Hair loss can happen to almost everyone throughout their life. But it can be alarming seeing the brush hold more hair than it should. The good news is that hair loss is to be expected, and it can be treated. But what causes hair loss? This article will cover the most common hair loss causes and treatment options available.
Signs and symptoms
Hair loss can manifest in many different ways on a temporary or permanent basis, based on the hair loss causes. It happens suddenly or gradually affecting some specific areas on the scalp and whole body. The signs and symptoms of hair loss include:
- Gradual thinning – This is something that affects both men and women with age. For men, it will occur mostly in the forehead with the hair receding in an “M” shape. For women, it will appear gradually mainly on the top of the scalp.
- Patchy bald spots – This category of hair loss occurs mostly on the scalp, but it can also happen in the beard or eyebrows. It’s possible for your skin to become itchy or sore before hair shedding.
- Hair loosening – Physical or emotional distress can cause hair to loosen. This is the hair you see on the bathtub after washing your hair. This kind of hair loss will not create bald patches but a general thinning of the hair.
- Loss of body hair – There are some treatments such as chemotherapy, which may result in the loss of body hair on a temporary basis. The hair will eventually grow back in most cases.