Hair Loss Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

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What is alopecia (hair loss)?

When you start to shed more strands — and fewer or none grow back — the condition is considered alopecia (hair loss). There are several types of hair loss, and it can affect adults of any gender and even children. You may lose hair just on your head or from your body as well. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is the medical term for hair loss?

The medical term for hair loss is “alopecia.” Hair grows on almost all of your skin surfaces — not the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, lips or eyelids. Light, fine, short hair is called vellus hair. Terminal hair is thicker, darker and longer. NOTE: This article uses the term “women” to refer to people AFAB.

What causes hair loss?

Medications and supplements. Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure. Radiation therapy to the head. The hair may not grow back the same as it was before. A very stressful event.

What is hair loss in women?

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/10/2021. Learn more about our editorial process. Hair loss in women refers to a heavy loss of hair, more than 125 hairs per day, among people assigned female at birth.

Is hair loss a sign of a medical condition?

Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition. Some types of hair loss are permanent, like male and female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss usually runs in the family. Other types of hair loss may be temporary. They can be caused by:

Is it normal to lose hair a day?

Losing your hair is not usually anything to be worried about, but it can be upsetting. Treatment may help with some types of hair loss. It's normal to lose hair. We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing. Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition.

Can hair loss be treated?

Treatment may help with some types of hair loss. It's normal to lose hair. We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing. Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition. Some types of hair loss are permanent, like male and female pattern baldness.

What Is Hair Loss

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-loss

Hair Loss Information

1. https://patient.info/news-and-features/understanding-female-hair-loss
2. https://cdn.bad.org.uk/uploads/2022/06/15083605/Alopecia-Areata-Update-July-2020-Lay-reviewed-July-2020.pdf