Hair loss can happen to both men and women at different stages of life and is quite common, affecting millions of people worldwide, every single year. While some hair shedding is normal and part of a natural cycle, sudden excessive hair loss may indicate underlying health issues.
In this page, we’ll take a look at the various factors that contribute to what causes hair loss, and help you pinpoint which one(s) may be affecting you (assuming it’s affecting you). Whether this be from genetics, lifestyle choices, or medical conditions, we’ll talk about some of the treatments you can consider to deal with this..
Genetics & Aging Hair Loss Factors
The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This hereditary condition usually starts in adulthood. Androgenetic refers to the androgen hormones, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in particular has been shown to reduce the hair growth cycle, leading to thinner and shorter hair over time – until they are eventually lost.
In men, it often manifests as a receding hairline or baldness at the crown, while women may experience overall thinning, particularly at the top of the head. As we age, hair growth naturally slows down, leading to thinner hair and some degree of hair loss in most people.
What causes hair loss is not always down to just genetics. Still, It does typically follow a predictable pattern, with men experiencing a receding hairline and women noticing thinning at the crown. This form of hair loss is progressive and can start as early as someone’s teens (in rarer instances), 20s, 30s and beyond. While it cannot be fully prevented, treatments like medications or hair transplants may slow or mitigate hair loss.
Hormonal Changes & Medical Conditions
Hormonal imbalances can impact hair growth noticeably. Conditions like thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can all lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. It’s important to consult a doctor or medical professional to keep an eye on your health to ensure that if you are affected by the above examples, you can get the help and proper guidance you need.
Medical conditions
Medical conditions like alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder) or scalp infections such as ringworm can also cause hair to fall out in patches. Additionally, certain medications for arthritis, depression, or heart problems may have hair loss as a side effect. Beyond these medical conditions, a lack of nutritional intake from foods that contain important vitamins, minerals and proteins to grow hair can also lead to varying degrees of hair loss.
Hair Loss Due To Stress, Diet and Lifestyle
Stress, whether physical or emotional, can lead to hair loss through a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase. You may have noticed others or experienced this yourself, after a traumatic event such as a stressful breakup, work-related stress or through an unexpected incident which causes distress.
Nutritional deficiencies, which we’ve touched on earlier, such as low levels of iron, protein, or vitamins like B12 and D, also contribute to thinning hair. These nutrients are all building blocks to healthy, strong, strands of hair and so without them, hair loss can ensue.
What causes hair loss, from a more lifestyle point of view can be anything from harsh hair treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles which can damage the hair shaft and follicles, leading to breakage and hair loss over time. It’s therefore important that you look after your hair by avoiding doing these things and use hair products that are kind to your scalp.
What causes hair loss, as we age?
As we age, many parts of our biology gradually slow down, including hair growth; leading to the overall volume of hair decreasing as a result. Hair follicles produce thinner, finer strands, and some follicles stop producing new hair altogether, leaving noticeable thinning or bald spots after some time.
With appropriate hair care, a healthy lifestyle and treatments designed to stimulate growth/restore hair density, this too can be slowed down.
Remember, while some causes of hair loss are beyond our control, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and practising good hair care can go a long way in preserving your locks.