Causes of Hair Loss

MALE (and FEMALE) PATTERN BALDNESS

The medical term is androgenetic alopecia, which is roughly translated from Latin as "Male Hormone Hair Loss." This is the most common type of hair loss and is the culprit over 90% of the time. Heredity plays a major role as you inherit receptor sites in your follicle (picture microscopic potholes) which will attract and store a hormonal by-product known as DHT (di-hydro testosterone). As the DHT builds up, it begins to cut off the blood flow and the follicles begin to miniaturize. Left untreated, the follicles eventually die and rejuvenation is impossible. Men are more likely than females to experience dead follicles quicker, due to higher DHT levels. Typically, hair loss "patterns" will occur such as frontal loss, followed by the crown or vice versa. Women may notice a more general thinning or diffused pattern. Females are also susceptible to hormonal fluctuations (stress, menopause, pregnancy, etc.) that can cause sporadic hair loss over a lifetime. TREATABLE IF CAUGHT IN TIME

ALOPECIA AREATA

Characterized as "patchy" hair loss, areata is still somewhat of a mystery to science. It is believed to be an inherited trait, and is classified as an autoimmune disease-but those who contract areata are generally in normal health. Small circles or patches of hair loss occur in random areas of the head. Often the hair will grow back even when untreated, but loss may appear again in a different area. This may occur a number of times during your lifetime. Areata is a relatively rare disorder. At Kevis (though we're not sure why) we seem to have success in some areata clients. Clients diagnosed with areata are put on a three month aggressive program to start. If they begin to see results during that time, continued usage is encouraged. TREATABLE?

ALOPECIA TOTALIS or UNIVERSALIS

Also classified as an autoimmune disease, this type of hair loss is recognizable by total loss of all body hair. Some people may just lose the hair on specific parts of the body (such as the lower torso or the head). The cause is unknown and currently no treatment is availble. NON TREATABLE

TRACTION ALOPECIA

This type of hair loss comes from extreme hair styling that "pulls" or tugs at the follicle, such as extensions or corn rows. The hair is literally being ripped from the scalp and over time can cause scarring. If stopped and treated, even mildly, full recovery can be expected. TREATABLE

TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM

This brand of hair loss is akin to Pattern Baldness as it usually involves a quick and steep rise in DHT levels due to a shock to the system, such as severe emotional or physical stress. Hair will usually grow again once the stress is gone, though it may take awhile and some will experience hair thinner than before. Generally, this condition is relatively easy to treat if caught early. TREATABLE

SCARRING ALOPECIA (Cicatricial)

Due to certain skin conditions such as Lupus Erythematosus or Lichen Planus, inflammation can damage and scar the follicles which can stop the hair from growing. It is not known why this inflammation occurs. This can be treated, though often it is based on the severity of the skin condition and should be treated as quickly as possible. In general, once a scar, from any source (disease, an accident, etc.) occurs on the scalp, it is rare that hair will grow through the tissue. TREATABLE IN MOST CASES

OTHER CAUSES OF MALE & FEMALE HAIR LOSS

Generally, many of the list below are temporary and can cause hair loss, or make an existing condition worse. It is best to treat the cause directly as well as the hair loss at the same time.

MEDICATIONS - Such as some acne medications, or drugs used for depression, arthritis, gout and birth control. It's always wise to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

MEDICAL PROCEDURES - Chemotherapy and radiation treatments, some anesthesia's.

SCALP INFECTIONS - Such as ringworm or other fungal infections.

TRICHOTILLOMANIA - Other wise known as a "hair pulling disorder." This is a type of mental illness where people have a tendency to pull their hair from the scalp.

DISEASES - Diabetes, Lupus are two diseases that can cause hair loss.

POOR NUTRITION - Inadequate iron can cause women's hair loss. Crash or fad diets can upset the balance of nutrition and cause hair loss. Eating disorders as well.

HAIR STYLING - Dying, coloring, bleaching, tinting, straightening, perms, can cause an already weakened follicle and hair shaft to be become weaker.

HORMONAL CHANGES - Any changes and/or imbalances can create hair loss in men and women. WOMEN: Pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy(HRT), thyroids, excessive exercise, stress. MEN: Increased physical activity, supplements (legal or "otherwise"), hormone replacement therapy, stress.