The most common type of hair loss seen in women is Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as female pattern Alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominately over the top and sides of the head. It effects approximately one-third of all susceptible women.  It may begin as early as puberty but is most commonly seen after menopause.  It is normal to lose approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs do not re-grow or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent's side of the family.

There are two different types of hair loss medically known as anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, which poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage. 

The Growth and Development of Hair

Scalp hair provides no critical function for humans, but when excessive hair loss occurs, the psychological effects can be profound. Unfortunately, hair is not a permanent body part.

Hair grows out of follicles located in the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. At the base of each follicle is the derma papilla, containing nerves and blood vessels responsible for maintaining and continuing healthy hair growth. To form a new hair, a signal is sent to the immature cells in the bulb area of the follicle. The immature cells then migrate towards the papilla and are triggered to divide and mature. In approximately three months, a new hair develops and grows beyond the surface of the skin.

The hair's growth cycle is divided into three stages:

1) Anagen Stage
The growing or active phase that varies for each individual, lasting 2-6 years, growing 1/4 - 1/2 an inch per month.

2) Catagen Stage
The regressive or resting period where there is no growth activity. As soon as the growth phase is completed, degeneration of the hair follicle begins. This stage lasts 1-2 weeks.

3) Telogen Stage
During this phase, which lasts 5-6 weeks, the hair is shed and a new one begins to replace the lost hair and reenters the Anagen phase. Regrowth will continue as long as the papilla stays active and a healthy condition continues to exist.
 

Daily hair loss is a natural biological occurrence. Normal hair loss may be between 50 - 100 hairs per day. At any given time 90% of a healthy head of hair should be in the Anagen (growth) phase and 10% in the Catagen/Telogen phase. A normal head of hair consists of 100,000-150,000 hairs. If you are losing more than 100 hairs per day, this would be classified as excessive loss. Hair loss for six months is considered severe and may result in various forms of Alopecia, total or partial loss of scalp hair. The condition may be temporary or permanent.

When the reasons and treatment for your hair loss are reversed or altered you should see the return of normal hair growth.

Factors Causing Hair Loss

Androgen Alopecia - This is the most common type of hair loss responsible for 85-90% of all male and female temporary or permanent Alopecia. Androgen Alopecia probably occurs to a degree in all adults sometime after puberty. Androgens are hormones present in men and women. Normally higher levels are indicated in males. These hormones develop masculine characteristics. The onset of male & female excessive hair loss is inherited, and the growth of susceptible hair follicles is negatively affected. Thus resulting in temporary or permanent baldness.

Testosterone is converted to a powerful destructive androgen hormone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) when it reacts with the enzyme 5-Alpha Reductase. Androgenic hair loss will not occur in men or women without the presence of DHT. DHT binds to the hair follicle and a progressive follicular miniaturization begins producing a shorter anagen cycle, increasing the number of telogen hairs. Male Androgenic Alopecia may begin anytime after puberty. Females may experience the condition as early as their mid twenties.

Seborrheic Alopecia - A normal supply of sebum from the sebaceous glands is necessary to give hair its pliability and softness. Excessive sebum production may oxidize in the hair follicle and impair the hair's growth. Excessive sebum may produce an "androgenic ointment" containing DHT which can increase the tendency towards hair loss. This paste-like substance is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

Alopecia Areata-- This type of hair loss that is indicated initially by small circular patches but may progress to AIopecia Totalis where all of the hair on the scalp is lost. Alopecia Areata is usually associated with a deficiency in the immune system. A hypothyroid, other autoimmune diseases, and psychological problems may lead to this disorder.

Telogen Effluvium Alopecia - This condition exists when more than 10% percent of the hair follicles progress to the Telogen (shedding) phase. Prolonged stressful situations, high fever, hormonal changes, and a wide variety of medications may contribute to this disorder. Telogen Effluvium normally occurs 3-6 months after childbirth and may last up to a year.

Traction Alopecia - This type of hair loss often occurs as a result of hair styles and headwear that puts undue stress on a region of the scalp.

Inadequate vascular circulation - A rich source of blood supply to the dermal papilla is essential for continued healthy hair growth. Blood is the source of nutrients and oxygen for hair cell production. During the Telogen phase, capillaries supplying essential growth elements to the hair follicle become inactive. Increasing microcirculation may lengthen the anagen (growth) phase producing longer, stronger & healthier hair.

Nutritional Alopecia - Excessive hair loss is often observed in the malnourished. Deficiencies in zinc and iron, high intake of vitamin A, excessive dieting, or sudden weigh loss (bulimia or anorexia) often lead to this disorder.

Dandruff, Psoriasis & Seborrheic Dermatitis - These are scalp disorders often associated with excessive hair loss.

Trichotillomania If you pull out your hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows and have tried to stop but just can't, you are not alone!  You may suffer from trichotillomania.  For more information please visit their website at www.trich.org
 

Vitamin E & Vitamin C are vital for a lifestyle of wellness both…. inside and outside the body. Vitamin E and Vitamin C are uniquely formulated with natural plant botanicals and rich emollients creating new performance and protection for hair, scalp, skin and the internal body. Pure fresh-dried vitamins become solutions for a wellness approach to beauty…inside and out. 

Five reasons why Vitamin E & Vitamin C are beneficial to your hair, scalp & skin:

1. Prevents and stops oxidation
2. Stimulates collagen development
3. Acidifies for pH balance
4. Scavenges free radicals
5. Normalizes natural exfoliation

To order products go to
EC Mode Appearances’ Wellness Page (web link)