Hair Loss Information

What Is Normal About Hair Loss?


It is important to note that shedding of hairs is a natural process with anything from 100 to 300 hairs randomly shed each day. In this article we'll look at two distinct aspects of normal hair loss. Firstly, we'll examine what is actually involved in the hair growth cycle. Secondly, we'll assess the natural progression of hair loss over time.

Hair is composed of long, twisted keratin fibers that are protected by a coating of keratinized cells. Just below the surface of the skin lies a cluster of active cells known as the dermal papilla and it is from here that the hair grows into its follicle.

This growing fiber eventually hardens and grows out from the scalp. At this stage the hair fiber is dead with only the root tip containing living cells.

In a little more detail, the hair growth cycle, consists of three distinct stages:

1. Anagen stage - a phase of growth that can last between two and seven years. On average, each hair grows about six inches (15cm) per year.

2. Catagen stage - a phase of transition that lasts roughly two to four weeks. At this time the hair shaft detaches from the dermal papilla and moves up within a shrinking follicle.

3. Telogen stage - a resting period that lasts about three months allowing the hair to detach itself from the follicle before falling out. After this, the cycle repeats itself unless other factors intervene to prevent repetition of the cycle.

Clearly time has a role to play in the development of hair loss for both men and women. Humans are born with varying amounts of soft and fine body hair. Through time some of this hair becomes stronger and develops further characteristics such as colour and texture. Up to the onset of puberty the hairline is characterized by a low spread across the forehead. For men, this continues only for a few more years.

As men progress through their twenties the hairline takes on a more mature look typified by recessions to the frontal temporal regions and accompanied by slight thinning elsewhere. This concave appearance doesn't necessarily equate to premature balding as it is all a question of degree.

The Norwood Scale is an extremely useful tool in developing a hair growth strategy as it allows you to establish your own degree of hair loss in a way that is understood by physicians and other hair loss experts. More importantly, it can help to set your mind at rest and allow you to differentiate between normal hair loss that does not require remedial action and more extreme loss that calls for immediate action.

You can assess the extent of your own hair loss by following the link below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Normal Hair Loss to learn more about the issues covered in this article.


MORE RESOURCES:

Showroom Offers Stylists, Clients New Option To Handle Hair Loss
WDIV, MI - 11 hours ago
A business in Farmington Hills, Mich., is offering women suffering from hair loss a unique option: keep using your regular hair stylist, even if you don't ...


Sporting the Naked Pate: On Hair Loss and Balding
MedIndia, India - Dec 3, 2008
It is important for these individuals to understand the nuances of hair loss and to tackle it appropriately in order to get on, unhindered, ...


Hair Transplant Surgeons to Release Authoritative Book on Hair ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 18 hours ago
The publication, Hair Loss & Replacement for Dummies, is an authoritative guide explaining exactly what causes hair loss and the newest ways to treat it. ...


New Website Offers Consumers Some Much Needed Information ...
IPR Wire, CA - Nov 29, 2008
Website is offering some helpful reviews and other information regarding hair loss treatments that are on the market. Additionally, they are offering their ...


UKMedix Health News

Is Hair Loss Making You Sick....
UKMedix Health News, UK - Dec 1, 2008
A lot of people, (normally those who don’t suffer from hair loss), say that Male Pattern Baldness should not be classified as an illness as such because in ...


District win = hair loss
Detroit Free Press, United States - Nov 11, 2008
By TIM ROBINSON • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • November 11, 2008 FOWLERVILLE — After Monday’s Fowlerville volleyball team practice ended, Pat Stawara sat in a ...


Woman's covered most of the bases on hair loss
SouthCoastToday.com, MA - Nov 19, 2008
An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency is another cause for losing hair. Rapid weight loss can do it. ...


Best Syndication

How to Face the Hair Loss Battle?
Best Syndication, CA - Nov 25, 2008
Majority of men have been unwittingly drafted into the hair loss battle that no one ever wants to be a part of. The true power of the foe has yet to be ...


DNA Hair Loss Test For Women
kypost.com, KY - Nov 20, 2008
Three weeks later, the results will let a person know if they are at risk of significant hair loss before the age of 40. Dr. Robert Leonard said of the test ...


Hair Club Expands its West Palm Beach, FL Location
Emediawire (press release), WA - Dec 2, 2008
If you suffer from hair loss, you're in for terrific news. Hair Club in West Palm Beach will bring additional convenience to its customers by offering hair ...

Hair-Loss - Google News

home | site map
© 2006