We understand that hair loss is an emotional experience, but it's also very common. Around 40 percent of men and women have androgenic alopecia, which is just one type of hair loss. If you're a part of that number, you're far from alone. In this article, we'd like to help you understand what causes hair loss, for both men and women, and what you can do about it.
Causes of Hair Loss
The following is a list of common reasons for hair loss:
Hereditary Hair Loss
The most common reason for hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also called male or female pattern baldness. Your genes will determine how susceptible you are to this kind of hair loss. If your parents or other family members have thinning or balding, you may be more likely to have it as well. With men, hair loss typically occurs on the top and front of the head. Women will notice a thinning of the hair on the top or crown of the head.
Autoimmune Disease
Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune disease, where the body attacks its own hair. High levels of stress can cause this type of hair loss, but other contributing factors are hormones, allergies, or toxins. The severity of hair loss with alopecia areata varies from person to person, but it may cause patches of lost hair on the scalp.
Medical Conditions
Hair loss can sometimes be caused by underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disease, or anemia. If the medical condition can be identified and treated, the hair loss will usually reverse.
Illness
Significant illnesses can put the body through a high amount of stress, which sometimes leads to hair loss. A high fever, severe infection, or cancer can all be a reason for alopecia. Sometimes it's not the cancer itself that causes hair loss, but the cancer treatment. These are all temporary conditions, and if the illness improves, than the hair should return to normal as well.
Postpartum
After giving birth, some women experience hair loss. This is because of hormone fluctuations, and after a few months, when hormones stabilize, the hair should regrow.
Menopause
Older women can sometimes experience alopecia during menopause. This is another example of hormonal fluctuations causing hair loss. As we age, our hair does not regenerate like it did when we were younger, because of this, even after hormone levels stabilize, the hair will probably not be as full as it was when you were younger. Thinning hair is a normal aspect of the aging process.
Stress
Extreme stress can cause hair loss. Unfortunately, when we notice the difference in our hair, this can sometimes cause us even more stress. However, there are treatment options, so try to relax as much as possible. When the stress level returns to normal, the hair will return as well.
Poor Nutrition
If our body is not getting the nutrients that it needs, it will sometimes shed hair. It can be caused by losing too much weight, lack of protein, or lack of a certain vitamin. By identifying the problem and working toward a solution, the body should be able to repair itself, which includes healthy hair.
Hair Care
The way we treat our hair can affect how much or how little we lose. For example, harsh chemical treatments, such as bleaching, straightening, or perming, can weaken the hair and cause it to fall out. If the hair is pulled too tightly into a certain hairstyle, it may break the hair, causing it to look thinner as well. In these cases, there are treatments that can help nourish the hair, and help it return to a healthy condition.
Treatment Options
Any of the reasons above could contribute to hair loss. We understand that it can be emotional and stressful when you notice hair loss. That's why we want to help you get back to feeling confident again. We have a number of treatment options for both men and women, including, but not limited to, extensions, laser hair therapy, hair replacement and hair restoration. Contact us at New Image Hair Clinic to schedule a free consultation and discuss the many available options today.
