Hair loss is a struggle millions of people face, but not all understand the cause. Since various conditions can lead to hair falling out, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact culprit. With the proper research and diagnosis, you can begin to understand your baldness and find ways to reclaim your head of hair. Here are six possible reasons you’re losing your hair.
1. Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in your risk of hair loss. All genders can be affected by the balding gene, with men most often developing a receding hairline in their 20s or 30s. Women are most likely to experience balding after menopause, with the loss showing up at the hair part.
While genetic hair loss isn’t reversible, there are hair loss treatment options and lifestyle choices for stimulating regrowth and delaying the shedding process. Oral medications like finasteride and topicals like minoxidil are some of the most popular treatment options for balding. More involved interventions include hair transplant surgery and red light therapy. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle — by getting enough rest, eating a balanced diet, and exercising — can support your hair and overall health too.
2. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata occurs when your immune system attacks hair follicles and causes balding. This disease can happen on any part of the body but mainly affects the face and head. The severity of alopecia areata varies on an individual basis. Some struggle with hair loss throughout life, while others only deal with a single episode. The condition affects men and women equally and can begin at any age, but it commonly occurs during one’s teenage years, 20s, and 30s.
The cause of this autoimmune disease isn’t fully understood, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a part. While there isn’t a cure for alopecia areata, treatment options are expanding and promising. Steroid injections and topical medications are currently the most common options for people battling alopecia.
3. Hormone Imbalances
Hormones serve as chemical messengers that regulate bodily functions, including hair growth. Disruptions and fluctuations in your hormone levels can interfere with the growing process and lead to loss. A hormone like estrogen plays a huge role in hair health. For example, a woman can develop a thicker, healthier head of hair while pregnant, thanks to elevated estrogen levels. Conditions where the body struggles with estrogen production, like polycystic ovarian syndrome, can trigger hair thinning.
Thyroid disorders, like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can significantly throw your levels out of whack too. Both conditions could cause hair to become dry, brittle, and thin. Talking with your healthcare provider about how to treat any of these conditions should help improve hair-loss-related symptoms.
4. Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can trigger a range of health problems, including hair loss. While researchers are still trying to understand the complete picture, the increased production of corticosterone due to stress has been found to inhibit regrowth. Too much stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to significant strand loss when washing or brushing your hair.
This process can quickly become a cycle since hair loss often causes even more stress. Stress management techniques are one of the best approaches to stopping hair loss if this is the source of your balding. Mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation allow you to calm down and center yourself in the present moment.
5. Scalp Psoriasis
An autoimmune disease like scalp psoriasis could be the source behind your balding. This condition makes skin cells reproduce too fast, creating thick and discolored patches of skin on the scalp. Other affected areas could include the back of your neck, hairline, forehead, and around your ears. Scratching at the affected patches could make the condition even worse.
A medical professional can give a diagnosis and will likely check for other conditions like eczema or dermatitis. Scalp psoriasis isn’t currently curable, but UV light therapy, topical treatments, and oral medications can improve symptoms. While scalp psoriasis can affect anyone, some factors increase your chances of developing the condition. Stress, obesity, tobacco use, drinking alcohol, and other autoimmune diseases all escalate your risk of struggling with this psoriasis.
6. Improper Hair Care
Improper hair care can worsen hair shedding and cause noticeable baldness if not addressed. Avoid practices that damage the hair follicles, such as excessively using heat tools, over-shampooing, and coloring your locks. In addition, tight styles, like braids and ponytails, can pull on your hair and cause it to fall out.
To reverse the damage, limit the use of hot tools like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. Let your hair down and your natural color shine by ditching dye, especially if you’ve been putting harsh chemicals like bleach on your hair. Avoid overwashing your mane and opt for a deep-conditioning mask to strengthen your strands.
Understanding Your Hair Loss
Hair is more than an aesthetic feature and can be a significant indicator of your overall health. While much balding is genetic, some cases might be caused by an underlying health issue. While battling hair loss is no easy feat, identifying any underlying condition allows you to take the necessary steps toward healthier hair.