Although we may not realize it, between 50 and 100 hairs fall out every day, which then grows back. The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) explains that there are always between 12% and 15% of them in the replacement phase, so it takes us about 4 years to completely renew our hair. However, some people experience greater hair loss or a decrease in hair density.
“It is normal for the density to decrease progressively (we should not expect to have the hair we had at 15 years old at 50). Normally, each person has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs. In children, it is estimated that there are about 1,100 follicles per cm², at 25 years of age there are about 600 follicles per cm² and between 30 and 50 years of age, about 300 follicles per cm².
Some pathologies cause increased hair loss, which is known as alopecia. The most prevalent are telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia or common baldness, alopecia areata, and frontal fibrosing alopecia,” explains dermatologist Cristina Serrano, member of the AEDV.
Telogen effluvium is an alteration in the hair growth cycle that triggers sudden and widespread hair loss, but which, fortunately, is usually reversible. “It occurs when many hairs that are in the growth phase simultaneously go into the loss phase,” explains the specialists at DSD de Luxe, a company specializing in the manufacture of products to treat hair loss.
The main causes of telogen effluvium are: inadequate protein intake in the diet, taking birth control pills, iron deficiency, having undergone major surgery or suffering from a chronic illness, taking certain medications, or suffering from ringworm of the scalp.
Androgenetic or androgenic alopecia, also known as common baldness, can affect up to 45% of men and almost 10% of women, according to data from the AEDV.
Sergio Vañó, a dermatologist specializing in trichology and a member of the AEDV, states that “the reason why androgenic alopecia is more common in men is because it is caused by androgens, a type of male hormone that causes hair to thin. Heredity is also one of the factors that can cause this type of alopecia.”
Frontal fibrosing alopecia also appears to have an autoimmune origin. This means that “the body itself attacks the hair, producing inflammation that, if not stopped, ends up destroying the hair follicle,” explains Dr. Sergio Vañó, who indicates that the hormonal mechanism may also influence the disease. However, the origin of frontal fibrosing alopecia is still not fully understood.
This type of alopecia is characterized by the loss of a band of hair at the front and sides of the head that usually widens little by little, making the forehead look increasingly wider. Frontal fibrosing alopecia mainly affects women, especially after menopause. “It usually causes hair loss in other parts of the body. Many people with frontal fibrosing alopecia lose their eyebrows, either partially or completely,” explains the American Academy of Dermatology.
MENOPAUSE, RELATIONSHIP WITH HAIR LOSS
Beyond frontal fibrosing alopecia, menopause is a stage closely related to hair loss. In the woman’s body, there are both female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and male hormones (androgens) that are in balance. But with the end of fertile life, their levels become unbalanced and one of the consequences is hair loss. In addition, the increased production of androgens that occurs during this stage can increase hair growth in other parts of the body, such as the face.
Hormonal changes are also the main cause of hair loss that many women experience after having a baby. After giving birth, estrogen levels drop rapidly, which, combined with lack of sleep and the stress of all the care that needs to be provided to the newborn, can lead to hair loss.
Finally, we must remember that hair can also fall out due to pulling on it. This is known as traction alopecia. It occurs due to frequently wearing very tight hairstyles such as buns, ponytails, or braids, due to the habitual use of curlers or extensions, among other reasons.
To prevent hair loss, DSD de Luxe specialists recommend avoiding tight hairstyles such as braids, buns, or ponytails. They also advise eating a balanced diet. “Scalp massages help maintain proper blood circulation in the scalp. Hair follicles require optimal oxygenation conditions for their functioning, which depend on the supply of oxygen through the blood,” they add.
+ There are no comments
Add yours