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If you're constantly having to clean hair out of your hairbrush or have noticed more of your scalp showing than before, please don't stress (as that may worsen your condition). Instead, take a load off and discover the top hair loss causes and effective, yet practical solutions to help keep your hair where it belongs.

What are the main causes of hair loss?

Hair loss, also called alopecia, can result from several different factors. Genetics, hormones, medical conditions, scalp infections, stress, traumatic events, medications, nutritional deficiencies, age, hair styling, hair treatments, and other lifestyle habits can affect hair health and fullness.

It is essential to recognize that some hair loss is a natural process, with the average person losing between 50 and 100 hairs per day. But, when you start seeing more hair at the bottom of your shower and on your clothing, you may want to consider taking action.

Is hair loss always genetic?

Heredity is the most prevalent cause of thinning hair and hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as hereditary hair loss, is predominantly associated with testosterone, DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), as well as other sex hormones. It may manifest in both male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness.

How do hormones affect hair loss?

Hormonal changes can significantly affect hair. Hormonal fluctuations and enzymes, combined with natural aging, can cause hair follicle shrinkage, leading to signs of thinning hair. For example:

• Androgens: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a key component of male pattern alopecia, which causes hair follicles to shrink over time.
• Estrogen + Progesterone: Hormonal hair loss often happens due to fluctuating
  hormone levels that occur in pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These hormone-related causes of hair loss in women can trigger temporary or permanent hair loss.

Is hair loss always a sign of a medical condition?

No. While sudden or unusual hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying medical issue,
hereditary androgenic hair loss is the most common form. Some medical conditions that
exhibit hair loss symptoms include the following:

• Autoimmune disorder: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system attacks their hair follicles, resulting in sudden, patchy hair loss on the scalp, as well as on the eyebrows and eyelashes. Alopecia areata is also associated with conditions such as lupus, vitiligo, diabetes, allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
• Thyroid disorder: Hypothyroidism and hair loss are frequently linked together, as loss of hair is a well-recognized symptom of an underactive thyroid.
• Infections: Fungal infections, such as ringworm (tinea capitis), and certain infectious diseases, including syphilis, can lead to hair loss.
• Nutritional deficiency: A diet lacking in essential nutrients and restrictive eating
  disorders may lead to anemia and other medical conditions.
  If you notice a sudden or excessive amount of hair falling out, it's advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare professional before pursuing various hair fall remedies.

Can medication cause hair loss?

Yes, some medications can trigger hair loss. Although essential for specific medical conditions, chemotherapy, amphetamines, beta-blockers, heparin, levodopa, lithium, and warfarin are just a few examples of medications that can induce hair loss.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Absolutely! Stress is a well-known reason for hair loss. When we undergo stress, our bodies release cortisol, a stress hormone that instructs our hair follicles to prematurely exit the growth phase, speeding up the rate of hair shedding.

Hair loss due to stress, or Telogen Effluvium hair loss, is often seen after emotionally and
physically stressful events, such as childbirth, serious infections, major surgeries, and lengthy illnesses. Shedding occurs as a large number of hairs enter the hair growth cycle’s resting phase. This stress-related alopecia may even materialize two or three months after significant physical and emotional stressors have been resolved. Fortunately, this form of hair loss is not usually permanent and may be properly addressed with effective hair care products and a healthy lifestyle.

Can hair products or styling habits cause hair loss?

Unfortunately, some of the things people do to improve their hair’s appearance can actually harm their hair follicles. Sometimes, hair styling practices and hair treatments are at fault.

• Hairstyles: Extra-tight Braids and ponytails can pull on the hair, causing traction
  alopecia, which can permanently damage hair follicles.
• Chemicals: Hair color, bleaches, perms, and other chemical treatments can weaken and damage strands, leading to breakage and unmanageability that contribute to hair thinning.
• Heat styling: The constant use of blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can cause hair to become brittle and prone to breakage.

Can a poor diet lead to hair loss?

100%. Hair shedding commonly seen with rapid weight loss and crash diets highlights the importance of eating well for healthier hair. While these are extreme cases, for hair follicles to effectively support hair and help stave off an early receding hairline, they must receive ample amounts of protein, biotin, zinc, and other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Hair Loss Solutions

While many factors are beyond your control, there are steps you can take that may help diminish hair loss progression, as follows:

• See your doctor: Work with your physician to help manage your hormones, medical conditions, and medications.
• De-stress: Adopt stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation,
  walking, mindfulness, or yoga practices to help manage stress.
• Eat well: Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet to support optimal scalp wellness and immunity for thicker, fuller hair. If you aren’t getting the necessary nutrients you need from your diet, consider incorporating supplements that boost hair health.
• Incorporate a healthy hair ritual: Use a shampoo and conditioner formulated to diminish hair loss, followed by a hair loss serum made with natural ingredients that holistically improve scalp health. Hair products with healthy oils, antioxidants, amino acids, peptides, botanical extracts, and other compounds that target hair thinning at the source may also aid with hair loss and result in stronger and fuller looking hair.

Disclaimer: This article and product references are intended for informational use only and are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions.