HAIR 101
Understanding Hair Loss
Hair loss is not one condition with one solution. Changes in density, shedding, hairline, or scalp visibility can occur for many different reasons—and understanding what may be contributing to hair loss is an important first step before considering treatment.
The Hair Growth Cycle
Hair follicles continuously move through a natural growth cycle. Anagen is the active growth phase and typically lasts several years. Catagen is a short transitional phase, followed by telogen, a resting phase. At the end of the cycle, the hair sheds and the follicle can begin producing another hair.
Some shedding is therefore completely normal. Hair loss becomes more noticeable when the balance of this cycle changes, when fewer follicles remain actively growing, or when individual hairs become progressively finer.
Common Patterns of Hair Loss
One of the most common forms of progressive hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, often called male or female pattern hair loss. Genetics, age and sensitivity of susceptible follicles to androgen signaling can contribute to gradual follicular miniaturization. Over time, affected hairs may become shorter and finer, creating visible reductions in density.
Other forms of hair loss can present very differently. Increased shedding may occur after physiologic or emotional stress, illness, nutritional changes, hormonal shifts or certain medications. Alopecia areata can cause distinct areas of hair loss, while inflammatory or scarring conditions can damage follicles and require medical evaluation.
The appearance of hair loss alone does not always reveal its cause.
Factors That Can Influence Hair Loss
Hair density can be influenced by genetics, age, hormones, medications, medical conditions, nutrition, significant stressors, styling practices and scalp health. More than one factor may be present at the same time.
This is one reason a thoughtful hair-restoration strategy should begin with understanding the history and pattern of the hair loss rather than simply choosing a treatment.
Questions to Consider
When did you first notice the change? Is the change gradual or sudden? Are you seeing increased shedding, progressive thinning, or both? Is the change localized or occurring throughout the scalp? Is there itching, burning, tenderness, redness or scaling? Is there a family history of hair loss? Have there been recent changes in health, medications, hormones, nutrition or significant stress?
These details can help determine whether evaluation by a dermatologist or other qualified medical provider should be part of the next step.
A Thoughtful Place to Start
Understanding the type and history of your hair loss provides context for evaluating the many treatments available today. Griffin Hair Concierge helps clients organize that information, understand their options and prepare informed questions for their medical or hair-restoration providers.