baldness

Baldness is the bane of countless folk across the globe. Over 20% of the population suffer from baldness or at least some sort of hair problem; this could range from dull, thin, lifeless hair through to hair loss, but in extreme cases baldness. In a person with a healthy, full head of hair, hair loss of up to 50 hairs a day is deemed normal. People who are suffering from the onset of something called male pattern baldness can lose up to 250 hairs a day, and the baldnesscycle has begun. Baldness is often a hereditary condition and is a gradual process. By the age of 35 almost 40% of men will experience some degree of hair loss, prompting fears of eventual baldness. Hair becomes thinner and re-growth is reduced. It should be noted that this type of hair loss is irreversible. However, the process can be slowed down and existing hair can be strengthened, delaying the inevitable baldness. Women can also suffer from hair loss, leading to baldness. It can be due to many factors such as a hormonal imbalance, stress and anxiety, illness or dieting.

Baldness - also known as alopecia - is excessive loss of hair on the scalp or other parts of the body. Hair loss is natural, although baldness is the extreme. People normally lose approximately 100 hairs each day, but hair loss can become worrisome and cause anxiety of possible baldness setting in, when it seems to occur suddenly and with increasing frequency. Hair performs no vital function relative to the medical well being of humans, but many people consider hair one of the true signs of beauty, youth and vitality. Thus, the psychological implications of hair loss and the potential baldness that follows, cannot be underestimated. Hair loss is often thought of as primarily a male problem because it is usually more evident in men, but females can also experience significant thinning and baldness; however hair loss in women is much more gradual and doesn’t usually occur until after menopause and very rarely leads to total baldness.

In general, thinning on top begins in the frontal area, above the forehead, and may simultaneously occur on the crown region, resulting in a familiar ‘bald spot’ which preceeds the eventual baldness. There are many types of hair loss such as: Alopecia areata - generally thought to be an autoimmune disorder. Cause "patchy" hair loss, often in small circular areas in different areas of the scalp. Alopetia totalis - total hair loss of the scalp - baldness (an advanced form of alopecia areata). Alopecia universalis - hair loss of the entire body - baldness all over! (also an advanced form of alopecia areata) Traction alopecia - Hair loss caused by physical stress and tension on the hair such as prolonged use of hair weaving, corn rows etc. Done too tightly on weak hair these can cause permanent hair loss, i.e. baldness. Telogen effluvium - usually temporary hair loss. Causes: Physical stress -- emotional stress -- thyroid abnormalities- medications and hormonal causes normally associated with females. Anagen effluvium - generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, that poison the growing hair follicle. All of these represent only a few of the different types of hair loss.

Within this site you’ll find information on male and female pattern baldness; causes, treatments and remedies - including some of the herbal variety; plus some of the latest scientific findings on baldness.