
- As a result of hormonal problems
- Thyroid diseases
- Due to underlying diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematoses (SLE)
- As a side-effect of certain medicines e.g.:
- Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
- Medicine used to treat cancer (Chemotherapy)
- Birth control pills (Oral contraception)
- Antidepressants
- In Androgenic Alopecia
- Male-pattern baldness:
- Is an inherited condition common in men
- Can occur as early as in the 20’s
- Starts with receding of the hair line in front and on top of the head
- Female-pattern baldness:
- Occurs in genetically predisposed women
- Generalized thinning over the entire scalp, more marked on the top of the head
- Male-pattern baldness:
- Other causes of excessive hair loss are:
- Infections – fungal infections, commonly seen in childrenk
- Patchy hair loss occurs
- Infections – fungal infections, commonly seen in childrenk
- Alopecia aerate – auto immune disease where the hair follicles are destroyed by the patient’s own cells
- It can occur as patches of bald areas
- It can cause baldness of the entire scalp (Alopecia totalize)
- It can affect the entire scalp, eyebrows, underarms and pubic hair (Alopecia universalis)
- Psychological disorder with impulsive pulling of hairs (Trichotillomania)
- It usually affects girls more than boys
- It is associated with depression
What should I do if I have excessive or abnormal hair loss?
You should consult a doctor for advice and treatment.
- If the hair loss is due to stress, do not worry because it is temporary and the hair will re-grow
- Investigations to rule out other diseases such as thyroid diseases and SLE may be required and would need to be treated accordingly
- Fungal infection is treated with antifungal medicines
- Medications may be helpful in some instances
- Topical minoxidil 2% and 5% may help slow or prevent male and female pattern baldness
- Finasteride tablets can be used for male-pattern baldness
- Psychological therapy is required for treatment of Trichotillomania
Last Reviewed | : | 28 August 2020 |
Writer | : | Dr. Sorya A. Aziz |
Reviewer | : | Dr. Nazhatussima bt. Suhaili |