Hair loss (alopecia) is an earlier-than-expected or excessive loss
of hair. Everyone has some hair loss every day, but some people have a lot of
hair loss early in life because it runs in their family (inherited) or because
of disease, medicines, aging, injury, stress, or hair care.
The most common type of hair loss is inherited, which is called
male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). In this type of
hair loss, your genes affect how hair grows. Men generally develop bald spots
on the forehead area or on the top of the head. Women have an overall thinning
of the hair throughout the scalp. Other types of hair loss can cause hair
thinning or clumps of hair to fall out.
Other causes of hair loss include:
- Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis), which is
common in children.
- Pulling your hair back too tightly, wearing
tight braids or ponytails, or using curling irons or dyes.
- Age.
Hair loss is treated with medicines and surgery, including hair
transplants. Cosmetic approaches include hair pieces (wigs or toupees) or hair
styling techniques, such as combing or dyeing. The specific treatment depends
on the cause of the hair loss.
Last Updated:June 17, 2008
Author:Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology