Hair Loss
September 19th, 2007 by 
Eric
Normal hair growth:
About 90 percent of hair on the scalp grows constantly. The other 10 percent of scalp hair lies in a resting state that lasts two to three months. At the end of the resting stage, this hair is eventually shed.
But don’t worry shedding is normal; we shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. When a hair is shed, a new hair from the same follicle replaces it and the growing cycle starts again. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month.
However ageing results in the slowing of the rate of hair growth.
What causes excessive hair loss?
Most shedding of hair is due to the normal growth-rest cycle, and losing 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. If you are concerned about excessive loss of hair or dramatic thinning, you should consult a dermatologist. Excess loss of hair may be due to many different causes, including:
* A high fever, severe infection
* Thyroid disease
* Inadequate protein in diet
* Certain medications
* Cancer treatments
* Low serum iron
* Major surgery/chronic illness
* alopecia areata
* Hereditary thinning or balding
* A fungus infection (i.e., ringworm) of the scalp
* Improper hair cosmetic use/improper hair care
Can hair loss be prevented?
Hair loss due to certain causes will regrow naturally. And a dermatologist may treat other causes successfully. There are several causes of hair loss for which there is no successful treatment at present.
Hair can also be replaced by non-surgical methods, such as with medication.
