# Hair loss

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Loss of hair from the head or body

Several terms  redirect here. For other uses, see [Balding (surname)](/source/Balding_(surname)), [Bald (disambiguation)](/source/Bald_(disambiguation)), and [Alopecia (disambiguation)](/source/Alopecia_(disambiguation)).

"Baldness" redirects here; not to be confused with [Boldness](/source/Boldness).

Medical condition

Hair loss Other names Alopecia, baldness A bald spot on a man Pronunciation Alopecia: /ˌæləˈpiːʃ(i)ə, -si.ə/[1] Specialty Dermatology Symptoms Loss of hair from part of the head or body.[2] Complications Psychological distress[3] Types Male-pattern hair loss, female-pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium[4] Treatment Accepting the condition, medications, shaving of balding areas, surgery[4] Medication Pattern hair loss: minoxidil, finasteride[5] Alopecia areata: steroid injections[4] Frequency 50% of males, 25% of females (pattern hair loss by age 50)[4][6]

Explanatory video with English subtitles: What causes hair loss? (in 96 seconds)

**Hair loss**, also known as **alopecia** or **baldness**, refers to a loss of [hair](/source/Hair) from part of the head or body.[2] Typically at least the head is involved.[4] The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body.[7] [Inflammation](/source/Inflammation) or [scarring](/source/Scarring) is not usually present.[4] Hair loss in some people causes [psychological distress](/source/Psychological_distress).[3]

Common types include [male- or female-pattern hair loss](/source/Androgenetic_alopecia), [alopecia areata](/source/Alopecia_areata), and a thinning of hair known as [telogen effluvium](/source/Telogen_effluvium).[4] The cause of male-pattern hair loss is a combination of [genetics](/source/Genetics) and [male hormones](/source/Androgen); the cause of female pattern hair loss is unclear; the cause of alopecia areata is [autoimmune](/source/Autoimmune); and the cause of telogen effluvium is typically a physically or psychologically stressful event.[4] Telogen effluvium is very common following [pregnancy](/source/Pregnancy).[4]

Less common causes of hair loss without inflammation or scarring include the [pulling out of hair](/source/Traction_alopecia), certain medications including [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy), [HIV/AIDS](/source/HIV%2FAIDS), [hypothyroidism](/source/Hypothyroidism), and [malnutrition](/source/Malnutrition) including [vitamin B12](/source/Vitamin_B12_deficiency) and [iron](/source/Iron_deficiency) deficiencies.[3][4] Causes of [hair loss that occurs with scarring](/source/Scarring_hair_loss) or inflammation include [fungal infection](/source/Tinea_capitis), [lupus erythematosus](/source/Lupus_erythematosus), [radiation therapy](/source/Radiation_therapy), and [sarcoidosis](/source/Sarcoidosis).[3][4] Diagnosis of hair loss is partly based on the areas affected.[4]

Treatment of pattern hair loss may simply involve accepting the condition, which can also include [shaving one's head](/source/Head_shaving).[4] Interventions that can be tried include the medications [minoxidil](/source/Minoxidil) (or [finasteride](/source/Finasteride)) and [hair transplant surgery](/source/Hair_transplant_surgery).[5][6] Alopecia areata may be treated by [steroid](/source/Corticosteroid) injections in the affected area, but these need to be frequently repeated to be effective.[4] Hair loss is a common experience.[4] Pattern hair loss by age 50 affects about half of men and a quarter of women.[4] About 2% of people develop alopecia areata at some point in time.[4]

## Terminology

Baldness is the partial or complete lack of hair growth, and part of the wider topic of "hair thinning". The degree and pattern of baldness varies, but its most common cause is [androgenic hair loss](/source/Androgenic_hair_loss), *alopecia androgenetica*, or *alopecia seborrheica*, with the last term primarily used in Europe.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### Hypotrichosis

Hypotrichosis is a condition of abnormal hair patterns, predominantly loss or reduction. It occurs, most frequently, by the growth of [vellus hair](/source/Vellus_hair) in areas of the body that normally produce [terminal hair](/source/Terminal_hair). Typically, the individual's [hair growth](/source/Human_hair_growth) is normal after birth, but shortly thereafter the hair is shed and replaced with sparse, abnormal hair growth. The new hair is typically fine, short and brittle, and may lack pigmentation. Baldness may be present by the time the subject is 25 years old.[8]

## Signs and symptoms

A case of mid-frontal baldness: [Andre Agassi](/source/Andre_Agassi)

Symptoms of hair loss include hair loss in patches usually in circular patterns, dandruff, skin lesions, and scarring. Alopecia areata (mild – medium level) usually shows in unusual hair loss areas, e.g., eyebrows, backside of the head or above the ears, areas the male pattern baldness usually does not affect. In male-pattern hair loss, loss and thinning begin at the temples and the crown and hair either thins out or falls out. Female-pattern hair loss occurs at the [frontal](/source/Frontal_lobe) and [parietal](/source/Parietal_lobe).

People have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on their head. The number of strands normally lost in a day varies but on average is 100.[9] In order to maintain a normal volume, hair must be replaced at the same rate at which it is lost. The first signs of hair thinning that people will often notice are more hairs than usual left in the hairbrush after brushing or in the basin after shampooing. Styling can also reveal areas of thinning, such as a wider parting or a thinning crown.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Throughout his political career, [Urho Kekkonen](/source/Urho_Kekkonen), the [President of Finland](/source/President_of_Finland), was well known for his baldness. He was last known to have had hair in about the 1920s.[10] This photo is of Kekkonen in 1959.

### Skin conditions

A substantially blemished face, back and limbs could point to cystic acne. The most severe form of the condition, [cystic acne](/source/Acne_vulgaris), arises from the same hormonal imbalances that cause hair loss and is associated with [dihydrotestosterone](/source/Dihydrotestosterone) production.[11]

### Psychological

The [psychology](/source/Psychology) of hair thinning is a complex issue. Hair is considered an essential part of overall identity: especially for women, for whom it often represents femininity and attractiveness. Men typically associate a full head of hair with youth and vigor. People experiencing hair thinning often find themselves in a situation where their physical appearance is at odds with their own [self-image](/source/Self-image) and commonly worry that they appear older than they are or less attractive to others. Psychological problems due to baldness, if present, are typically most severe at the onset of symptoms.[12] Two meta analyses on androgenetic alopecia revealed psychosocial distress levels to be moderate, on average, rather than severe and that balding men were no more likely to have depression or self esteem issues compared to non-balding men.[13][14]

Hair loss induced by cancer [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy) has been reported to cause changes in [self-concept](/source/Self-concept) and [body image](/source/Body_image). Body image does not return to the previous state after regrowth of hair for a majority of patients. In such cases, patients have difficulties expressing their feelings ([alexithymia](/source/Alexithymia)) and may be more prone to avoiding family conflicts. Family therapy can help families to cope with these psychological problems if they arise.[15]

## Causes

Although not completely understood,[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] hair loss can have many causes:

### Pattern hair loss

Main article: [Pattern hair loss](/source/Pattern_hair_loss)

Male pattern hair loss is believed to be due to a combination of genetics and the [male hormone](/source/Androgen) [dihydrotestosterone](/source/Dihydrotestosterone).[4] The cause in female pattern hair loss remains unclear.[4]

### Infection

- [Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp](/source/Dissecting_cellulitis_of_the_scalp)

- [Fungal infections](/source/Fungal_infection) (such as [tinea capitis](/source/Tinea_capitis))

- [Folliculitis](/source/Folliculitis) from various causes - [Demodex folliculitis](/source/Demodex_folliculitis), caused by *[Demodex folliculorum](/source/Demodex_folliculorum)*, a microscopic mite that feeds on the sebum produced by the [sebaceous glands](/source/Sebaceous_gland), denies hair essential nutrients and can cause thinning. *Demodex folliculorum* is not present on every scalp and is more likely to live in an excessively oily scalp environment.

- Secondary [syphilis](/source/Syphilis)[16]

### Drugs

- Temporary or permanent hair loss can be caused by several medications, including those for [blood pressure](/source/Blood_pressure) problems, [diabetes](/source/Diabetes_mellitus), [heart disease](/source/Heart_disease) and [cholesterol](/source/Cholesterol).[17] Any that affect the body's hormone balance can have a pronounced effect: these include the contraceptive pill, [hormone replacement therapy](/source/Hormone_replacement_therapy_(menopause)), [steroids](/source/Steroid) and [acne](/source/Acne_vulgaris) medications.[18]

- Some treatments used to cure [mycotic](/source/Fungus) infections can cause massive hair loss.[19]

- Medications (side effects from drugs, including [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy), [anabolic steroids](/source/Anabolic_steroids), and [birth control pills](/source/Birth_control_pill)[20][17])

### Trauma

- [Traction alopecia](/source/Traction_alopecia) is most commonly found in people with [ponytails](/source/Ponytail) or [cornrows](/source/Cornrows) who pull on their hair with excessive force. In addition, rigorous brushing and heat styling, rough scalp massage can damage the [cuticle](/source/Cuticle_(hair)), the hard outer casing of the hair. This causes individual strands to become weak and break off, reducing overall hair volume.

- [Frictional alopecia](/source/Frictional_alopecia) is hair loss caused by rubbing of the hair or follicles, most infamously around the ankles of men from socks, where even if socks are no longer worn, the hair often will not grow back.

- [Trichotillomania](/source/Trichotillomania) is the loss of hair caused by compulsive pulling and bending of the hairs. Onset of this disorder tends to begin around the onset of puberty and usually continues through adulthood. Due to the constant extraction of the hair roots, permanent hair loss can occur.

- Traumas such as childbirth, major surgery, poisoning, and severe stress may cause a hair loss condition known as [telogen effluvium](/source/Telogen_effluvium),[21] in which a large number of hairs enter the resting phase at the same time, causing shedding and subsequent thinning. The condition also presents as a side effect of [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy) – while targeting dividing cancer cells, this treatment also affects hair's growth phase with the result that almost 90% of hairs fall out soon after chemotherapy starts.[22][*[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*]

- Radiation to the scalp, as when radiotherapy is applied to the head for the treatment of certain cancers there, can cause baldness of the irradiated areas.

### Pregnancy

Hair loss often follows [childbirth](/source/Childbirth) in the [postpartum period](/source/Postpartum_period) without causing baldness. During pregnancy, the hair is thicker owing to increased circulating [estrogens](/source/Estrogen). Approximately three months after giving birth (typically between 2 and 5 months), estrogen levels drop and hair loss occurs, often particularly noticeably around the hairline and [temple](/source/Temple_(anatomy)) area. Hair typically grows back normally and treatment is not indicated.[23][24] A similar situation occurs in women taking the fertility-stimulating drug [clomiphene](/source/Clomiphene).

### Other causes

- **Autoimmune disease**. [Alopecia areata](/source/Alopecia_areata) is an [autoimmune disorder](/source/Autoimmune_diseases) also known as "spot baldness" that can result in hair loss ranging from just one location (*Alopecia areata monolocularis*) to every hair on the entire body (*Alopecia areata universalis*). Although thought to be caused by hair follicles becoming dormant, what triggers alopecia areata is not known. In most cases the condition corrects itself, but it can also spread to the entire scalp ([alopecia totalis](/source/Alopecia_totalis)) or to the entire body ([alopecia universalis](/source/Alopecia_universalis)).

- **Skin diseases and cancer**. Localized or diffuse hair loss may also occur in cicatricial alopecia ([lupus erythematosus](/source/Lupus_erythematosus), lichen plano pilaris, folliculitis decalvans, [central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia](/source/Central_centrifugal_cicatricial_alopecia), postmenopausal frontal fibrosing alopecia, etc.). Tumours and skin outgrowths also induce localized baldness (sebaceous nevus, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma). Tumor alopecia is the hair loss in the immediate vicinity of either benign or malignant tumors of the scalp.[25]: 762

- **[Hypothyroidism](/source/Hypothyroidism)** (an under-active [thyroid](/source/Thyroid)) and the side effects of its related medications can cause hair loss, typically frontal, which is particularly associated with thinning of the outer third of the eyebrows (also seen with syphilis). [Hyperthyroidism](/source/Hyperthyroidism) (an over-active thyroid) can also cause hair loss, which is parietal rather than frontal.[26][*[unreliable medical source?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Identifying_reliable_sources_(medicine))*]

- **Sebaceous cysts**. Temporary loss of hair can occur in areas where [sebaceous cysts](/source/Sebaceous_cyst) are present for considerable duration (normally one to several weeks).

- [Congenital triangular alopecia](/source/Triangular_alopecia) – It is a triangular, or oval in some cases, shaped patch of hair loss in the temple area of the scalp that occurs mostly in young children. The affected area mainly contains vellus hair follicles or no hair follicles at all, but it does not expand. Its causes are unknown, and although it is a permanent condition, it does not have any other effect on the affected individuals.[27]

- **Hair growth conditions**. Gradual thinning of hair with age is a natural condition known as *involutional alopecia*. This is caused by an increasing number of [hair follicles](/source/Hair_follicle) switching from the growth, or anagen, phase into a resting phase, or telogen phase, so that remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number. An unhealthy scalp environment can play a significant role in hair thinning by contributing to miniaturization or causing damage.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- **Obesity**. Obesity-induced stress, such as that induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), targets hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) to accelerate hair thinning in mice. It is likely that similar molecular mechanism play a role in human hair loss.[28]

Other causes of hair loss include:

- [Alopecia mucinosa](/source/Alopecia_mucinosa)

- [Biotinidase deficiency](/source/Biotinidase_deficiency)

- [Chronic inflammation](/source/Chronic_inflammation)

- [Diabetes](/source/Diabetes)[29]

- [Pseudopelade of Brocq](/source/Pseudopelade_of_Brocq)

- [Telogen effluvium](/source/Telogen_effluvium)

- [Tufted folliculitis](/source/Tufted_folliculitis)

### Genetics

Genetic forms of localized autosomal recessive hypotrichosis include:

Type OMIM Gene Locus LAH1 607903 DSG4 18q12 LAH2 604379 LIPH 3q27 LAH3 611452 P2RY5 13q14.12-q14.2

## Pathophysiology

[Hair follicle](/source/Hair_follicle) growth occurs in cycles. Each cycle consists of a long growing phase ([anagen](/source/Anagen_phase)), a short transitional phase ([catagen](/source/Anagen_phase)) and a short resting phase ([telogen](/source/Anagen_phase)). At the end of the resting phase, the hair falls out (exogen) and a new hair starts growing in the follicle, beginning the cycle again.

Normally, about 40 (0–78 in men) hairs reach the end of their resting phase each day and fall out.[30] When more than 100 hairs fall out per day, clinical hair loss ([telogen effluvium](/source/Telogen_effluvium)) may occur.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] A disruption of the growing phase causes abnormal loss of anagen hairs ([anagen effluvium](/source/Anagen_effluvium)).

## Diagnosis

Because they are not usually associated with an increased loss rate, male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss do not generally require testing. If hair loss occurs in a young man with no family history, drug use could be the cause.

- **The pull test** helps to evaluate diffuse scalp hair loss. Gentle traction is exerted on a group of hairs (about 40–60) on three different areas of the scalp. The number of extracted hairs is counted and examined under a microscope. Normally, fewer than three hairs per area should come out with each pull. If more than ten hairs are obtained, the pull test is considered positive.[31]

- **The pluck test** is conducted by pulling hair out "by the roots". The root of the plucked hair is examined under a microscope to determine the phase of growth, and is used to diagnose a defect of telogen, anagen, or systemic disease. Telogen hairs have tiny bulbs without sheaths at their roots. Telogen effluvium shows an increased percentage of hairs upon examination. Anagen hairs have sheaths attached to their roots. Anagen effluvium shows a decrease in telogen-phase hairs and an increased number of broken hairs.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- **Scalp biopsy** is used when the diagnosis is unsure; a biopsy allows for differing between scarring and nonscarring forms. Hair samples are taken from areas of inflammation, usually around the border of the bald patch.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- **Daily hair counts** are normally done when the pull test is negative. It is done by counting the number of hairs lost. The hair from the first morning combing or during washing should be counted. The hair is collected in a clear plastic bag for 14 days. The strands are recorded. If the hair count is >100/day, it is considered abnormal except after shampooing, where hair counts will be up to 250 and be normal.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- **[Trichoscopy](/source/Trichoscopy)** is a noninvasive method of examining hair and scalp. The test may be performed with the use of a handheld [dermoscope](/source/Dermoscope) or a video dermoscope. It allows differential diagnosis of hair loss in most cases.[32]

There are two types of identification tests for female pattern baldness: the Ludwig Scale and the Savin Scale. Both track the progress of diffused thinning, which typically begins on the crown of the head behind the hairline, and becomes gradually more pronounced. For male pattern baldness, the [Hamilton–Norwood scale](/source/Hamilton%E2%80%93Norwood_scale) tracks the progress of a receding hairline and/or a thinning crown, through to a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around the head and on to total baldness.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

In almost all cases of thinning, and especially in cases of severe hair loss, it is recommended to seek advice from a doctor or [dermatologist](/source/Dermatologist). Many types of thinning have an underlying genetic or health-related cause, which a qualified professional will be able to diagnose.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Management

See also: [Management of hair loss](/source/Management_of_hair_loss) and [List of investigational hair loss drugs](/source/List_of_investigational_hair_loss_drugs)

### Hiding hair loss

General [Douglas MacArthur](/source/Douglas_MacArthur) with a [comb over](/source/Comb_over)

#### Head

One method of hiding hair loss is the [comb over](/source/Comb_over), which involves restyling the remaining hair to cover the balding area. It is usually a temporary solution, useful only while the area of hair loss is small. As the hair loss increases, a comb over becomes less effective.

Another method is to wear a hat or a hairpiece such as a [wig](/source/Wig_(hair)) or [toupee](/source/Toupee). The wig is a layer of artificial or natural hair made to resemble a typical hair style. In most cases the hair is artificial. Wigs vary widely in quality and cost. In the United States, the best wigs – those that look like real hair – cost up to tens of thousands of dollars. Organizations also collect individuals' donations of their own natural hair to be made into wigs for young [cancer](/source/Cancer) patients who have lost their hair due to [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy) or other cancer treatment in addition to any type of hair loss.

#### Eyebrows

Though not as common as the loss of hair on the head, chemotherapy, hormone imbalance, forms of hair loss, and other factors can also cause loss of hair in the eyebrows. Loss of growth in the outer one third of the eyebrow is often associated with [hypothyroidism](/source/Hypothyroidism). Artificial eyebrows are available to replace missing eyebrows or to cover patchy eyebrows. Eyebrow embroidery is another option which involves the use of a blade to add pigment to the eyebrows. This gives a natural 3D look for those who are worried about an artificial look and it lasts for two years. [Micropigmentation](/source/Micropigmentation) (permanent makeup tattooing) is also available for those who want the look to be permanent.

### Medications

Portuguese advertisement for a hair-loss product from the 1940s

Treatments for the various forms of hair loss have limited success. Three medications have evidence to support their use in male pattern hair loss: [minoxidil](/source/Minoxidil), [finasteride](/source/Finasteride), and [dutasteride](/source/Dutasteride).[33][34] They typically work better to prevent further hair loss, than to regrow lost hair.[33] On June 13, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Olumiant (baricitinib) for adults with severe alopecia areatal. It is the first FDA approved drug for systemic treatment, or treatment for any area of the body.[35]

- [Minoxidil](/source/Minoxidil) (Rogaine) is a nonprescription medication approved for male pattern baldness and alopecia areata. In a liquid or foam, it is rubbed into the scalp twice a day. Some people have an allergic reaction to the propylene glycol in the minoxidil solution and a minoxidil foam was developed without propylene glycol. Not all users will regrow hair. Minoxidil may also be taken orally although this route of administration is not approved by the FDA.[36] The longer the hair has stopped growing, the less likely minoxidil will regrow hair. Minoxidil is not effective for other causes of hair loss. Hair regrowth can take 1 to 6 months to begin. Treatment must be continued indefinitely. If the treatment is stopped, hair loss resumes. Any regrown hair and any hair susceptible to being lost, while Minoxidil was used, will be lost. Most frequent side effects are mild scalp irritation, [allergic contact dermatitis](/source/Allergic_contact_dermatitis), and unwanted hair in other parts of the body.[34]

- [Finasteride](/source/Finasteride) (Propecia) is used in male-pattern hair loss in a pill form, taken 1 milligram per day. It is not indicated for women and is not recommended in pregnant women (as it is known to cause birth defects in fetuses). Treatment is effective starting within 6 weeks of treatment. Finasteride causes an increase in hair retention, the weight of hair, and some increase in regrowth. Side effects in about 2% of males include decreased [sex drive](/source/Libido), [erectile dysfunction](/source/Erectile_dysfunction), and ejaculatory dysfunction. Treatment should be continued as long as positive results occur. Once treatment is stopped, hair loss resumes.[34]

- [Corticosteroids](/source/Corticosteroid) injections into the scalp can be used to treat alopecia areata. This type of treatment is repeated on a monthly basis. Oral pills for extensive hair loss may be used for alopecia areata. Results may take up to a month to be seen.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

- [Immunosuppressants](/source/Immunosuppressant) applied to the scalp have been shown to temporarily reverse alopecia areata, though the side effects of some of these drugs make such therapy questionable.[37]

- There is some tentative evidence that [anthralin](/source/Anthralin) may be useful for treating alopecia areata.[38]

- [Hormonal modulators](/source/Hormonal_modulators) ([oral contraceptives](/source/Oral_contraceptive_pill) or antiandrogens such as [spironolactone](/source/Spironolactone) and [flutamide](/source/Flutamide)) can be used for female-pattern hair loss associated with [hyperandrogenemia](/source/Hyperandrogenism).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

### Surgery

[Hair transplantation](/source/Hair_transplantation) is usually carried out under [local anesthetic](/source/Local_anaesthetic). A surgeon will move healthy hair from the back and sides of the head to areas of thinning. The procedure can take between four and eight hours, and additional sessions can be carried out to make hair even thicker. Transplanted hair falls out within a few weeks, but regrows permanently within months.[39]

- Surgical options, such as follicle transplants, scalp flaps, and hair loss reduction, are available. These procedures are generally chosen by those who are self-conscious about their hair loss, but they are expensive and painful, with a risk of infection and scarring. Once surgery has occurred, six to eight months are needed before the quality of new hair can be assessed. - Scalp reduction is the process of decreasing of the area of bald skin on the head. In time, the skin on the head becomes flexible and stretched enough that some of it can be surgically removed. After the hairless scalp is removed, the space is closed with hair-covered scalp. Scalp reduction is generally done in combination with hair transplantation to provide a natural-looking hairline, especially those with extensive hair loss. - [Hairline lowering](/source/Hairline_lowering) can sometimes be used to lower a high hairline secondary to hair loss, although there may be a visible scar after further hair loss.

- Wigs are an alternative to medical and surgical treatment; some patients wear a wig or hairpiece. They can be used permanently or temporarily to cover the hair loss. High-quality, natural-looking wigs and hairpieces are available.

### Chemotherapy

[Hypothermia caps](/source/Hypothermia_cap) may be used to prevent hair loss during some kinds of [chemotherapy](/source/Chemotherapy), specifically, when [taxanes](/source/Taxanes) or [anthracyclines](/source/Anthracyclines) are administered.[40] It is not recommended to be used when cancer is present in the skin of the scalp or for lymphoma or leukemia.[41] There are generally only minor side effects from scalp cooling given during chemotherapy.[42]

### Embracing baldness

Main article: [Head shaving](/source/Head_shaving)

Buddhist nuns with shaved heads

Instead of attempting to conceal their hair loss, some people embrace it by either doing nothing about it or sporting a [shaved head](/source/Head_shaving).[43][44] The general public became more accepting of men with shaved heads in the early 1950s, when Russian-American actor [Yul Brynner](/source/Yul_Brynner) began sporting the look; the resulting phenomenon inspired many of his male fans to shave their heads.[45] Male celebrities then continued to bring mainstream popularity to shaved heads,[46][47][48] including athletes such as [Michael Jordan](/source/Michael_Jordan)[49] and [Zinedine Zidane](/source/Zinedine_Zidane) and actors such as [Dwayne Johnson](/source/Dwayne_Johnson),[50] [Ben Kingsley](/source/Ben_Kingsley),[51] and [Jason Statham](/source/Jason_Statham).[52]

To a lesser extent, female baldness can also be neutrally and positively interpreted in various parts of the world.[53][54] For example head shaving is not uncommon among Black women, Buddhist nuns, lesbians and some feminists can represent a release from superficial and restrictive appearance norms.[55][56]

### Alternative medicine

Dietary supplements are not typically recommended.[34] There is only one small trial of [saw palmetto](/source/Saw_palmetto) which shows tentative benefit in those with mild to moderate androgenetic alopecia.[34] There is no evidence for [biotin](/source/Biotin).[34] Evidence for most other alternative medicine remedies is also insufficient.[57] There was no good evidence for [ginkgo](/source/Ginkgo), [aloe vera](/source/Aloe_vera), [ginseng](/source/Ginseng), [bergamot](/source/Bergamot_essential_oil), [hibiscus](/source/Hibiscus), or [sophora](/source/Sophora) as of 2011.[57]

Many people use unproven treatments to treat hair loss.[33] [Egg oil](/source/Egg_oil), in Indian,[58] Japanese, [Unani](/source/Unani) (Roghan Baiza Murgh)[59] and Chinese[60] [traditional medicine](/source/Traditional_medicine), was traditionally used as a treatment for hair loss.[*[medical citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Identifying_reliable_sources_(medicine))*]

## Research

Research is looking into connections between hair loss and other health issues. While there has been speculation about a connection between early-onset male pattern hair loss and heart disease, a review of articles from 1954 to 1999 found no conclusive connection between baldness and coronary artery disease. The dermatologists who conducted the review suggested further study was needed.[61]

Environmental factors are under review. A 2007 study indicated that smoking may be a factor associated with age-related hair loss among Asian men. The study controlled for age and family history, and found statistically significant positive associations between moderate or severe male pattern hair loss and smoking status.[62]

Vertex baldness is associated with an increased risk of [coronary heart disease](/source/Coronary_heart_disease) (CHD) and the relationship depends upon the severity of baldness, while frontal baldness is not. Thus, vertex baldness might be a marker of CHD and is more closely associated with atherosclerosis than frontal baldness.[30]

### Hair follicle aging

A key aspect of hair loss with age is the aging of the hair follicle.[63] Ordinarily, hair follicle renewal is maintained by the stem cells associated with each follicle. Aging of the hair follicle appears to be primed by a sustained cellular response to the DNA damage that accumulates in renewing stem cells during aging.[64] This damage response involves the proteolysis of [type XVII collagen](/source/Collagen%2C_type_XVII%2C_alpha_1) by [neutrophil elastase](/source/Neutrophil_elastase) in response to DNA damage in hair follicle stem cells. Proteolysis of collagen leads to elimination of the damaged cells and, consequently, to terminal hair follicle miniaturization.

### Hedgehog signaling

In June 2022 the University of California, Irvine announced that researchers have discovered that [hedgehog signaling](/source/Hedgehog_signaling) in murine fibroblasts induces new hair growth and hair multiplication while hedgehog activation increases fibroblast heterogeneity and drives new cell states.[65] A new signaling molecule called SCUBE3 potently stimulates hair growth and may offer a therapeutic treatment for androgenetic alopecia.[66]

## Etymology

The term *alopecia* ([/ˌæləˈpiːʃiə/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English)) is from the [Classical Greek](/source/Classical_Greek) [ἀλώπηξ](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%E1%BC%80%CE%BB%CF%8E%CF%80%CE%B7%CE%BE), *alōpēx*, meaning "fox". The origin of this usage is because this animal sheds its coat twice a year, or because in ancient Greece foxes often lost hair because of [mange](/source/Mange).

## See also

- [Alopecia in animals](/source/Alopecia_in_animals)

- [Lichen planopilaris](/source/Lichen_planopilaris)

- [List of conditions caused by problems with junctional proteins](/source/List_of_conditions_caused_by_problems_with_junctional_proteins)

- [Locks of Love](/source/Locks_of_Love) – charity that provides hair prosthetics to alopecia patients

- [Psychogenic alopecia](/source/Psychogenic_alopecia)

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## External links

- Media related to [Hair loss](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Hair_loss) at Wikimedia Commons

- The dictionary definition of [*hair loss*](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Special:Search/hair_loss) at Wiktionary

Classification D ICD-10: L65.9 ICD-9-CM: 704.09 MeSH: D000505 DiseasesDB: 14765 External resources MedlinePlus: 003246

v t e Disorders of skin appendages Nail thickness: Onychogryphosis Onychauxis color: Beau's lines Yellow nail syndrome Leukonychia Azure lunula shape: Koilonychia Nail clubbing behavior: Onychotillomania Onychophagia other: Ingrown nail Anonychia ungrouped: Paronychia Acute Chronic Accessory nail of the fifth toe Chevron nail Congenital onychodysplasia of the index fingers Green nails Half and half nails Hangnail Hapalonychia Hook nail Lichen planus of the nails Longitudinal erythronychia Malalignment of the nail plate Median nail dystrophy Mees' lines Melanonychia Muehrcke's lines Nail–patella syndrome Onychoatrophy Onycholysis Onychomadesis Onychomatricoma Onychomycosis Onychophosis Onychoptosis defluvium Onychopapilloma Onychorrhexis Onychoschizia Platonychia Pincer nails Plummer's nail Psoriatic nails Pterygium inversum unguis Pterygium unguis Purpura of the nail bed Racquet nail Red lunulae Shell nail syndrome Splinter hemorrhage Spotted lunulae Staining of the nail plate Subungual hematoma Terry's nails Twenty-nail dystrophy Hair Hair loss/ Baldness noncicatricial alopecia: Alopecia areata totalis universalis Ophiasis Androgenic alopecia (male-pattern baldness) Hypotrichosis Telogen effluvium Traction alopecia Lichen planopilaris Trichorrhexis nodosa Alopecia neoplastica Anagen effluvium Alopecia mucinosa cicatricial alopecia: Pseudopelade of Brocq Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia Pressure alopecia Traumatic alopecia Tumor alopecia Hot comb alopecia Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp Graham-Little syndrome Folliculitis decalvans ungrouped: Triangular alopecia Frontal fibrosing alopecia Marie Unna hereditary hypotrichosis Hypertrichosis Hirsutism Acquired localised generalised patterned Congenital generalised localised X-linked Prepubertal Nevoid hypertrichosis Acneiform eruption Acne Acne vulgaris Acne conglobata Acne miliaris necrotica Tropical acne Infantile acne/Neonatal acne Excoriated acne Acne fulminans Acne medicamentosa (e.g., steroid acne) Halogen acne Iododerma Bromoderma Chloracne Oil acne Tar acne Acne cosmetica Occupational acne Acne aestivalis Acne keloidalis nuchae Acne mechanica Acne with facial edema Pomade acne Acne necrotica Blackhead Lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei Rosacea Perioral dermatitis Granulomatous perioral dermatitis Phymatous rosacea Rhinophyma Blepharophyma Gnathophyma Metophyma Otophyma Papulopustular rosacea Lupoid rosacea Erythrotelangiectatic rosacea Glandular rosacea Gram-negative rosacea Steroid rosacea Ocular rosacea Persistent edema of rosacea Rosacea conglobata variants Periorificial dermatitis Pyoderma faciale Ungrouped Granulomatous facial dermatitis Idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma Periorbital dermatitis SAPHO syndrome Follicular cysts "Sebaceous cyst" Epidermoid cyst Trichilemmal cyst Steatocystoma simplex multiplex Milia Inflammation Folliculitis Folliculitis nares perforans Tufted folliculitis Pseudofolliculitis barbae Hidradenitis Hidradenitis suppurativa Recurrent palmoplantar hidradenitis Neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis Ungrouped Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica of Bazex Acroosteolysis Bubble hair deformity Disseminate and recurrent infundibulofolliculitis Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli Hair casts Hair follicle nevus Intermittent hair–follicle dystrophy Keratosis pilaris atropicans Kinking hair Koenen's tumor Lichen planopilaris Lichen spinulosus Loose anagen syndrome Menkes kinky hair syndrome Monilethrix Parakeratosis pustulosa Pili (Pili annulati Pili bifurcati Pili multigemini Pili pseudoannulati Pili torti) Pityriasis amiantacea Plica neuropathica Poliosis Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome Setleis syndrome Traumatic anserine folliculosis Trichomegaly Trichomycosis axillaris Trichorrhexis (Trichorrhexis invaginata Trichorrhexis nodosa) Trichostasis spinulosa Uncombable hair syndrome Woolly hair nevus Sweat glands Eccrine Miliaria Colloid milium Miliaria crystalline Miliaria profunda Miliaria pustulosa Miliaria rubra Occlusion miliaria Postmiliarial hypohidrosis Granulosis rubra nasi Ross' syndrome Hyperhidrosis Generalized Gustatory Palmoplantar Hypohidrosis Anhidrosis Apocrine Body odor Chromhidrosis Fox–Fordyce disease Sebaceous Sebaceous hyperplasia

v t e Human hair Classification by type Lanugo Body Terminal Vellus by location Body Ear Nose Eyebrow unibrow Eyelash Underarm Chest Abdominal Pubic Leg Head hairstyles (list of hairstyles) Afro Afro puffs Asymmetric cut Bald Bangs Beehive Big hair Blowout Bob cut Bouffant Bowl cut Braid Broccoli haircut Brush, butch, burr cut Bun (odango) Bunches Businessman cut Butterfly haircut Buzz cut Caesar cut Chignon Chonmage Comb over Conk Cornrows Crew cut Crochet braids Croydon facelift Curly hair Curtained hair Czupryna Devilock Dido flip Digital perm Dreadlocks Ducktail Edgar cut Eton crop Extensions Fauxhawk Feathered hair Finger wave Flattop Fontange French braid French twist Fringe Frosted tips Hair crimping Hair twists High and tight Hime cut Historical Christian hairstyles Hi-top fade Induction cut Ivy League, Harvard, Princeton cut Japanese women Jewfro Jesus look Jheri curl Kinky hair Kiss curl Laid edges Layered hair Liberty spikes Long hair Lob cut Lovelock Marcelling Mod cut Mohawk Mullet 1950s 1980s Oseledets Pageboy Part Payot Pigtail Pixie cut Pompadour Ponytail Punch perm Professional cut Queue Quiff Rachel Rattail Razor cut Regular haircut Ringlets Shag Shape-up Shikha Shimada Short back and sides Short brush cut Short hair Spiky hair Straight hair Standard haircut Step cut Surfer hair Taper cut Temple fade Titus cut Tonsure Updo Undercut Victory rolls Waves Widow's peak Wigs Wings Facial hair (list) Beard Chinstrap Goatee Ned Kelly Shenandoah Soul patch Van Dyke Moustache Fu Manchu handlebar horseshoe pencil toothbrush walrus Designer stubble Sideburns Hair subtraction cosmetic Removal waxing threading plucking chemical electric laser IPL Shaving head leg cream brush soap Razor electric safety straight disorders Alopecia areata frictional universalis totalis Pattern hair loss Hypertrichosis Management Trichophilia Trichotillomania Pogonophobia Haircare products Brush Clay Clipper Comb Conditioner Dryer Gel Hairstyling products Hot comb Iron Mousse Pomade Relaxer Rollers Shampoo Spray Volumizer Wax Hair texture powder Haircare techniques Backcombing Hair coloring Crimping Curly Girl Method Hair cutting Hair highlighting Perm Shampoo and set Straightening Health and medical Greying of hair Hair follicle Hair growth Trichology Related Andre Walker Hair Typing System Beard and haircut laws by country Bearded lady Barber (pole) Eponymous hairstyle Frizz Good hair Tonsure Sheitel Hairdresser list Hair fetishism Wig

Authority control databases International GND National Japan Latvia

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Hair loss](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_loss) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair_loss?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.