The lifespan of a single hair strand ranges from 4 to 6 years. In a healthy individual’s scalp, there can be easily found around 100,000 hair follicles. It is quite normal for adults to experience daily shedding of 100 to 150 hair strands. The hair shedding process can last for about 2 months in healthy individuals, and it’s not uncommon for this cycle to repeat three times a year. If hair shedding persists for more than 2 months, it may be a sign of an unhealthy condition.
Causes of Hair Loss in Men
Hair loss in men can occur due to various factors such as hormonal factors, nutritional imbalances, exposure to chemical substances, genetic factors, issues with hair growth, the effects of medications, stress, and scalp problems. About 25% of men in society are affected by hair loss issues.
The Impact of Genetic Factors
In men, hair loss is generally predominantly genetic-based. More than half of the population is affected by hair loss related to this condition. As age progresses, baldness becomes apparent. Especially, men who have baldness issues in their family history are expected to face the risk of hair loss.
Effect of Poor Nutrition and Vitamin Deficiency
Although each hair follicle is a dead tissue, it still requires nutrition. Hair loss often occurs due to reasons related to poor nutrition. Skipping balanced and regular meals, prolonged fasting, consuming a monotonous diet, and having carbohydrate-heavy meals emerge as significant factors in hair loss. Even if people maintain a balanced and regular diet, their hair may still shed. This is because the necessary vitamins and minerals required for healthy hair may not be present in sufficient quantities in the blood. A deficiency in vitamins such as B12, D, folic acid, biotin, zinc, iron, and minerals can hinder adequate nourishment of the hair, leading to inevitable hair loss.
Effects of Diseases and Medication Use
Diseases such as thyroid gland disorders, rheumatic diseases, adrenal gland disorders, diabetes or insulin resistance, and medications used for these diseases, as well as various medications such as hormones and slimming pills, can cause hair loss. Additionally, recent surgeries and febrile illnesses, excessive blood loss, and severe trauma can also contribute to hair loss. Temporary hair loss occurring within a round area of 2.5 cm in diameter, commonly referred to as alopecia areata, can also be classified as a disease. Alopecia areata, equally prevalent in both men and women regardless of age, develops due to a decrease in body resistance caused by prolonged and high levels of stress. In such cases, seeking medical treatment is advisable. The duration of alopecia areata can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the individual’s psychological and physical condition. Once the body’s resistance increases, hair can regrow in the affected area.
Impact of Stress and Depression on Hair Loss
In today’s work and personal life conditions, we often witness many individuals experiencing excessive stress. This excessive stress is easily among the most significant factors contributing to hair loss. Additionally, medications used to treat various psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and psychoses can adversely affect hair, leading to shedding.
Consequences of Skin Problems
A wide range of skin diseases significantly contribute to hair loss. Hair loss caused by skin diseases results from these conditions negatively affecting the scalp. Skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, lichen planus, and various fungal infections lead to hair loss.