Although hair loss is a mainstream condition, most people fail to realize that permanent hair loss is a disease. Hair loss affects nearly 40% of all men and women in their respective lifetimes. The view of hair loss and its social impact varies between the two sexes. Men often view hair loss as a fact of life, while women view it as a cosmetic tragedy. Regardless of individual opinion, it is important to understand why this condition occurs and the treatment options (both medicinal and natural) that currently exist.
Hair loss can range from mild thinning to complete baldness. When the loss of hair is constant, it can negate personal coping strategies for self-acceptance. People with hair loss may be more likely to have a negative body image than those without hair loss. Despite what many experts say, in our appearance-laden culture, your personal value or self-worth is (sadly) often defined by your outer appearance. In fact, it’s been reported that:
What is Hair Loss
Hair is cyclical, and goes through a pattern or number of distinct phases. The anagen phase is the growing phase; catagen is referred to a transitional phase between growth and follicle resting; and lastly, the telogen phase is the cessation of growth. The telogen or latent phase is when hair loss occurs. Over the course of our lifetimes, a single hair follicle may undergo as many as 10 to 20 of these anagen-catagen-telogen cycles. This may seem excessive, but keep in mind that the telogen phase only encompasses 10-15% of hair follicles and lasts only 100 to 200 days. On the other hand, 85-95% of our body hairs are in a constant growth (anagen) phase. So how does hair loss occur amidst all this growth?
Normally, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day as a result of our normal hair cycle. However, when this cycle is abnormal and hair loss is no longer falling out in a natural, random pattern, you may develop a temporary or on-going disease state. This is termed Alopecia. Unfortunately, certain individuals are predisposed to the types of hair loss which progress into this disease state. Physical harm to the scalp, certain medications, excessive use of styling products, surgical procedures, severe infection, eating disorders, and certain physiological conditions, such as thyroid disease, are other causes of temporary or permanent hair loss.
Primary Causes of Hair Loss
The top influences for hair loss are genetic in nature. For instance, male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is thought to result from such genetic predisposition. Scientists are still trying to discover the exact mechanisms, or genetic blueprints, that influence hair loss as a whole; but most agree that hair loss is polygenic, or is caused by several genes rather than one specific genome. In addition, the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase is thought to be another causative agent concerning hereditary hair loss. New drugs aimed to block this enzyme’s action have proved successful in slowing down the progression of hair loss. The inhibition of specific growth factors (e.g. TGF-beta2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen, has also been effective in numerous clinical studies aimed at treating hair loss. However, genetic susceptibility, such as hair follicle sensitivity, hormones, and androgens, are still thought to be the main factors influencing permanent hair loss in both sexes.
Types of Hair Loss
The most common form of hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia, or male pattern baldness. Other types of hair loss include:
• Traumatic Alopecia – results from hair being torn out of the scalp;
• Drug-induced Alopecia – hair loss caused by the administration of a given medication;
• Alopecia Areata – or patchy hair loss, is thought to occur from a immunological disorder and is usually reversible.
Are you at risk?
There are blood measurements that can be done to define existing levels of enzymes and androgens, but realistically, there is no definitive test to determine if a given individual will or will not lose hair. Although the causes of permanent hair loss are genetic, the likelihood of one developing the disease is not necessarily solely dependent on the genes obtained from your mother’s side of the family. It has been clearly established that both parents contribute to a child’s risk for developing hair loss. However, some individuals with no family history also develop permanent hair loss. Additionally, Asian men are less likely than Caucasians to develop baldness. On average, Asian men develop balding patterns nearly a decade later than whites. African-Americans are approximately 4 times less likely to suffer from abnormal hair loss than persons of other descent.
Standard Treatment for Hair Loss
A doctor will usually diagnose your hair loss on the basis of physical examination and your medical history. This entails evaluating what medications you are currently taking, dietary and nutritional status, and hairdressing/grooming habits. Blood tests and a biopsy of hair are used by specialists to determine the integrity of a given hair follicle. This evaluation is used to establish the underlying cause of the hair thinning/balding, and to decide what treatment options will prove most effective. In addition, hair samples can also detect infection within the scalp. Traditional medicines include:
• Minoxidil – used for hair regrowth and to inhibit any additional loss of hair
• Tretinion- decreases dermal layers on scalp to further the penetration of applied products containing minoxidil
• Finasteride (Propecia)
• Hair Transplantation
• Topical or Injectable Steroid Treatments
• Radiation Therapy (PUVA)
Reversing Hair Loss Naturally
Reversing hair loss naturally involves addressing the root causes through a combination of nutrition, lifestyle changes, and holistic care. A diet rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients—like vitamins A, C, E, biotin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron—can nourish hair follicles and promote regrowth. Incorporating foods such as leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish, eggs, and brightly colored fruits can strengthen hair from the inside out. Scalp massage with natural oils like rosemary, castor, or coconut oil can improve blood circulation and stimulate follicles. Managing stress through practices like meditation, exercise, and quality sleep is also crucial, as stress is a known trigger for hair loss. Additionally, avoiding harsh chemical treatments and opting for gentle, natural hair care products helps protect and support healthy regrowth. While results can vary, consistency with these natural strategies often leads to noticeable improvements over time.