Approximately 90 % of a person’s hair is growing at any given time.  A growth phase lasts anywhere from two to six years.  Approximately 10 % of a person’s hair is in what’s referred to as a resting phase.  The resting phase lasts anywhere from two to three months at a time.  The hair naturally sheds away with the normal hair growth cycle, which means an individual loses between 50 and 100 strands of hair a day.

Inadequate protein in the diet can cause hair loss

Both men and women have been known to use chemical treatments on their hair.  These treatments include dyes, bleaches, straighteners and permanent waves.  When done correctly, these types of treatments will typically not damage hair.  The hair can, however, become weakened from continuous treatments.

Hair loss can start at any age.  When hair loss occurs in young children or teens, it is often because there is some sort of deficiency, such as nutrition or an illness.

There are many different reasons why someone might suffer from excessive hair loss. Hair spontaneously re-grows with some forms of hair loss.  Sometimes a dermatologist can treat other types of hair loss.  There are several different types of hair loss, which cannot be cured.  Though there is currently no cure, new research looks promising.  Hair can sometimes become brittle from chemical treatments.  If this is the case, individuals should stop the chemical treatments until the damaged hair grows out.

Some illnesses which cause hair loss include:

• High fever, severe infection, severe flu
• Major surgery, chronic illness
• Thyroid disease
• Inadequate protein in the diet
• Low serum iron
• Medications
• Birth control pills
• Cancer treatments

Some forms of treatment include cortisone injections into the scalp where the hair loss is occurring, topical medications, a special kind of treatments and pills.

Hair Restoration Surgery

Both dermatologists and dermatological surgeons perform hair restoration surgeries.  This type of surgery is performed in order to correct hair loss.  Patients who have well-defined baldness, thinning hair, limited hair loss or scalp injury, such as burns, are good candidates for hair restoration surgery.

Hair Transplant Surgery

Donor dominance is the basis of hair transplant surgery.  Most people consider a decision regarding hair restoration a very important decision that is not to be taken lightly.  This form of treatment will permanently alter someone’s appearance.  The patient should become well-educated regarding the procedure before the surgery in order to make sure they know exactly what to expect.  A good rule of thumb is to ask for names and phone numbers of at least six satisfied patients.  Give them a call and ask them about their experience and the overall outcome of the procedure.  Look for patients who have had similar surgery and have similar skin characteristics, if possible.  This will be extremely helpful in determining whether or not the surgery is right for you.