Hair is a part of the body with vestigial functions but carries considerable significance in a person's psychological well being, according to an expert.
Hair loss can start as a few strands in the sink or comb, progressing to clumps of hair with each brushing or washing or even complete bald patches, said Dr Aswathi Prasad, Specialist Dermatologist, Zulekha Hospital, Sharjah.
Hair grows in cycles -- it grows rests and the falls out. Shedding of 50-100 hairs per day is considered normal, explained the expert, adding that when a hair is shed it is replaced by a new hair from the same follicle.
The most common type of hair loss is baldness or androgenetic alopecia in males and females. "Baldness is not a disease, it's related to age, heredity and male hormones," said Dr Aswathi.
"A sudden physical or emotional stress may cause severe hair fall lasting for months to years. This can also happen after delivery, infections or a major surgery."
One important cause of hair loss is inadequate nutrition, especially in young adults on a crash diet or diet deficient in protein and iron, she adds.
Hair loss at times can be an indicator of an underlying thyroid gland dysfunction. Use of some medications can also cause hair loss. Excessive use of shampoos and conditioners, blow drying, chemical treatments and even certain hair styles as pig tails and corn rows can lead to hair fall.
