Losing hair is very common these days. There are a lot of theories about what makes your hair fall out, but no one really knows for sure what causes it. People often link losing hair with washing the hair too much or wearing hats. This is simply not true, and in fact, wearing a hat is a protection against loss of hair by protecting hair follicles from the harmful rays of the sun. The truth is, a whole list of things can cause hair to go missing, from inherited predispositions and hormonal imbalance to almost any other medical condition. This is your real reason hair falls out—and what you can do about it. So, if you are seeing less hair on your head, don’t panic. You can take control with the right information. We will explain the causes of hair loss in a way that is easy to understand. This will help you determine the exact cause of your hair loss and take the appropriate steps to stop it. This guide is for both men and women.
1. Genetic Causes
Hereditary Hair Loss or Common Baldness
It has been said that heredity is the most common cause of hair loss. If baldness is prevalent in your family, it’s highly likely that you’ll inherit it as well. This often leads to thinning in the top or front area of the scalp. The chance for this can be slowed down by medications or hair transplants, although a complete prevention of genetic hair loss may not be fully possible.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
Hair Loss During Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy: The hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can make the hair appear thicker; however, most women experience at least some degree of temporary hair loss after giving birth. This is because the hormones regulate back to normal; usually, hair growth returns to normal within a few months.
Menopause
The fall in estrogen levels during this time will result in thinning of hair. Most women experience hair loss very slowly during this time; treatments and lifestyle alterations can slow it further.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid conditions, which involve an over or under activation of the thyroid, can cause hair to become thin. General medical care for the thyroid generally improves hair growth.
3. Aging
Natural Thinning and Weakening due to Age
Hair naturally thins and weakens with age. While this is a permanent process, gentle hair care and avoiding harsh chemicals or heat styling can help slow down the process.
4. Stress
Physical Stress (Illness, Injury)
Physical stress, such as after surgery or illness, causes hair loss on a temporary basis. This condition is called telogen effluvium; it most commonly improves with the body’s recuperation.
Emotional Stress (Anxiety, Depression)
Psychological stress can be accompanied by excessive hair shedding. Efforts to overcome outward stress can benefit your hair health in general.
5. Nutritional Causes
Malnutrition
With a diet without the fundamental nutrients, vitamins, and proteins, one’s hair will come out lifeless, and it will fall off. Healthy hair comes from an adequate diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
Iron Deficiency
Iron is essential to growth. With this deficiency, thinning can occur. Keeping an eye on one’s diet with an intake of foods with iron content like spinach, beans, and meats can prevent the situation.
Vitamin Deficiencies (Vitamin D, B12)
Deficiencies in particular vitamins such as D and B12 can cause hair loss. Keep taking enough of these vitamins from your diet or supplements for healthy hair growth.
Rapid Weight Loss
Hair can fall along with rapid weight loss. Keep your nutrient levels in check through your diet to avoid this.
6. Medical Conditions
Autoimmune Diseases (Alopecia Areata)
Autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata attack hair follicles, and the result is patches falling off from the body. This condition can be cured with medication prescribed by a doctor.
Infections – Ringworm
Ringworm infection might also result in hair loss; however, the growth of hair will return once the infection is treated.
Skin Conditions – Psoriasis, Eczema
Hair will fall due to scalp conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Medicated shampoos or creams applied to the scalp heal the condition, and the hair goes back to normal.
7. Hair Loss due to Medications
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, which is given for the treatments against cancer, often causes loss of hair. In most cases, once the treatment is over, hair will grow back.
Medicines for Hypertension
Certain anti-hypertensive medicines lead to loss of hair. If you think your medication could be the cause of the falling out of hair, ask your physician about alternatives.
Other Prescription Medications
Other medications that can cause hair loss include antidepressants and blood thinners. See your physician if you feel this is your cause.
8. Hair Treatments and Style
Overuse of Hair Dye and Bleach
Hair coloring and bleaching too frequently puts damage in your hair, making it break. Minimize the number of treatments to minimize the damage.
Heat Styling (Hair Straighteners, Curlers)
There’s also damage caused by styling appliances like flat and curling irons, which are heated and thus indeed damage your hair in one way or another. Cutting down on their use or applying heat-protecting spray keeps hair healthy.
Tight Hairstyles (Ponytails, Braids)
This is hairstyles that pull your hair; thus, it leads to damage and hair falling off sometimes; avoiding tight styles can prevent such hair fall.
9. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Smoking
Smoking results in a reduced blood flow to the scalp, which makes the hair weak. Quitting smoking can improve your hair health and your general health.
Environmental Pollution
Pollution exposures make your hair brittle and breakable. Shampooing regularly with mild soap helps get rid of that exposure.
Chemical Exposure
Constant exposure to harsh chemicals can break down hair. Do take proper care of your scalp and hair if you are going to handle chemicals in the house or workplace.
10. Physical Trauma
Scalp Injury
Hair loss due to injury like cuts and burns on the scalp is permanent in the involved areas. The sooner the scalp injury is cured and the treatment is mild, the sooner is the healing process and hair loss.
Surgery
Hair loss during surgery could occur because of physical stress to the body, but this often happens temporarily and returns as hair grows again once recovery starts.
Common Questions About Hair Washing and Hair Loss
Should I wash my hair every day if I have hair loss?
No, washing your hair every day is not necessary. Over-washing can strip your scalp of natural oils, which can make your hair dry and more prone to damage. Washing 2-3 times a week with a mild shampoo is usually enough to keep your hair healthy without causing further issues.
Can too much washing drown your hair, causing it to slip away?
No, frequent washing doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, using harsh shampoos or very hot water can weaken your hair, making it more likely to break. Stick to gentle shampoos and lukewarm water for the best results.
Will trimming my hair strengthen it and reduce hair fall?
FAQs About Hair Loss and Hair Care
Does hair trimming reduce hair fall?
No, trimming your hair does not stop hair fall. While it can make your hair look healthier by removing split ends, it doesn’t affect hair fall from the roots.
Does more hair fall out when you don’t wash it?
It may seem like more hair falls out after not washing it for a while, but this is simply because the shed hair remains on your scalp. Washing your hair will remove this shed hair, but the actual rate of hair loss doesn’t increase.
Does high testosterone cause balding?
Yes, high levels of testosterone can lead to balding, especially in men. This is due to a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which affects hair follicles and causes hair to thin over time. Treatments like medications can help slow this process.
