The Causes of Hair Loss

Hair is structurally composed of a protein called keratin. Since the follicular structure under the scalp constantly produces new hair cells, old hair cells which are produced are pushed toward the surface of the skin at the rate of six centimeters a year.

The hair that we touch is comprised of a combination of keratin cells that have been produced before.

The average number of hair strands in adults is 100,000-150,000. Hair loss at a daily rate is around 100, which is regarded as normal 

Hair strands have life cycles particular to their follicular structures. These life cycles are divided into three phases. 

The Anagen Phase: Active growth process of the hair that varies from two to eight years. 

The Catagen Phase: The hair growth process takes from two to three weeks. This process is a transitive one. 

The Telogen Phase: The resting phase of the hair strands takes two to three months. At the end of this phase, hair strands fall out and the hair cells previously produced in the follicles begin to be pushed out. Thus, the hair growth cycle returns to its initial stages.

Depending on biological and physiological factors, hair loss can also be seen in young people, and it can be observed through thinning of hair strands and receding of the front hairline. In other words, it is the failure of the telogen phase due to the inability of the follicular structures to produce new cells. 

There are two main causes of hair loss. These factors are analyzed into two separate categories biological and physiological.

Biological factors that cause hair loss:

• Hormones
• Hair growth defects
• Scalp issues
• Genetic predisposition
• Systemic diseases
• Side effects of pills (Conjuncts)
• Poor eating habits
• Vitamin and mineral deficiency
• Contraceptive and chemotherapy process
• Stress and depression

Physiological factors that cause hair loss:

• Dietary factors
• Cosmetic factors
• Exposure to chemicals