Most individuals fail to differentiate between hair loss and hair breakage. These two terms, which are often use synonymously, in truth hold very different meanings, are caused by different factors, and are resolved in different ways.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition in which hair starts falling off the scalp, or other parts of the body. Hair loss is not contagious and is, in most cases, manageable or solvable. An adults’ head has approximately 100,000 to 150,000 hairs, and, on average, a person looses 100 hairs every day. Hair loss must not become a concern unless the number exceeds the average rate.
Types of hair loss or alopecia:
- Scarring alopecia causes permanent hair loss. When affected by this condition, the scalp loses its ability to regenerate hair.
- Telogen effluvium causes temporary hair loss. Hair follicles enter their resting phase and cause shedding and thinning of the hair.
- Alopecia universalis causes hair loss throughout the body including scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes and pubic hair.
- Alopecia areata or alopecia totalis causes temporary hair loss in children and young adults. However, hair regrows in 90% of the cases.
- Androgenic alopecia occurs in men in their early 20s and in females in their late 40s.
- Involutional alopecia causes thinning and shortening of the hair. As the age progresses hair follicles enter into their resting phase. It is a natural and normal condition.
What are the causes of hair loss?
- Hereditary
Hereditary hair loss usually appears with age in the form of receding hairline and bald spots in men, and thinning of hair along the crown in women.
- Diet
Consuming a diet which does not contain adequate levels of protein can lead to hair loss.
- Hormonal interference
Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, abnormal androgen levels and thyroid problems can cause permanent or temporary hair loss.
- Side-effects of drugs
Medicines used for cancer, arthritis, gout, hypertension, depression and cardiovascular problems can cause hair loss.
- Trauma
Any physical or emotional shock can cause temporary hair loss. This usually occurs several months after the trauma.
- Hair styles
Curling, straightening and rolling of hair by applying heat and hair styles which involve pulling of hair often lead to hair loss.
Hot oil massage, frequent shampooing, bleaching and dyeing can cause severe hair damage hence, hair loss.
Now, what is hair breakage?
Contrary to hair loss, where the complete strand of hair falls off the scalp with or without the hair bulb, when dealing with hair breakage, the shaft of hair can break from anywhere. Hair can break from the start, mid or the end especially when combing or touching it. This usually results in split ends, short pieces of hair and brittle hair.
What are the causes of hair breakage?
Hair breakage is caused by the moisture, or lack there of, in the hair. When hair is regularly moisturized and not allowed to become dry, it doesn’t lose its tendency to bounce back upon stretching. On the other hand, in case of dehydration, hair becomes brittle and weak, loosing its ability to bounce back when its being combed or brushed.
Just as for hair loss, dietary problems, hormonal imbalances, thyroid and androgen interferences, tight hair styles, heating and hair treatments can also cause hair breakage.
Other factors which are unique to hair breakage and facilitate it, include over brushing, dehydration, vigorous towel drying and not having regular haircuts.
References:
- Gardner, S. (2020, January 23). Hair Loss – Types of Aloecia & Causes of Thinning Hair. Retrieved August 24, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/understanding-hair-loss-basics
- Hair loss. (2020, May 22). Retrieved August 24, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
- Hair breakage: Common causes, types, repair, and prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved August 24, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325026