Why do we lose hair?

Hair loss is a phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide and can be both frustrating and stressful. But why do we actually lose hair? There are a number of factors at play, from genetics and hormones to lifestyle and medical conditions. In this article, we look at the most common causes of hair loss and what you can do to prevent it.

Natural hair cycle

To understand hair loss, it is important to first know the natural hair cycle. Each hair follicle goes through three phases:

Anagen phase (is for growth): The active growth phase that can last for several years.
Catagen phase (transitional phase): A short period of a few weeks when the hair stops growing.
Telogen phase (resting phase): During this phase, which lasts a couple of months, the hair falls out and is replaced by a new hair that starts a new anagen phase.

It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of this natural cycle. Problems arise when the balance is upset and more hairs are lost than are replaced.

Genetic causes of hair loss

The most common cause of hair loss is genetic and is called androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. It affects both men and women but in different ways:

Men: Hair loss often starts at the temples and crown, leading to a typical "horseshoe shape" of remaining hair.
Women: In women, hair is usually thinned out evenly across the scalp without creating obvious bald patches.

The genetic predisposition is linked to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause hair follicles to shrink and produce thinner, shorter hair until they stop growing altogether.

Hormones and life stages

Hormonal changes can have a major impact on hair status. Some common examples include:

Pregnancy and childbirth: Many women experience increased hair loss after childbirth, which is due to hairs that were retained during pregnancy entering the telogen phase at the same time.
Menopause: During menopause, estrogen levels drop, which can lead to thinning hair.
Thyroid disorders: Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss.

Lifestyle factors

Your lifestyle can play a crucial role in the health of your hair. Some factors to keep an eye on:

Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, which means that more hair follicles enter the resting phase at the same time.
Diet: Lack of essential nutrients such as protein, zinc and biotin can lead to hair loss.
Hair products and styling: Overuse of chemical treatments and heat tools can damage hair follicles.

Medical conditions

Several medical conditions can contribute to hair loss, including:

Alopecia areata: an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss.
Lupus: Another autoimmune disease that can affect hair growth.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Can lead to increased hair loss due to hormonal imbalances.

What can be done about hair loss?

There are several treatments to counteract hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. Some examples are:

Medical treatments: Drugs such as minoxidil and finasteride can slow down hair loss and in some cases stimulate new growth.
PRP treatment: A method that uses your own blood plasma to stimulate hair follicles.
Hair transplantation: a permanent solution for those suffering from significant hair loss.

How ZARC Hair Clinic can help you

At ZARC Hair Clinic, we offer personalized solutions for all types of hair loss. We combine advanced techniques like PRP and hair transplants with an in-depth understanding of each patient's unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey to healthier, fuller hair!

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