Understanding Hair Loss: 4 Common Conditions Explained​

Hair loss has become a growing concern, fueled by aggressive marketing campaigns in public spaces and online platforms. But is hair loss truly as prevalent as advertisements suggest? This guide breaks down four common hair conditions—helping you distinguish normal shedding from treatable disorders.

1. Normal Hair Shedding (Not Pathological)

✔ 50-100 hairs lost daily is normal due to the hair growth cycle:

• Anagen (Growth): 90% of hair

• Catagen (Transition): 2-3 weeks

• Telogen (Resting/Shedding): 2-3 months

Key Insight: More hair falls during washing due to mechanical friction—like shaking a tree to dislodge dead leaves.

2. Hairline Maturation (Not Hair Loss)

Many mistake a receding hairline for balding. In reality:
✔ Natural Process: Hairlines shift upward up to 2 cm post-puberty.
✔ No Thinning: Unlike androgenetic alopecia, hair density remains stable.

4 Normal Hairline Types (Per Prof. Wenyu Wu):

⚠ Note: Maturation is genetic/hormonal—not a health threat.

3. Telogen Effluvium (Reversible Shedding)

Triggered by stressors that push hair into the telogen phase:

• Childbirth (postpartum hair loss)

• Severe Illness/Surgery

• Crash Dieting (protein/iron deficiency)

✔ Symptoms: Uniform thinning (no bald patches).
✔ Outlook: Resolves within 6-12 months post-trigger.

4. Androgenetic Alopecia (Progressive Hair Loss)

Science: Androgens shrink sensitive follicles, causing:

• Men: Receding hairline + crown thinning ("M" pattern).

• Women: Diffuse thinning (retained hairline).

Stats: Affects 21.3% of men and 6% of women in China.

Treatment Options:

• Medications: Minoxidil, finasteride

• Procedures: PRP, hair transplants

• Lifestyle: Stress management, balanced diet