Let's talk about hair loss! The subject can be touchy for some but it's important to understand the type of hair loss you may be experiencing or may experience in the future. Identifying the root cause of hair loss is always important so that it can be addressed and possibly reversed because our crowns matter. Normal hair loss is losing about 40-100 strands daily out of an average of 100,000 strands on an individual head. Again, this is normal as our hair goes through three phases including: *The Anagen Stage - active hair growth, approximately 90% of a person's hair is in this stage lasting from 2-6 years *The Catagen Stage- a brief transitional stage lasting only a few weeks. *The Telogen Stage-resting stage, the hair sheds 10-15 percent for 3-4 months. The growth cycle then restarts. Why is that important to know? Beacuse some hair loss is normal, but it becomes alarming when hair loss is excessive also known as Alopecia. While hair loss or alopecia could have several causes, we'll briefly discuss just 4 types of Alopecia. Androgenetic Alopecia- the most common form of alopecia caused by a combination of heredity, hormones, and aging. The anagen phase becomes shorter, and telogen phase becomes longer. Men go bald, and women gradually thin in their crowns. Alopecia Areata- an autoimmune skin disease that often looks like losing hair in round patches. This type of alopecia can be reversed in a few months. (Alopecia areata totalis is total loss of hair on the scalp, alopecia areata universalis means losing hair on the entire scalp and body.) Telogen Effluvium- is premature hair loss with many causes including stress, drug intake, childbirth, fever/sickness, nutritional deficiencies etc. This type of alopecia is temporary and usually reversed once the cause is corrected. May experience scalp inflammation and tenderness, burning/itchy scalp, and excessive shedding in a short period of time (hair is stuck in telogen stage). Traction (Trauma) Alopecia- caused by tight hair styles, brushing and combing while hair is wet, and chemical damage. Black women with missing edges are most likely dealing with traction alopecia but it can be reversed once trauma stops. Book a hair consultation or see a dermatologist if you think you may be experiencing excessive hair loss. Immediately addressing hair loss can save you from permanent hair loss. Many people don't believe they have alopecia until it's too late.