There is a severe form of alopecia areata (alopecia totalis) which involves a total loss of scalp hair, sometimes resulting in a total loss of bodily hair (alopecia universalis). This is a rare problem and approximately 33% of those affected grow back all their hair within a year, although like above, there can be recurrent battles with this disease.

Similar to telogen effluvium alopecia, anagen effluvium (chemical damage) is a form of hair loss which initially causes patchy losses of hair usually advancing to a total loss of haur. Instead of the hair follicle simply shutting down, this form of hair loss is due to chemicals killing the anagen hair and hair follicle. An example of this type of hair loss is the medications, such as chemotherapy that are used to treat cancer.

Since chemotherapy is a drug injected into the body to kill cancer cells, it is also a poison that can kill the good and bad cells. One of the side effects is the killing of the hair follicle. However, when the chemotherapy stops, the hair usually grows back after 6 months.

Many other medications that are used to treat illness and diseases can also cause hair loss. This is usually in a minority of patients, although the reasons for it remain unknown. You should always ask your doctor before taking medications what the possible side effects are and equally, consult your doctor before deciding to discontinue a medication as the consequences of not taking a certain medication may be greater than hair loss in itself.

Hair loss can also be the result of burns, scalp injuries, x-rays and exposure to certain chemicals such as those used in swimming pools to purify the water, bleach, dye and perm hair.  In such cases, hair growth returns to normal once the cause is eliminated. 

Too frequent washing, permanent waves, dyeing and bleaching can contribute to overall thinning by making hair weak and brittle. 

Massaging your scalp will improve blood circulation which will benefit the health of your hair and scalp.  Try applying essential oil of rosemary or vitamin E oil when massaging.  Rinsing your hair with tea made with sage may also be beneficial.

To brush your hair, choose a brush moderatelly stiff with natural bristle that will not pull your hair.  Use full strokes from your scalp to the tips of your hair to distribute the natural oils of your hair.