Hair loss is an issue that affects both men and women worldwide. Hair loss can affect just your scalp or your entire body. It may be temporary or permanent and can be caused by various factors. Hair loss has many potential causes, including genetics, hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions and other lifestyle-related issues. Knowing the most common causes of hair loss can help you understand why it’s happening and seek the proper treatment.
The following are the most common causes of hair loss defined by dermatologists and experts.
1. Pregnancy
During certain periods of a woman’s life, her body goes through many hormonal changes. These can cause hair to thin or even fall out. Pregnancy is a common cause of hair loss. Some women experience huge hair loss after giving birth, which is called “post-partum hair loss”. This is due to the decrease in estrogen levels and hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. This can temporarily alter your hair’s cycle of growth and shedding. Fortunately, post-partum hair loss is usually only temporary, lasting anywhere from two to six months after delivery.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once the body has returned to its normal post-pregnancy hormone levels, your hair should begin growing back.
Is it preventable?
No, unfortunately, post-partum hair loss is not preventable. It is a natural part of pregnancy and will usually resolve itself within six months.
2. Various Types of Alopecia Areata(AA)
Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that affects the scalp, but can also affect other areas of the body as well. It can cause either round patches of hair loss on the scalp or total baldness. It is caused by an autoimmune disorder, meaning your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own hair follicles. The immune system attacks the hair follicles, which results in temporary or permanent baldness. Treatment options for this condition vary depending on the type of alopecia areata. Hair from the scalp, as well as other body parts, can be transplanted to enhance the appearance of bald patches.
The exact cause of AA is unknown, but it appears to be related to certain genetic and environmental factors. Consult a dermatologist to identify the best treatment for your specific case.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, it is possible to regrow hair in areas affected by alopecia areata. Treatments range from topical medications to injections, laser therapy, and hair transplants.
Is it preventable?
No, alopecia areata is not preventable. However, there are ways to manage the condition that can help improve hair growth.
3. Medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. These include chemotherapy, blood thinners, beta-blockers, and hormones used for birth control or hormone replacement therapy. oral contraceptives, drugs for depression, anti-inflammatories, and beta and calcium channel blockers can all lead to hair loss. Excessive intake of vitamin A-based drugs can also cause hair loss. Many medications can cause hair loss, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking and their potential side effects.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once you stop the medications causing hair loss, it is possible for your hair to regrow in the affected areas.
Is it preventable?
Yes, it is possible to prevent hair loss from medications by discussing the potential side effects of any medications you are considering with your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits before taking any new medications.
4. Nutritional deficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss, as they can lead to weakened or damaged hair follicles. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, biotin, and zinc can all cause hair loss. Eating a balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, and seeds can provide the nutrients necessary for healthy hair.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, regrowth is possible with an improved diet and supplementing with the nutrients needed to support hair health.
Is it preventable?
Yes, nutritional deficiencies can be prevented by eating a balanced diet and talking to a doctor about any supplements you may need. Additionally, if you are vegetarian or vegan, it is important to make sure that you are getting enough essential vitamins and minerals from food. If you are not, supplementation may be necessary.
5. Birth control pills
Birth control pills can cause hair loss in some people. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and resolves when the person stops taking the pill. Hormonal birth control pills contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin, which can alter our natural hormone levels. These changes can affect hair growth and lead to thinning or shedding of the hair.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once you stop taking the birth control pill, your hair should begin to regrow.
Is it preventable?
Yes, it is essential to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects of the birth control pill before taking it. Additionally, if you are experiencing any side effects, such as hair loss, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor so that they can make the necessary changes.
6. Ringworm
Ringworm, or tinea capitis, is a fungal infection that can cause hair loss. It typically affects the scalp and is highly contagious. It is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin and bald spots. Symptoms include itching, flaking, brittle hair, burning and red bumps. If it does not heal by itself, over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams can help treat the infection.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, it is possible to regrow the lost hair with treatment. Treatment typically involves topical antifungal medications and antibiotics.
Is it preventable?
Yes, ringworm can be prevented by practising good hygiene, avoiding sharing hats or combs with others, wearing protective headgear in the gym or locker room, and washing clothing and linens after use. Additionally, it is important to keep skin clean and dry to prevent the infection from spreading.
7. Cancer treatment
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can cause hair loss. Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly dividing cells, which includes the hair follicles that our hair grows from. Radiation therapy targets a specific body area and can damage the tissue in that area. This damage can lead to hair loss in those areas as well.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once the cancer treatment has finished, hair will usually start to regrow.
Is it preventable?
No, unfortunately, cancer treatments cannot be prevented as they are necessary for the successful treatment of certain cancers. However, there are ways to cope with the side effects. For example, using a cold cap during chemotherapy can help to protect the hair follicles from damage. Additionally, talking to your doctor about any supplements you may need to take for healthy hair growth can be beneficial.
8. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances, such as those due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders, can also cause hair loss. PCOS is a disorder of the reproductive system in which hormones become unbalanced, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and other symptoms such as weight gain, acne, and excessive facial or body hair. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can also lead to hair loss due to the body not producing enough of certain hormones.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once the hormonal imbalance has been treated and brought back into balance, it is possible for hair to regrow.
Is it preventable?
Yes, by managing the underlying condition it is possible to prevent further hair loss. This can involve taking medications or making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.
9. Thyroid Problems
Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can also cause hair loss. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine which can lead to an increase in metabolism, causing hair follicles to enter a resting state and fall out prematurely. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too little of the hormone thyroxine which can lead to a decrease in metabolism, resulting in thinning hair.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once the underlying condition is treated and brought back into balance, it is possible for hair to regrow.
Is it preventable?
Yes, by managing the underlying condition it is possible to prevent further hair loss. This can involve taking medications or making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. Additionally, talking to your doctor about any supplements you may need to take for healthy hair growth can be beneficial.
10. Physical Trauma
Physical trauma, including surgery, burns and accidents, can also result in hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary but can be distressing for those affected.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once the physical trauma has healed it is possible for hair to regrow.
Is it preventable?
In many cases, physical trauma cannot be prevented. However, if possible it is important to ensure that the skin in the area of the injury is kept clean and dry to prevent infection which can lead to further hair loss.
11. Extreme Hair Care
Extreme hair care, such as regular use of chemical treatments, excessive heat styling and tight hairstyles, can also cause hair loss. These activities can damage the scalp and follicles, which can result in thinning or balding.
Is regrowth possible?
Yes, once the underlying cause has been addressed it is possible for hair to regrow.
Is it preventable?
Yes, by avoiding extreme hair care such as regular chemical treatments and excessive heat styling, it is possible to prevent further hair loss. Additionally, using gentler styling techniques and hair products specifically designed for sensitive scalps can help protect the scalp from damage.
