Did you know that the average person sheds around 75 hairs a day? This isn't a big deal considering that the scalp has over 100,000 hairs. Yet some people lose many more than 75 hairs a day. Why? There are a variety of reasons.
Genetics and Hormones
One of the most common causes of hair loss is male pattern baldness. There is also female pattern baldness as well. This condition is hereditary so it affects those whose parents or grandparents suffer from the condition. Hair loss can also be triggered by sex hormones. Hormonal hair loss typically occurs in men and can start with puberty. Yet it can also occur to women during menopause, pregnancy and when birth control pills are no longer taken.
Medical Conditions
Several different medical conditions can cause hair loss. Alopecia areata happens when the immune system begins to attack the body's hair follicles. The result is round patches of baldness. Thyroid problems can also cause hair loss. If the thyroid gland isn't operating as it should, hair loss often times results. Skin disorders like lupus and lichen planus can also create scarring that can prevent hair from growing. Sometimes, infections on the scalp, like ringworm can cause hair loss.
Medications
Hair loss is also caused by several different medications. When people take medications to treat various maladies like arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, heart problems and depression, one of the side effects is often the loss of hair.
Other Causes
There are several other causes of hair loss. These include emotional and physical shocks like a death in the family and other major life events. Surprisingly, there are some hairstyles that can cause hair loss as well. Both cornrows and pigtails can result in hair loss if the hair is pulled together too tightly.
To combat hair loss, give minoxidil a try. This medication slows hair loss. It even has the potential to completely stop hair loss and encourage the regrowth of hair. Minoxidil can be purchased over the counter. It was specifically designed to treat androgenic alopecia but anyone suffering from hair loss can benefit from using the medication, regardless of whether they are male or female. Minoxidil is deisgned to be used for an indefinite period of time in order to strengthen currently existing hair follicles and also to promote the regrowth of other follicles. Just apply it once or twice a day and make sure that it is applied at least 4 hours before showering or swimming.