Normal Hair Loss
Shedding
During the resting period of the cycle, the hair follicle is reaching the point of detachment and the bulb of the hair shaft moves closer to the surface of the scalp. As time passes during this period, shampooing and other movement on the scalp will cause the hair to disengage from the scalp. This is part of the normal shedding process. We shed an average of 50-100 hairs per day. Under normal conditions new hairs grow to replace each hair that has been shed, keeping the average number of growing hairs about the same at all times. Hair loss may involve many unknown factors, however, healthy hair is part of the over all good health of any person and is directly related to healthy conscientious nutrition. A well balanced diet may not interfere with a genetic predisposition – however it will support the health and appearance of the hair that is retained on your head.
50 Hair Example:
For the first example, we have a person with about 100,000 active hair follicles on their scalp, with a 60 month average growth period, and a 3 month average rest period. On average they will shed about 1/63 (60 months +3 months ) of their hairs in any given month, or about 1,500 hairs every 30 days. This works out to about 50 hairs per day, and would be normal hair loss.100 Hair Example:
In our second example, a person with 120,000 active hair follicles, a 36 month average growth period, and a 3 month average rest period, will shed about 1/40th (36 +3) of their hairs in a given month, or about 3,000 hairs. This works out to about 100 hairs per day, and would be normal hair loss.New Hairs Grow:
Under normal conditions, approximately the same number of new hairs will just start growing to replace the hairs that have been shed, so the average number of growing hairs remains about the same all the time.Hair loss may affect anyone at any age, Androgentic hair loss being the most common form of hair loss. Hair loss may also be the result of an auto immune reaction, in which a person's immune system attacks the hair follicles, as in Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis and Alopecia Universalis. Hair loss may also be self inflicted as in Trichotillomania. Hair and its appearance contributes greatly to our self-esteem – hair loss may be interpreted as some form of illness or a diminished vitality. Studies have indicated that hair loss has had a detrimental effect in the efforts of men and women persuing high profile careers as well as children and adolescents persuing their education.
Alopecia
Alopecia Areata is a highly unpredictable, autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. This disease affects approximately 1.7 percent of the population overall, including more than 4 million people in the United States alone. Alopecia Areata is not commonly known; the impact on ones life can be significant for an adult at work as well as children and adolescents in school.
Alopecia Areata occurs in males and females and can occur at any age. When Alopecia Areata is experienced during childhood or adolescence it can be particularly difficult. Alopecia Areata is not a life threatening condition and is too often regarded as a manageable cosmetic condition by health insurance providers. Although not life-threatening, Alopecia Areata may occur suddenly, its unpredictability makes it difficult to treat as well as manage cosmetically.
Alopecia Areata usually starts with one or more small, round, smooth bald areas on the scalp and can progress to Alopecia Totalis, total scalp hair loss as well as Alopecia Universalis, complete body hair loss.Alopecia Totalis is complete hair loss of the scalp and frequently begins as Alopecia Areata. Alopecia Areata does not always spread to total hair loss of the scalp. Alopecia Totalis is not always preceded by Alopecia Areata.
Alopecia Universalis is total body hair loss; the cause is the same as Alopecia Areata and Alopecia Totalis.
The National Alopecia Areata Foundation has a yearly convention and welcomes children and their families. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and learn about the types of research taking place to unravel the mystery of this type of hair loss. Support groups may also be available in your area; you may find information about their location through your dermatologist or the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is the recurrent pulling out of ones own hair resulting in noticeable hair loss. It was previously thought to be quite rare. However, studies have shown that over 1 percent of the population are experiencing some form of TTM. It is important to realize that you are not alone – most people with TTM think you would have to be crazy to pull out your own hair. They keep this information to themselves and often do not realize that there are many other people dealing with TTM.The Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc. (TLC) is a national non-profit organization devoted to raising public awareness, developing a support network and resources, and raising funds to find a cure for Trichotillomania and related disorders such as skin picking and nail biting. TLC has been in existence since 1991 and has assisted over 50,000 individuals since its inception. For more information on TLC please visit www.trich.org.
Chemotherapy related hair loss
Hair loss may be one of the more difficult aspects of cancer treatment. Our self-image affects our self-esteem, and when we loose our hair it may be emotionally upsetting. Being educated and understanding your options will support you in making accurate choices that feel right for you.Each individual’s experience is different and being educated and preparing in advance will support you in dealing with the cosmetic issues of the cancer treatment experience.
Determine in advance the amount of hair loss, if any, you can expect.
Chemotherapy related hair loss is usually temporary, depending on the type of treatment you receive. Hair loss may occur during the first few weeks after your first treatment and will begin to grow back a month or so after your final treatment. The growing process will seem slow at first, since few of us have ever experienced near total hair loss before. The color and texture may seem different than you remember, do not worry, it almost always returns to its original condition and color.
A hair prosthetic (wig) may be the most emotionally supportive investment you make during your treatment. Looking as much like “you” as possible will contribute to your overall comfort and self-esteem. Advance preparation may be the key to your success with your hair needs. Your physician, nurse or oncologist would be a place to start. They may have information regarding hair loss consultants in your area. Should you decide to participate in a support group, speak with others in the group about their experience and request referral information.
Options:
To avoid the discomfort of shedding hair, many people choose to have their head shaved in the very early stages of hair loss. Many of our clients have expressed a freedom as a result of the shaving process, mentioning they feel more in control and are relieved that they do not have to deal with all their hair falling out. Shaving is most often the choice when excessive hair loss is experienced.If you are planning to purchase a hair prosthesis plan ahead, arrange an appointment with a hair replacement professional as soon after you know that you are going to loose your hair as possible. A qualified professional will be able to guide you through the process, insuring the fit and comfort as well as the color, density, length and style. Most often we suggest that the esthetic elements reflect the hairstyle and color of your own hair, prior to the medication, to insure your personal comfort. Make an inquiry with your insurance company, they may cover all or a portion of the expense.
This information only touches the most common types of hair loss. Many other hair loss conditions exist and there are endless amounts of information available regarding hair loss. For more information about hair loss refer to findarticles.com
Making an informed, educated choice:
- Visit a hair loss consultant prior to your hair loss. This will provide the professional with accurate color samples as well as an opportunity to observe your current hairstyle.
- Request to see hair prosthetic samples. Examine the interior to determine comfort, Comfort and fit are very important.
- Synthetic hair is often an appropriate choice for anyone needing coverage for the period of approximately one year. If you know you will be without hair longer than one year a human hair prosthetic may be a consideration. Ask to see a human hair prosthetic and compare. A hand tied front and top may be more desirable. Request to see both machine made and hand tied.
- As with all personal experiences comfort is important. A private, secure environment along with trained hair loss consultants will greatly enhance your visit. Professional advice, both technical and esthetic will provide the most attractive and comfortable results.
HOME
|
ABOUT US
|
PRODUCTS
|
HAIRLOSS
|
TESTIMONIALS
|
HAIR LOSS BLOG
|
CONTACT US
This Hair Loss treatment and Baldness treatment website ©2002 William
Collier Design
Cold Fusion Web Hosting by InterCoastal Net Designs