Core Viewpoint - Hair loss has become a significant issue affecting over 250 million people in China, particularly exacerbated during the autumn and winter seasons due to environmental factors and physiological changes [1] Group 1: Causes of Hair Loss - Seasonal hair loss is linked to the hair follicle cycle, where 90%-95% of follicles are in the growth phase, and 5%-10% are in the resting phase; during autumn and winter, more hair follicles enter the resting phase, leading to increased hair shedding [2] - Dry winter weather causes moisture loss in hair, making it more prone to breakage and contributing to the perception of increased hair loss [2] Group 2: Differentiating Hair Loss Types - Normal hair loss ranges from 50 to 150 strands per day; a precise assessment can be made through a detailed wash test, where losing fewer than 40 strands is normal, 40-80 indicates mild hair loss, and over 80 suggests pathological hair loss [3] - The three main types of pathological hair loss are androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata, each with distinct causes and symptoms [4] Group 3: Androgenetic Alopecia - Androgenetic alopecia is more common in men (21.3% prevalence) than in women (6%), with genetic factors and hormone levels being the primary causes [4] - The condition is characterized by a specific pattern of hair loss, with men experiencing receding hairlines and thinning at the crown, while women typically show diffuse thinning at the crown without significant changes to the hairline [4] Group 4: Telogen Effluvium - Telogen effluvium is often triggered by significant life events (e.g., childbirth, illness) that cause stress, leading to a higher percentage of hair follicles entering the resting phase, resulting in hair loss of 200-300 strands daily, or even more in severe cases [5][6] Group 5: Alopecia Areata - Alopecia areata, affecting about 0.27% of the population, is characterized by round patches of hair loss and can be influenced by autoimmune responses, genetic factors, and stress [6] Group 6: Treatment Approaches - Effective treatment for hair loss requires a targeted approach; androgenetic alopecia necessitates early intervention and long-term care, including medication and non-drug therapies [7] - For telogen effluvium, identifying and addressing the underlying triggers is crucial, with recovery expected within 6 months to 1 year for acute cases, while chronic cases may take several years [8] - Alopecia areata treatment varies based on severity, with mild cases potentially resolving spontaneously, while severe cases require active intervention [9]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes that androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a significant health issue, with a prevalence rate of 21.3% in men and approximately 6.0% in women in China [3][4] - AGA is characterized by hair follicle miniaturization and hair cycle disruption, closely related to genetic factors and increased sensitivity to androgens such as dihydrotestosterone [3] - Clinical manifestations differ between genders: men typically experience a receding hairline (M-shaped) and thinning at the crown (O-shaped), while women show diffuse thinning at the crown with widening parting but usually retain their frontal hairline [4][6] Group 2 - The article suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for managing AGA, including regular sleep patterns, balanced diet, and stress reduction, but emphasizes that lifestyle changes alone may not suffice [8][9] - The 2023 Chinese guidelines for AGA treatment highlight the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, stating that the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcomes [11] - Recommended treatments include oral medications such as 1mg finasteride for men and spironolactone or progestins for women, with minoxidil being the first-line topical treatment for both genders [11][12] - The introduction of the second-generation minoxidil foam in 2024 offers advantages over the first-generation solution, including a 2.85 times higher accumulation in hair follicles and reduced allergic reactions, enhancing patient compliance [11][12] - If there is no significant improvement after six months of medication, patients are advised to consider physical therapy or hair transplant surgery under medical guidance [11]