Alopecia is nothing but the sudden loss of hair, either all over or in patches from areas where you normally grow hair.

• You have a slightly larger risk of developing alopecia if you have a family member suffering from this condition.
• If the autoimmune disease runs in your family, it could increase your risk.
• Males have an increased risk of developing alopecia areta in childhood.
• Females are likely to develop it in their adolescence and show nail involvement or other autoimmune diseases.
• If you have conditions like diabetes, lupus or thyroid problems.

Symptoms of hair loss in patterns mentioned as follows could be observed:

• Exclamatory point hairs
• Smooth patches of hair loss
• Hair loss with sharply defined borders
• Round patches of hair loss
• Total loss of hair on the body and the scalp

Some abnormalities in the nails could be observed as follows:

• Nail pitting
• White nails
• Spoon shaped nails
• Thinning or thickening of nails

• Hereditary cause
• Autoimmune conditions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Habits
• Emotional stress
• Physical stress
• Improper hair care
• Scalp infections
• Hormonal imbalances
• Cancer treatment

Hair fall can be prevented in general conditions by taking a few measures, as follows:

• Avoid hairstyles that pull your hair back or on the sides like tight braids, tight ponytails, etc.
• Avoid using overheating hair styling tools like hair iron, high-heat blow dryers, hair curling iron, etc.
• Do not put your hair through chemical bleaching or any extensive chemical treatment.
• Using a natural brush or comb instead of plastic brushes and combs can decrease hair fall induced by the materials due to friction.
• Eat a healthy and nutritious diet that includes enough protein, calories, and minerals.
• Massaging your scalp regularly is shown to improve your scalp’s blood circulation.