Hair loss is one of the most common hair problems and often results in a baldness problem called “Alopecia” if scientific treatment is not given and preventions are not taken in the early stages of hair loss. To prevent such a problem, the cause and type of hair loss must be determined.

Problems related to hair can be; reduced amount of hair, hair falling out or abnormalities seen in the strands of hair.

In the medical world hair loss is classified as followed:

Hair loss starts with the thinning of hair and results with the falling out of all the hair. Under normal conditions, on average, we lose 50-100 strands of hair per day.

The stages of hair life
Hair has its own stages of life that is made up of three stages:

• Anagene stage; is the stage where the hair is at its most lively. It lasts 2-7 years.
• Catagen stage; is the stage where the hair stops growing. It lasts a few weeks.
• Telogene stage; is where the hair falls out. This lasts a few months.

Hair follicles can be present in different stages at the same time. Some of the hair floccules may be in the anagene stage, some in the catagene stage and some in the telogene stage at the same time. Normally the stage where 5-10% of our hair falls out is the talogene stage. This is why it is evaluated as normal for 100 strands of hair to fall out per day.

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss can be due to many reasons such as age, sex and health problems. In the case of more than 100 strands per day of hair loss, which is accepted as the normal amount, a doctor’s advice must be sought.

• Hair loss due to genetic reasons called ‘’androgenetic alopesy’’ is a regional hair loss problem which is more commonly seen in men and in women who have been through the menopause. Hair loss in men is more commonly seen in the temples and the top of the head, in women hair loss is more common on the top of the head.
• Irreversible permanent hair loss may develop due to certain skin diseases such as liken planus. The early diagnosis of liken planus is important in preventing permanent hair loss.
• Some people pull their own hair out due to psychological reasons. In medicine, this is called trichotillomania and is treated with psychological support.
• Hormonal diseases such as thyroid may also cause hair loss.
• Hair loss may be observed during pregnancy due to the change in the hormone levels. This is usually temporary.
• Anaemia due to iron deficiency is one of the most commonly observed causes of hair loss. Hair loss can be prevented with the treatment of anaemia.
• The lack of minerals such as iron and zinc in the body may also cause hair loss. In these cases, mineral supplements can be used to prevent hair loss.
• Certain lifestyle habits can cause hair loss. Insufficient and irregular eating habits, lack of exercise and stress are the main lifestyle habits that may cause hair loss.
• Wrong hair care habits may also cause hair loss. Constantly tightly tying up the hair, wrong hair washing habits, chemical exposure are examples of wrong hair care habits.

Which doctor/ department must be consulted for hair loss?

A doctor must be seen in order to determine the causes of your hair loss. The diagnosis and treatment of hair problems is conducted by a dermatologist specialist.