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Many of us hold our hair dear, and it can be alarming when it appears to be shedding more rapidly than it grows. While it's normal for individuals to lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily as part of the body's natural hair growth cycle, if you're noticing a greater loss, it may be time to investigate the cause.
A dermatologist specialising in hair has outlined several distinct types of hair loss, each with its own unique indicators. Dr Aamna Adel shared a video on TikTok detailing the various forms of hair loss and what signs to watch out for, as well as what you can do to get your hair back on track.
1. Androgenic alopecia
Dr Adel began by explaining that if your hair parting is widening, your ponytail is thinning, and your hairline is receding, you might be experiencing hair loss due to androgenic alopecia. This condition is also referred to as hormonal hair loss or pattern baldness.
Androgenic alopecia manifests as male pattern baldness in men and often leads to partial or complete baldness. In women, it presents as female pattern baldness and is more prevalent among those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that causes hormone imbalances leading to hair thinning.
While there is no known cure for androgenic alopecia, certain medicinal treatments like finasteride and minoxidil can help slow down the process and stimulate hair regrowth. In the UK, these treatments must be prescribed by a GP or obtained through consultation with a registered pharmacist at shops such as Boots.
2. Telogen effluvium
If you notice bald patches at your temples and your hair is "literally falling out by the handful," Dr Adel suggests that stress, poor nutrition, or vitamin deficiencies could be to blame. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium.
Telogen effluvium is a prevalent form of hair loss triggered by severe stress or bodily changes, and it's a leading cause of sudden hair thinning in women.
To combat telogen effluvium, treatments may include taking a multivitamin with iron or an iron supplement to encourage hair regrowth and making dietary adjustments to ensure adequate protein intake. Typically, telogen effluvium improves on its own within three to six months.
3. Traction alopecia
If your hairline seems to be "running away from your forehead" yet you retain some hairs around the edge, this might indicate traction alopecia.
Traction alopecia results from excessive pulling or tension on hair follicles, often due to prolonged wearing of tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, and slicked-back buns.
This condition can be reversed by ceasing to pull the hair back; however, without early intervention, the hair loss could become permanent.
HealthLine advises alternating between up and down hairstyles every few weeks and opting for a satin scrunchie when tying hair up to reduce strand tension.
If you're concerned about hair loss, it's advisable to book an appointment with your NHS GP to discuss these worries. They might be able to identify the cause of your hair loss by examining your hair, or they could refer you for blood tests to determine if any vitamin deficiencies are contributing to the issue.
For more information, visit the NHS website.