Health Network News

Each hair strand survives for an average of 4.5 years, after which the hair falls out and is replaced in 6 months by a new strand of hair. Each month, it grows about half an inch. “Hair loss” or baldness is the case when the body fails to grow new hairs - and not literally due to hair loss.

Hair loss is attributable to various factors such as aging, heredity and testosterone. Usually, men and women lose hair thickness as they age. Hereditary baldness affects more men than women. Men, however, who do not produce testosterone do not develop baldness patterns. Meanwhile, women develop a hair loss due to genetics, age and pregnancy. Sometimes, abrupt physical or emotional strain could lead one to lose half of the hair throughout the scalp. The hair shedding will stop only after 6 to 8 months. This tension could be caused by severe infections, childbirth, major illnesses, critical emotional stress, medications and crash dieting.

There are some women between the age of 30 and 60 years that may observe that their hair is thinning out. Many have reported that this hair loss begins heavy, with much of strands stuck in combs or falling out in showers but will gradually diminish as they get older. There is still no identified cause for this type of hair loss. Hair loss which results from menopause or childbirth normally returns to normal within 6 months to 2 years.

If you, however, had a hair loss because of radiation therapy or other sicknesses, treatment is not necessary. Your hair will naturally grow back until your body returns to its normal state.

Women who love hair pieces should refrain from suturing the hair accessories to the scalp as it runs the risk of scars and infection. For deep and abnormal hair loss, it is best to see a doctor.