Hair loss is more common than you think! Check out these facts and statistics about hair loss in the UK for proof.
We shed around 100 hairs a day
Believe it or not both men and women shed around 100 hairs in a single day! Most hair (about 80% of it) falls out as a result of washing or brushing the hair. It’s perfectly normal to lose all of these hairs so don’t panic! Most people grow more hairs than they’re shedding anyway.
Vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss
A deficiency in important vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iron can lead to hair loss. This is because they effect the growth cycle and prematurely shift hairs into the shedding stage. Over-exercising, fad diets, illness and surgery can all cause vitamin deficiencies and lead to hair loss.
Illnesses that can cause hair loss
A number of illnesses can also trigger hair loss including scalp ringworm, psoriasis and eczema. Scalp ringworm is a fungal infection that is usually passed on by sharing towels, brushes or sheets. It can cause bald, scaly patches but is easily treated with oral medication and a medicated shampoo.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause scaly, itchy patches, in addition to hair loss. This is treated using a process of descaling. Steroids are often required to reduce inflammation.
Whilst hair loss isn’t directly caused by eczema and conditions like dermatitis, the itchiness can cause people to scratch their heads excessively, causing damage and breakage to the hair.
Mistreating your hair can lead to hair loss
Although it’s unlikely to cause permanent hair loss, overworking your hair can make it weak and more likely to break. Processes that can lead to temporary hair loss include aggressive brushing, back combing, straightening and using hair dye.
8 million women in the UK experience hair loss
According to the NHS, 8 million women in the UK experience hair loss, which is medically known as alopecia. It can lead to a number of psychological problems including poor self-esteem and heightened self-consciousness.
Male pattern baldness affects around half of all men
Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss. The NHS says it affects around half of all men by the age of fifty and usually starts around the late twenties and early thirties.
Male pattern baldness generally results in a receding hairline, followed by thinning of the hair on the crown and temples. In some cases it progresses to complete baldness. According to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 40% of men will experience noticeable hair loss by the age of thirty five.
The condition is hereditary and thought to be caused by oversensitive hair follicles that react to a by-product of the hormone testosterone.
Alopecia causes bald patches to appear on the scalp.
Alopecia Areata affects 2 people in every 1000 in the UK
Alopecia Areata causes bald patches on the scalp, around the size of a large coin. In most cases, the hair grows back within a few months, however it sometimes grows back fine and white first before returning to its normal state.
Some people go on to develop more severe forms of hair loss. One of these is Alopecia Totalis, which means no scalp hair. The other is Alopecia Universalis, which is no hair on the scalp or body.
The condition is caused by a problem with the immune system and is common among people who have other autoimmune conditions such as hyperthyroidism, Down’s syndrome and Diabetes.
The hair loss can happen at any point, although it is most common in people age 15 – 29.
This condition can cause severe emotional distress, with a study on Alopecia UK reporting that it causes dramatic and devastating emotions in patients, which can negatively impact their self-esteem, body image and self-confidence.
If you are experiencing some form of hair loss yourself and want to do something about it, we welcome you to get in touch with the team here at Wimpole. Contact us today on 020 7935 1861.