14 Potential reasons for hair loss in men and women
Hair Growth | Hair Fall | Hair Strengthening | Hair Thickening | Scalp Moisturization | Hair Nourishment
1. Nutritional Deficiencies
Hair loss can result from a lack of vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and biotin. These nutrients support healthy hair growth, and deficiency leads to hair thinning and breakage. A balanced diet can prevent deficiencies, including leafy greens, red meat, eggs, and nuts. A multivitamin may also help. Consult a doctor if hair loss is suspected to be caused by a deficiency.
2. Stress
Stress can lead to Telogen Effluvium, causing sudden diffuse hair thinning due to increased shedding. Usually temporary, hair loss can become permanent if stress persists. Consult a doctor if hair loss is severe or prolonged. Manage stress through exercise, diet, and techniques like meditation/therapy.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause can cause hair loss. High hormones during pregnancy can lead to longer, thicker hair, but after delivery, a lot of hair may shed temporarily. During menopause, declining estrogen can also cause temporary hair loss. Usually, it resolves when hormones balance out, but a doctor's evaluation is necessary if it's severe or persistent.
4. Medications
Medications like chemotherapy, beta-blockers, and anticoagulants can lead to hair loss. Chemotherapy affects hair follicles, while beta-blockers and anticoagulants can impact hair growth. If hair loss is suspected to be caused by medication, consult a doctor. Sometimes switching medications can help. Don't stop taking the medication without a doctor's advice. Hair loss from medication can be temporary or permanent, and a doctor can help determine the best course of action.
5. Aging
Aging can cause hair loss for some, resulting from shrinking hair follicles and hormonal changes. Treatments like medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes may help, but some hair loss may not be reversible.
6. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can cause hair loss. It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and may damage hair follicles. The amount of hair loss depends on the type and dose of radiation and the person's hair characteristics. Hair may regrow after treatment or may be permanent. Discuss the potential for hair loss and management options with your doctor before undergoing radiation therapy.
7. Chemical Treatments
Chemical treatments like dyes and relaxers can cause hair loss by damaging the hair and the scalp. Careful use and following guidelines can minimize harm to hair health.
8. Smoking
Smoking can cause hair loss due to damaging chemicals and reduced blood flow to the scalp. It also depletes essential vitamins/minerals and ages hair, making it prone to breakage. To protect hair health, quit smoking.
9. Alcohol consumption
Excess alcohol intake can lead to hair loss from alcohol's toxic impact on the body. It interferes with nutrient absorption and causes dehydration and imbalanced hormones, which can cause hair loss. Limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce hair loss risk.
10. Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can cause hair loss by increasing the stress hormone cortisol and causing inflammation and hair follicle damage. To maintain healthy hair, keep a consistent sleep schedule and get enough sleep.
11. Pollution
Pollution can cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles and altering hormones. It causes oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and follicle damage. Protect scalp/hair from pollutants, have a healthy lifestyle, and avoid exposing hair to excessive heat/chemicals to reduce risk.
12. Excessive Vitamin A Intake
Excessive vitamin A can cause hair loss. Taking too much of it can harm hair and cause hair loss, so keeping a balanced diet and following recommended daily amounts is essential.
13. Regenerate response
Regenerative response refers to the ability of hair follicles to recover and regrow hair after loss. This can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and the cause of loss. In some cases, hair loss is temporary, and the follicles can regrow hair without intervention. In others, loss is permanent. Treatment can sometimes stimulate a regenerative response, such as minoxidil, finasteride, or laser therapy. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of regrowth and prevent further hair loss.
14. Disease/Disorder causing hair loss.
Medical Conditions (thyroid disorder, lupus, or PCOS)
Medical conditions like thyroid disorders, lupus, or PCOS can cause hair loss. These conditions affect the body's systems and hair growth cycle. Treatment of the underlying disease is crucial. For example, medication to regulate hormones can prevent hair loss in thyroid disorders, and medications to suppress the immune system or regulate hormones can be prescribed for lupus or PCOS. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment if experiencing hair loss and suspecting a medical condition is the cause.
Scalp Infections
Scalp infections, such as fungal and bacterial infections, can cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles. Poor hygiene, excessive oil, and overuse of styling products can lead to scalp infections. Good hygiene and avoiding the overuse of products can prevent infections. Over-the-counter treatments or prescription medications may be necessary for treatment. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of symptoms related to scalp infections.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, is a type of hair loss caused by scarring of hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss. It can be caused by autoimmune diseases, skin infections, and scalp damage. Symptoms include patchy hair loss, itching, redness, and scaly patches on the scalp. Treatment options include medications, topical treatments, and surgery. Early diagnosis is crucial for preventing further hair loss and complications. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen Effluvium is a sudden, severe hair loss during the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Medications or medical conditions can cause it, but it usually regrows once the cause is addressed.
Scalp Psoriasis
Scalp Psoriasis can cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles. It's characterized by red, scaly patches on the scalp that can become itchy and inflamed. Treatment includes medications like corticosteroids or light therapy and may also involve diet or lifestyle changes to manage the condition.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can cause hair loss. Inflammation and damage to hair follicles may occur, leading to hair loss. To prevent further loss, it's essential to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Lichen Planopilaris
Lichen planopilaris is a type of autoimmune disease that leads to hair loss due to hair follicle damage and inflammation. Hair loss is usually gradual and occurs in patches. A doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend treatments such as medications, light therapy, or a combination of treatments to prevent further hair loss.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis can cause scalp itching, redness, flaking, and scaliness. It's caused by yeast overgrowth and treated with antifungal products. In severe cases, it leads to hair loss from damaging the hair follicles.
Tinea Capitis
Tinea Capitis (scalp ringworm) is a fungal infection causing hair loss through hair breakage. It can be treated with antifungal medication, resulting in hair regrowth once cleared.
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease-causing circular hair loss and red, scaly patches on the scalp. Treatment includes medications and light therapy.
Alopecia Totalis
Alopecia Totalis is a type of hair loss characterized by complete scalp hair loss due to the immune system attacking hair follicles. It can lead to Alopecia Universalis, where all body hair is lost. There is no cure, but treatments such as corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and wigs can help manage symptoms.
Alopecia Universalis
Alopecia Universalis is a hair loss condition causing complete hair loss on the scalp and body. It's rare, severe, and hard to treat, affecting the quality of life. The cause is unknown but may involve genes and autoimmune factors. No cure, but treatments to manage symptoms and improve life are available.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic Alopecia, or male/female pattern baldness, is caused by genetics and hormones. No cure, but treatments like meds, surgery, or lifestyle changes can slow or stop hair loss. Regrowth may occur, but often the loss is permanent.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is hair loss caused by an increased number of hairs entering the resting phase, leading to more shedding. It is triggered by stress, hormonal changes, medication, and weight loss. Usually temporary, but a dermatologist's evaluation may sometimes be needed.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune hair loss condition with patches of baldness on the scalp and body. It's believed to be caused by genetics and the environment. No cure, but some may regrow hair spontaneously or with treatments such as corticosteroids, injections, or hair restoration.
Traction Alopecia
Traction Alopecia is caused by tight hairstyles leading to hair loss and scarring. Prevent it by avoiding tight hairstyles that put tension on hair and scalp. Change hairstyles and allow hair to regrow, or use hair restoration treatments.