Common Hair Loss Causes
Hair loss is a grave concern for everyone as it affects our self-esteem and confidence. While it is normal for everyone to experience some loss daily, any signs of thinning or early balding should be taken seriously. As with other things, it is easier and faster to address thinning or balding as early as possible.
There are numerous reasons or causes of excessive hair fall, some of which are less common and are a result of surgery, infection and illnesses. But often it is due to things that are done in everyday life, which can be avoided to prevent further shedding.
Here are the common hair loss causes that may be affecting you:
Stress
Some people shed strands due to stress. It could start 3 months after the stressful event or when the stress began. Stress in people who are predisposed to genetic baldness, or Androgenic Alopecia, is more likely to trigger the onset of the condition or worsen any existing shedding. Growth may take 6 months or more to resume after the stress is over. So bear in mind the detrimental effect of stress on your crowning glory, apart from other health hazards, and avoid any unnecessary stress.
Styling Treatments
Hair can weaken and break if chemical treatments like dyes, tints, bleaches, relaxers, permanent waves and straighteners are used too often or left on for too long. Always use reputable products and follow the product instructions strictly to prevent the likelihood of damaging your crop. Avoid having more than one procedure done on the same day.
Low Iron
Excessive falling occasionally happens due to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency could affect women who have heavy menstrual periods, people who do not have sufficient iron intake in their diets, or those whose bodies do not fully absorb the iron from their diets. You can test for iron levels through a check-up and iron pills are widely available for treating iron deficiency.
Low Protein
Low protein diets, such as those with little or no meat, may develop protein malnutrition. To help save protein, hair goes into a resting phase instead of growth. A sign of this is that the strands can be pulled out by the roots fairly easily. This condition can be reversed and prevented by eating sufficient protein. It is important when dieting to maintain an adequate protein intake to prevent thinning and excessive loss.
Post Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the high levels of hormones cause the body to keep strands that would normally fall out. Post-pregnancy, the hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels and a lot of the crop falls out about 3 months after, resulting in apparent thinning or baldness. The normal growth and loss cycle starts again after 1 to 6 months. The hair loss is temporary in most cases.
Common Baldness
Androgenetic Alopecia, also commonly known as male pattern or “common baldness”, is usually permanent or has long-term effects unless treated appropriately. It is the most common cause for men. Consistent falling typically results in a receding hair line and baldness on the top of the head. In women, a similar condition results in thinning over the entire scalp.
Medicines
hair loss can be caused by medicines including blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), gout treatments, medicine for high blood pressure or heart problems, excessive intake of vitamin A, and antidepressants. The condition is reversible and usually improves when you stop taking the medicine.
Birth Control Pills
Women who have a history of genetic female pattern baldness should consult the doctor before taking birth control pills, as the hormonal changes that occur could trigger the onset of the condition known as Androgenic Alopecia. In some cases the loss may be permanent and she may not re-grow some of the follicles that were lost.
Underlying Diseases
Diseases such as lupus or diabetes could cause hair loss. Always stay healthy and go for health checks to uncover any potential illnesses so that they can be treated early.
