Signs of Hair Loss

Sudden or gradual hair loss can devastate some people, while others take it in stride. While it is natural to shed a certain amount of hair daily, losing a large amount of hair can indicate a more serious condition.

Thinning

• Thinning hair is typical around the edges of the hairline, and can be caused by chemical damage, lack of blood flow to the scalp, anemia, stress, or a reaction to certain medications.

Shedding

• Hair that is constantly shedding, even when it is not being brushed, combed or touched, is a sign of hair loss. This could be due to diet, pregnancy or a lack of blood circulation to the scalp.

Receding Hairline

• The horseshoe-shaped pattern that some people develop on their scalp is commonly called a receding hairline, and is a sign of hair loss. Typically, this condition is caused by lack of blood flow to the scalp, chemically damaged hair, or brittle or dry hair--or it can be a symptom of several illnesses.

Missing Patches

• Hair that is missing from certain spots on the scalp can indicate alopecia areata. Other causes of missing patches include hair that is pulled too tightly into a style (such as braids or a ponytail), or constant stress or pulling on a certain area of the scalp.

Common Causes

• Contrary to what many believe, hair loss is not genetic. It commonly occurs due to lack of blood circulation to the scalp. High amounts of DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, in the system can also contribute to hair loss.

  Other conditions, such as alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and trichotillomania (deliberately rubbing or pulling out hair), often have hair loss as a symptom or are the cause of hair loss.

Prevention/Solution

• If lack of blood circulation is causing hair loss, gently massaging the scalp for 10 to 15 minutes per day can help. Those with a receding hairline often lack blood circulation to the scalp, and should massage along their hairline.