Causes of Baldness: Why Hair Loss Happens and What You Can Do
Baldness can develop gradually over several years or appear unexpectedly. Although it is often associated with ageing, hair loss can affect adults of different ages and may have several possible causes. Identifying the cause is important because treatment depends on the type and extent of hair loss.
Genetics and Hormones
The most common cause of baldness in men is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern baldness. It is influenced by genetics and sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Hair may begin receding at the temples or thinning around the crown. Over time, the affected follicles become smaller and produce shorter, finer hairs until growth may eventually stop.
Women can also experience hereditary hair loss, although it usually appears as general thinning across the top of the scalp rather than a completely bald area.
Stress, Illness and Hormonal Changes
Significant physical or emotional stress can interrupt the normal hair-growth cycle. Hair shedding may increase several weeks or months after:
This condition is commonly called telogen effluvium. It is often temporary, but an assessment may be necessary when shedding continues.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles. It commonly causes smooth, round patches of hair loss on the scalp or beard.
The condition is different from hereditary baldness and requires appropriate medical evaluation before treatment is recommended.
Tight Hairstyles and Hair Damage
Repeated tension from tight braids, dreadlocks, extensions, ponytails or other pulling hairstyles can cause traction alopecia. Early cases may improve after the tension is stopped, but prolonged pulling can permanently damage follicles.
Harsh chemicals, excessive heat and frequent processing can also weaken hair and cause breakage, although breakage is not always the same as true baldness.
Scalp Conditions
Fungal infections, inflammation and certain scarring scalp disorders can damage hair follicles. Warning signs may include itching, scaling, redness, pain, sores or smooth scarred areas.
These symptoms should be assessed promptly because some forms of scarring hair loss can become permanent.
Nutrition, Medication and Medical Conditions
Hair loss may sometimes be associated with iron deficiency, inadequate nutrition, thyroid disorders or other health conditions. Certain medicines and medical treatments can also cause shedding.
Supplements should not be taken blindly. A qualified healthcare professional can determine whether testing or medical treatment is necessary.
Can Baldness Be Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause, age of the patient, condition of the scalp and availability of healthy donor hair. Options may include prescribed medication, PRP therapy, changes in hair-care practices, scalp treatment, scalp micropigmentation or hair transplantation.
Hair transplantation may be considered when follicles in a bald area have been permanently lost but a suitable donor area remains. It relocates healthy follicles to areas affected by thinning or baldness. Results vary, and suitability must be assessed individually.
Get a Professional Hair Assessment
If you are experiencing a receding hairline, thinning crown, bald patches or unusual shedding, an early assessment can help identify the likely cause and suitable next steps.
Contact Artistic Hair Transplant Clinic Uganda for a personalised hair and scalp assessment at Kulambiro Ring Road, Fotogenix Centre, Kampala.