Slow vs. Rapid Hair Loss: Types of Balding/Thinning Compared
There are different causes and kinds of hair loss that affect men and women. The doctors at Chicago Hair Institute are well prepared to address balding and hair thinning in their various forms.
Each patient’s hair loss can differ significantly in terms of its rate and location. We want to compare slow/gradual hair loss with rapid/sudden hair loss. We’ll note different causes and a brief overview of treatment options.
About Slow Hair Loss
Slow hair loss refers to the gradual loss of hair over the course of someone’s life. This typically starts in adulthood and lasts throughout one’s golden years. When most people think about baldness, slow hair loss often comes to mind.
Causes of Slow Hair Loss
There are different causes of slow/gradual hair loss. The most common examples are:
- Male Pattern Baldness - Male pattern baldness refers to the loss of hair at the temple and the crown of the head. About 40 percent of men will experience noticeable hair loss by the time they reach age 35.
- Female Hair Thinning - Female hair thinning refers to the loss of hair in women as they get older. While male pattern baldness is generally located at the front of the hairline and top of the scalp, women’s hair thinning takes place all over their scalp.
- Advanced Age - With old age, people will experience some degree of baldness or hair thinning. This is a natural part of the aging process.
Treating Slow Hair Loss
Slow hair loss can be treated with hair transplant surgery or through the use of medications that promote hair growth or greater hair thickness. None surgical treatments could involve lifestyle changes and the use of a wig or hair system.
About Rapid Hair Loss
Rapid hair loss refers to any type of hair loss that is very sudden and not the result of the processes noted above. In most cases, rapid hair loss is linked to a health problem, medical condition, or medical treatment. The hair loss may or may not be permanent.
Causes of Rapid Hair Loss
There are different potential causes of rapid hair loss, including:
- Telogen Effluvium - This refers to many hair follicles on the scalp switching to a resting phase of hair growth. Surgery, childbirth, or illness can trigger this kind of rapid hair loss.
- Anagen Effluvium - This type of rapid hair loss also involve hair follicles suddenly ceasing hair production, and it is most commonly associated with chemotherapy and other medical procedures.
- Alopecia Areata - This autoimmune disorder involves the body’s own immune system attacking the hair follicles. This leads to major hair loss, and possibly even total hair loss.
- Tinea Capitis - This fungal infection of the scalp can lead to major hair loss, and it tends to be most common in children.
- Cicatricial Alopecia - A rare form of hair loss, this involve scar tissue forming along the hair follicles following inflammation. The scar tissue prevents hair growth from occurring.
Treating Rapid Hair Loss
Treatments for rapid hair loss can vary a great deal from person to person. Sometimes the hair loss resolves on its own after several months, while other times doctors will need to treat the root cause of the issue to help promote hair regrowth.
It’s important to discuss any cases of rapid hair loss with your physician since they tend to be linked to general wellness issues.
Learn More About Hair Loss
To learn more about treating slow and rapid hair loss, contact the restoration specialists at Chicago Hair Institute. We will answer your questions, address your concerns, and suggest some ideal options for treatment.