It is part of the hair growth cycle. Remember that 10% of our hair is in a resting phase, which would usually fall every 2 or 3 months. People start to notice their hair thinning when the usual loss is beyond the expected limits. Excessive hair loss can be due to several reasons including: There are several reasons for hair loss including: Hair loss can occur due to several factors including: Reasons for hair loss are several including: What causes hair loss? Alopecia areata: Causes rapid hair loss and affects men and women. This is usually caused by an immunity disorder when the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles. Alopecia Totalis is another reason for hair loss where all the scalp hair has fallen. When the whole body loses hair, it is called Alopecia Universalis.

Genetic conditions - Male pattern baldness afflicts about 25% of men by age 30. Male hormone testosterone could also be another contributing factor. One of the functions of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is produced by the conversion of testosterone, causes impairment or stoppage of hair growth and produces short and weak hair. Male pattern baldness is absent with men devoid of testosterone.

Skin diseases: this is a common reason for hair loss and it could affect the scalp too. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis are some of the common skin diseases which cause hair loss.

Sudden illness or fever: hair can come off in large tufts after an illness or fever. This is a temporary condition.

Childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and aging are some of the other common causes of hair loss. Apart from these reasons, there are several others too.