Why do we lose our hair? Understanding the hair cycle and possible solutions
La hair loss is a major preoccupation for many French people, often at the very heart of their professional and social lives. For many, the skull has become a battleground where every lost strand is a defeat. The questions "Why am I losing my hair? and "Is my hair loss abnormal?" have therefore become crucial. Understanding the hair cycle is essential to determine whether your hair loss is normal or whether it requires treatment. Don't panic, this article aims to explain in detail the hair cycle, the normal amount of hair we lose each day, and explores solutions, including hair transplants, for those whose hair loss is abnormal.
Why do we lose our hair?
The hair cycle: the three key phases
Human hair follows a life cycle with three distinct phases:
- Anagen phase (active growth) : It lasts from 2 to 7 years, depending on the individual. During this phase, the hair is actively growing. On average, a hair grows about 1 cm a month. This is the longest phase of the hair cycle! We don't realise it, but 85 % of our hair is actively growing at any one time. The length of this phase varies according to genetics and age, thus influencing the maximum length reached by a hair.
2. Catagen phase (regression or transition) : It lasts 2 to 3 weeks. This is the phase when the hair starts to slow down, as if it knew its end was near. It's not growing any more, it's preparing to say goodbye to its life on our head. Only 1 to 3 % of hair are in this semi-retired state. The hair follicle shrinks and the hair gradually detaches from the dermal papilla.
3. Telogen phase (rest) : It lasts around 3 months. The hair no longer grows, but remains attached to the scalp. It is during this phase that the hair is often lost naturally, and is replaced by a new hair which begins to grow, thus restarting the anagen cycle. Around 10 to 15 % of hair are in this phase at any one time.
How much hair is lost every day?
Daily hair loss is a natural and unavoidable phenomenon. On average, a person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day. The variation depends on a number of factors (age, general health, etc.). Yes, it may seem like a lot, but don't worry, it's normal. Think of it as your daily housework: you do a bit of sorting to make room for the newcomers. But be careful, when hair loss consistently exceeds 100 hairs a day and you start to see more hair in the shower than on your head, there's a potential cause for concern.Why are the French worried about hair loss?
Hair loss is not just a physical phenomenon; it also has a psychological impact. The meta-analysis byAukerman et al. (2022) highlights the fact that both men and women suffering from moderately severe hair loss (alopecia, baldness, etc.) experience a emotional distress significant. The study also reveals that to compensate for this loss, many people adopt strategies to hide their baldness, such as buying hats or working out intensively, to divert attention from their hair.
The causes are often varied:
- Genetic factors Androgenetic alopecia, or hereditary baldness, is the most common cause.
- Hormonal imbalances : Often observed after pregnancy, at the menopause, or as a result of endocrine disorders.
- Stress and nutrition : A stressful lifestyle or unbalanced diet can accentuate hair loss.
Treatments for hair loss
Several hair loss treatments are available:
Topical solutions Minoxidil: Lotions or foams containing minoxidil, which can stimulate hair growth in hair that hasn't fallen out permanently. However, it also has disadvantages and side effects (see article)
Oral medicines Like finasteride, which blocks the action of DHT (the main hormone responsible for baldness), limiting the spread of baldness. But beware of side effects (see article)
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy Growth factors: Use growth factors from the patient's own blood to stimulate hair follicles.
However, these treatments are not always sufficient, especially in cases of advanced alopecia. And in this case there is only one lasting solution: hair transplant.
Hair transplants: a solution worth considering
When medical treatments fail or when baldness is too advanced, the hair transplant is the long-lasting and effective solution. This minimally invasive procedure involves taking hair follicles (grafts) from a donor area, usually at the back of the head, and implanting them in balding areas.
The benefits of hair transplantation :
- Natural results Grafted hair grows naturally and is undetectable.
- Permanent solution Unlike topical or oral treatments, hair transplants offer a lasting solution to hair loss.
- Improved self-confidence : Regaining a dense head of hair can significantly improve self-perception and general well-being.
Some Klineva hair transplant results
Conclusion: Understanding and combating hair loss
La hair loss is a reality for many people in France, but it's crucial to distinguish between normal hair loss and hair loss signifying an underlying problem. By understanding the hair cycle and identifying the signs of abnormal hair loss, it is possible to take effective action in time to remedy the problem. For those whose hair loss is already significant, the hair transplant is an option to consider for a dense head of hair and renewed self-confidence.Similar questions
How much hair is lost every day?
On average, a person loses between 50 and 100 hairs a day. This is a normal part of the hair cycle and should not be a cause for concern. However, if you are losing much more, it may be time to consult a specialist.
How can I tell if my hair loss is abnormal?
Hair loss becomes a concern when you notice signs such as :
- A general thinning of your hair.
- Areas of your scalp becoming bald (patchy alopecia).
- A noticeable receding hairline or incipient baldness. From stage 2 of the Norwood or Ludwig scale, see here.
What are the main causes of hair loss?
The main causes include :
- Genetic factors (androgenic alopecia).
- Hormonal imbalances (pregnancy, menopause, endocrine disorders).
- Stress and poor diet.
What treatments are available to combat hair loss?
There are several treatments available to slow hair loss:
- Hair transplants are the long-lasting and effective solution for alopecia
- Minoxidil, a topical solution that stimulates hair regrowth. But beware of side effects.
- Finasteride, an oral medication that blocks the DHT hormone responsible for baldness. But beware of side effects.
- PRP therapies, which use the patient's own blood plasma to revitalise the hair follicles.