The loss of hair from any part of body, especially head is known as baldness in layman’s terms, medically termed as alopecia. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body, as it is usually occurs physiologically, thus scarring and inflammation are absent, unlike the infection leading to hair loss.

Baldness can occur equally in both the sexes, but the outcomes are dramatic in males. There are few types of alopecia like, male-pattern baldness, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Male-pattern baldness is very common, caused due to androgens. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, when the immune system produces antibodies against the hair follicles. Telogen effluvium is usually thinning of hair occurring due to physical and psychological stresses, usually following pregnancy.

Pattern hair loss by age 50 affects about half of males and a quarter of females. Hair loss can occur due to; thyroid disorders, anemia, protein and vitamin deficiencies, radiation therapy and certain chemotherapies prescribed for HIV/AIDS. As a part of screening the cause of hair loss a number of blood test such as complete blood picture, vitamin B levels, iron levels, thyroid function tests and rarely biopsy of scalp.

Best way is to prevent, by maintaining good hygiene, regular cleansing and nourishing the strand, and maintaining a well balanced diet. Off late the advancements in the field of pharmacology has introduced us with drugs for hair re-growth such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia)