Hair loss and hair thinning are among the common issues faced by people irrespective of their gender. Whether it is due to health issues, side effect of any medication, lifestyle changes or even pollution, there can be many reasons behind hair loss. If you have noticed that your hair thinning hair loss issues have become severe, then, it’s time to take a look at the major reasons behind drastic hair fall.
Common causes of hair loss: A detailed assessment
There are several myths attached with the hair loss, thus, uncovering the genuine facts is important. First of all, it is the hair thinning that replaces normal hair which further leads to hair loss. Following are some of the other causes of hair loss you should be familiar with:
Heredity can be one of the root causes of hair loss
- Genetic predisposition turns out to be the chief cause of hair loss, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia. If close family members (parents or grandparents) have experienced hair loss, there’s a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition.
- In hereditary hair loss, hair follicles may shrink over time due to sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone. This leads to thinner, weaker hair that eventually stops growing.
- Men typically experience a receding hairline or bald spots (male pattern baldness), while women often see thinning along the crown (female pattern hair loss).
Counting on hair restoration supplements
- While supplements can support hair health when used appropriately, counting on them excessively without addressing the root cause of hair loss might not yield results. Misuse or overuse of certain supplements can even lead to adverse effects.
- Imbalance in nutrients: Excessive intake of certain vitamins (like Vitamin A) can paradoxically cause hair loss.
- Misleading claims: Many supplements lack scientific backing and may offer minimal to no improvement.
- Ignoring underlying issues: Hair loss due to conditions like hormonal imbalances or medical problems requires targeted treatment, not just supplementation.
Washing hair with hot or hard water
- Using hot or hard water for washing hair can weaken the hair shaft, leading to breakage and hair fall over time.
- Strips natural oils from the scalp, causing dryness and brittleness.
- Weakens hair roots due to excessive heat exposure.
Hard water
- Contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can build up on the scalp and block hair follicles.
- Leads to dry, dull hair, making it prone to breakage.
Solution: Use lukewarm water and consider a water softener or a chelating shampoo to minimize damage.
Nutritional deficiencies can gradually lead to hair loss
- Hair growth depends on a steady supply of essential nutrients. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can lead to weakened hair structure and eventual hair loss.
Common Deficiencies:
- Iron:Anaemia from iron deficiency reduces oxygen delivery to hair follicles, stunting growth.
- Biotin: Low levels of biotin can lead to brittle hair and hair thinning.
- Zinc: Plays a role in tissue growth and repair, including the scalp.
- Vitamin D: A deficiency can impair hair follicle cycling, slowing regrowth.
- Proteins: Hair is made of keratin (a protein), so inadequate protein intake affects hair strength and growth.
Prevention: Maintain a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Supplements may help if diet alone is insufficient.
Androgenetic alopecia
A common form of hair loss caused by genetic factors and hormonal changes. It is also known as male or female pattern baldness.
Symptoms:
- Men: Receding hairline and balding at the crown.
- Women: Diffuse thinning on the scalp, particularly at the part line.
Treatment:
- Medications like minoxidil or finasteride.
- Hair transplants for severe cases.
- Lifestyle changes and a balanced diet to support overall hair health.
Telogen Effluvium
A temporary form of hair loss caused by a disruption in the normal hair growth cycle. Normally, about 10-15% of hair is in the “telogen” (resting) phase, but in telogen effluvium, a larger number of hairs (up to 30-50%) prematurely enter this phase and shed.
This hair loss issue can arise due to physical or emotional stress, surgery, illness, sudden weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications.
Characteristics:
- Diffuse hair thinning (all over the scalp rather than in specific patches).
- Hair shedding typically starts 2-3 months after the triggering event.
- Often resolves within 6-9 months after the stressor is addressed.
Pregnancy
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and postpartum can significantly affect hair growth.
Causes:
- During pregnancy: Elevated estrogen levels prolong the “anagen” (growth) phase, leading to thicker hair.
- Postpartum: A rapid drop in estrogen levels after delivery causes more hair to enter the telogen phase, leading to shedding (postpartum telogen effluvium).
Characteristics:
- Hair shedding usually peaks around 3-6 months postpartum.
- Hair typically regrows within a year as hormone levels stabilize.
Anagen Effluvium
This type of hair loss occurs during the “anagen” (growth) phase of the hair cycle. In fact, itoften results due to a toxic imbalance in the hair follicles.
Causes:
- Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Autoimmune conditions or severe infections.
Characteristics:
- Sudden and widespread hair loss, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair.
- Regrowth is possible once the underlying cause is removed or resolved.
Traction Alopecia
Hair loss caused by prolonged tension or pulling on the hair, often due to specific hairstyles.
Causes:
- Tight ponytails, braids, buns, or hair extensions.
- Frequent use of chemical treatments like relaxers.
Characteristics:
- Hair loss is localized to areas under the most tension, often at the hairline or temples.
- If caught early and hairstyles are changed, the hair can regrow; prolonged tension can lead to permanent follicle damage.
Birth control pills
Hormonal contraceptives can affect the hair growth cycle, particularly if they contain progestins with androgenic effects.
Causes:
- Discontinuation of birth control pills can trigger telogen effluvium due to hormonal shifts.
- In women sensitive to androgens, certain progestins in birth control pills may cause hair thinning.
Characteristics:
- Diffuse hair thinning rather than patchy hair loss.
- Hair regrowth typically occurs after stopping the pill or switching to a different contraceptive method.
If you are still uncertain about your hair loss causes, then, visit Hair Aesthetica and seek consultation from our experts, today!
