Some people like to leave the hair loss process undisguised. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, wigs, hats, or scarves. Still, others opt for treatments that can be used to prevent further hair loss or to restore growth. Hair loss or baldness usually refers to excessive hair loss from the scalp. Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of baldness as you age. In this article, we’ll be discussing the reasons of hair loss.
Hair loss causes
Genetics
The most common cause of hair loss is an inherited disorder that occurs with age. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia, male pattern baldness, and female pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually and in a predictable manner, with a receding hairline and bald patches in men and thinning hair on the scalp in women.
Usually, for every normal hair follicle that is shed, it is replaced by the hair of the same size. But in women with female pattern baldness, the new hair is getting thinner, a more miniaturized version. Hair follicles are shrinking and eventually stop growing altogether.
Underlying medical conditions or hormonal imbalance
A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems. Conditions include alopecia areata, which is linked to the immune system and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania.
Medications
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer, arthritis, depression, heart disease, gout, and high blood pressure.
Too much hair styling and hair products
Excessive hair styling or hairstyles that pull the hair tight, such as braids or ears of corn, can lead to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanent hair can also cause hair loss. If scarring occurs, hair loss may be permanent.
Stress
Many people experience general thinning of hair months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
What can we do to prevent hair loss?
- An easy way to check if your hair is thinning is when you wake up in the morning, there is usually hair on your pillow, which is normal. When you brush your hair (without pulling it by force), more hair stays in the comb than usual. If this constantly happens, it’s better to have your hair and scalp checked out to identify the problem as soon as possible.
- Protects hair from sunlight and other sources of UV rays.
- Stop smoking. Some studies show the link between smoking and male pattern baldness
- If you are undergoing chemotherapy, ask your doctor about cooling caps. This cap can reduce the risk of hair loss during chemotherapy.
- Treat your hair gently. Use a detangler to avoid pulling while brushing and combing, especially when your hair is wet. A wide-toothed comb may help prevent hair pulling. Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments, and permanent treatments.
