What is Hair Loss? (Introduction)

Hair loss means more hair is falling out than is growing back, or hair is becoming thinner and finer. Losing 50 to 100 strands a day is normal. Loss beyond that, a widening parting, a receding hairline or bald patches deserves attention.

How hair grows

Each follicle cycles through a growth phase (anagen, 2 to 6 years), a short transition phase and a resting phase (telogen, about 3 months) before the hair sheds. When many follicles move into rest together, or when follicles shrink, visible thinning follows.

Common patterns

• Telogen effluvium: sudden diffuse shedding a few months after illness, fever, surgery, childbirth, crash dieting or heavy stress. It is usually temporary.
• Androgenetic alopecia: gradual thinning at the crown or parting in women and at the temples and crown in men. It is genetic and slowly progressive.
• Alopecia areata: smooth, round bald patches caused by an autoimmune attack on follicles.
• Scarring alopecia: follicles are destroyed and cannot regrow. This needs early care from a dermatologist.

Who is affected

Hair loss can affect men, women and children, though causes and patterns differ by age.

The Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda links hair to the bone tissue (asthi dhatu) and to pitta, and describes hair fall as khalitya or indralupta. This is an interpretive framework. It does not replace a medical diagnosis, and the evidence for Ayurvedic hair treatments is limited.

Key point

Many causes of hair loss are treatable or reversible, so finding the cause comes first.

Before your appointment

Note when shedding began, how much you lose, and any recent illness, fever, surgery, crash diet, new medicine or stress. Bring recent blood reports such as ferritin, thyroid, B12 and vitamin D, a list of the products you use, and monthly photos of your parting. Mention any family history of hair loss or autoimmune disease.