Hair is an important part of one's appearance and plays a significant role in human culture. When hair loss occurs it can be devastating, especially when it is due to medical reasons. There are several options available for those experiencing medically related hair loss. Some people choose hats, scarves or turbans, while others prefer a cranial hair prosthesis or both. Each individual will cope with their hair loss differently.

Men and Women lose a certain amount of hair each day. A loss of 70 to 100 strands is barely noticeable. Healthy scalps offset this loss by a cycle of regrowth. This regrowth cycle occurs in three phases. The initial growth period, called the anangen phase, lasts generally from 2-5 years. This growth phase is terminated by extreme interruption between the hair shaft and the nourishing papilla. This interruption lasts only a few days and is known as the catagen phase. The following 3-6 months is known as the telogen phase, in which the hair rests, held only in place by mechanical forces until eventually dislodged. Thus the cycle of growth begins again.

The most common type of hair loss is hereditary male pattern baldness:25% of all men under 30, and two thirds of men over 40 experience it ( Health New, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, Vol.. 6 #4). This type of hair loss is irreversible and can onset as early as teen age years to late middle age. Normally, MPB starts to thin on the top of the head and/or the hair line recedes further and further back towards the crown. In some cases of MPB, there will be a more pronounced loss near the crown.

Confirming the type of hair loss your have, makes it possible for you to know which treatment options are best for you. The most common type of hair loss seen in women is Androgentectic Alopecia. Also known a female pattern Alopecia or baldness. This is seen as hair thinning predominately over the top and sides of the head. It effects approximately one-third of all susceptible women, but is most commonly seen after menopause. It may begin as early as puberty. It is normal to lose approximately 100-125 hairs per day. Fortunately, these hairs are replaced. True hair loss occurs when lost hairs do not re-grow or when the daily hair shed exceeds 125 hairs. Genetically, hair loss can come from either parent's side of the family. There are two different types of hair loss medically known as anagen effluvium and telogen effluvium. Anagen effluvium is generally due to internally administered medications, such as chemotherapy agents, which poison the growing hair follicle. Telogen effluvium is due to an increased number of hair follicles entering the resting stage.

The most common causes of telogen effluvium are:

• Physical Stress: surgery, illness, anemia, and rapid weight change.
• Emotional Stress: mental illness, death of a family member.
• Thyroid abnormalities
• Medications: high doses of vitamin A, blood pressure medications, gout medications