Studies have shown that hair loss is mainly due to genetic predisposition, a condition commonly referred to as male or female pattern baldness. Some men and women with hair loss, however, go bald even if they are not prone to it. This is because their thinning hair is caused by scalp problems. Oftentimes, these are not serious and can be treated easily but they can be embarrassing and cause discomfort.

It is normal for you to lose fifty to one hundred strands of hair in a day but as the age progresses, they do not grow back as readily as in the younger years, so the volume of hair begins to thin. If you are prone to hair loss, thinning can start as early as in the teenage years. Women can experience hair loss when hormonal levels change during or after pregnancy or when breastfeeding.

Thinning, breakage and hair loss might also result from too many visits to the salon. When you have a hair dye or perm, your hair is subjected to harsh chemicals which can make the hair dry and brittle. Hot rollers, curling irons and hair dryers can have the same effect because heat is very damaging to your hair.

Fungi are microorganisms that are enemies of your hair. They cause dandruff, a condition that is common and results in the shedding of the skin on the scalp. The shed skin form white flakes that fall on the neck and shoulders and can be very itchy. Dandruff is made worse when there are shifts in hormonal levels and even shifts in the weather. Even babies can have flaky scalp, a condition known as cradle cap. Another scalp problem that affects hair growth is ringworm, an infection that forms circular rashes with red edges that appear similar to worms. Lichen planus is a rare skin disease that can affect the scalp and occurs mostly during times of stress, fatigue or when you are exposed to chemicals.

Sores and blisters on the scalp can lead to men and women with hair loss or cause bald spots to appear. These blisters result from infection on the follicles or the skin, allergies and viral infections such as chickenpox. Acne can also occur in areas where hair grows and not just on the face. Cysts are sometimes found on the scalp. The epidermal or sebaceous cyst is formed when the area around the follicle becomes clogged and a white greasy material begins to fill it. It becomes a real problem when the cyst becomes infected.

Some of the conditions may not need a physician such as dandruff, which in mild cases can be treated by anti-dandruff shampoos. However, in the more serious ones like fungal infections or cysts, a visit to the dermatologist is necessary. Although they might not be life-threatening, treatment is still important, as they might lead to thinning hair and baldness.