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Hair Regrowth Facts

Alopecia areata is a condition characterized by hair loss on the head and body. In general, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness cause permanent hair loss, but hair often grows back in other situations.

  1. Causes of Hair Loss

    • Hair loss can be caused by severe stress, crash diets, medication, chemotherapy or radiation treatments, thyroid diseases and fungal infections, according to Medline Plus. Male-pattern baldness, which involves a receding hairline and thinning of the crown, and female-pattern baldness, which involves a general thinning, do not have a specific cause.

    Outlook

    • Hair loss caused by stress, medications and other conditions usually reverses once the trigger is removed. Since hair grows about a half-inch each month, this process takes several months.

    Considerations

    • Hair usually grows back in the same color and texture as before, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). However, it may grow back white or differently textured.

    Advice

    • Many hair-loss patients wear wigs, hairpieces, scarves, hats and bandannas while their hair grows back. Makeup can also help conceal missing eyebrows or eyelashes. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation also sponsors message boards, support groups and an annual conference, according to NIAMS.

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