Most Important Reasons for Hair Loss

Body hair repeats "growth"-> "growth stop"-> "hair loss". Hair comes off naturally because this cycle is repeated. This cycle is called the "hair cycle".

Hair grows by the division of hair matrix cells (the cells that make hair) at the root. Hair matrix cells are where cell division is actively performed among the cells of the body.

So why do anti-cancer drugs cause hair loss?

Antineoplastics have a strong effect on cells that are actively dividing. Hair matrix cells are so active in cell division that they are susceptible to antineoplastic agents, resulting in hair loss.

In addition, the "hair cycle" differs depending on the part of the body such as hair, eyebrows, and pubic hair. 80-90% of hair is in the active growth phase of cell division and is the most susceptible of body hair.

It seems that many people think that all hair will definitely come off when treated with anticancer drugs. However, in reality, not all hair loss occurs, so the degree to which hair loss occurs is high (almost all hair loss), moderate (the amount of hair is reduced, and the scalp is visible), and mild (the hairstyle is not affected so much). Not).

In addition, even with anticancer drugs that frequently cause hair loss, the degree of hair loss varies depending on the dose, and even with the same drug, the degree and speed of hair loss and hair growth vary from person to person, so do not compare with others. let's do it.

An average of 90 hairs are lost in a healthy person a day, and new hair grows again in about 3 months. And it will be reborn as new hair in about 4 to 6 months. However, this hair cycle (hair cycle) may be disturbed due to lifestyle-related habits, stress, the effects of hormones, etc., making it easier for hair to fall out, or it may take a long time for new hair to grow.

1 )Stimulation by hairstyle

Hairstyles that keep pulling the hair in one direction, such as ponytail-like bundled hair and always in the same position, put a load on the dermal papilla, which carries the nutrients needed for hair growth in some of the roots. When the blood flow is impaired due to the load on the dermal papilla, the ability to carry nutrients to the hair matrix cells that promote hair growth is weakened, and hair loss is likely to occur.

2 )Lifestyles such as diet and smoking

When the protein that is the raw material of hair is insufficient due to excessive dieting, the function of the dermal papilla is weakened and nutrients cannot be carried. Therefore, undernourishment weakens the hair and makes it more likely to cause hair loss. In addition, smoking also constricts blood vessels and impairs blood circulation to the dermal papilla, so necessary nutrients are not supplied to the hair roots, and the hair weakens and easily comes off.

3 )Excessive stress

Excessive psychological stress causes the dermal papilla to temporarily cease to function, resulting in increased hair loss and thinning of the hair. In addition, some hair may fall out and new hair may not grow temporarily. This is the so-called alopecia areata. It can also be caused by worsening hair loss habits (self-hair loss), in which you unknowingly pull out your hair to relieve mental stress and distress.

FourChanges in hormonal balance

During pregnancy, the number of female hormones that promote hair growth increases and hair loss decreases. However, after childbirth, the hormonal balance is restored, and hair may fall out at once. In addition, regardless of gender, excessive secretion of male hormones may cause the dermal papilla to malfunction, resulting in increased hair loss due to the inability to carry nutrients. This is believed to be the cause of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

FiveAging of the scalp

As you age, your scalp also ages and becomes harder. When the scalp becomes stiff, blood circulation deteriorates, and the ability to carry nutrients to the hair matrix cells that promote hair growth weakens, causing hair loss.

6) Major diseases that cause hair loss/hair loss

Diseases that cause hair loss include androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which is caused by excessive secretion of hormones, and diffuse alopecia, which increases hair loss due to the effects of female hormones. In addition, alopecia areata and ringworm caused by ringworm infection of the head cause a symptom of hair falling out. Hair loss may also occur in systemic diseases such as hypothyroidism, collagen disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.