It’s painful to see your hair strands clinging to your comb instead of your scalp. How do you wish those hair strands had added volume to your tresses? Hair loss is a widespread problem that troubles men and women alike. There are several causes for it: environmental pollution, neglect in hair care, medications, etc. The key to hitting the right mark in your hair-loss control is to be aware of the various hair fall reasons. That way, you can choose the most appropriate treatment and preventive measures to see maximum results.
Hair Fall Reasons
Find Out The Hair Fall Reasons
We will share some of the common reasons behind your extensive hair fall. Some of them you may already know; some of them might be new. We are sure that this information on hair fall reasons will guide you better to manage your hair fall problem and find the right solution. Let’s look at the top 16 hair fall reasons why you are having unstoppable hair fall:
1. Age
As you age, there is a gradual increase in your hair fall. The major reasons are hormonal changes and a weakening immune system.
2. Heredity
Hair loss can be genetically influenced. In males, it manifests as receding hairline and bald spots, and in females, it shows in gradually thinning hair.
3. Hairstyles
One of the common hair fall reasons is dawning hairstyles that exert pressure on your hair follicles. These include tight ponytails, braids, and buns. Excessive use of hair styling products like curling irons, straighteners, and dryers also affects your hair quality and makes it prone to frequent breakage.
4. Shampoos
The traditional means of hair cleansing used to be natural ingredients like ‘amla’, ‘shikakai’ etc. but in the kind of lifestyles we have now, shampoos come in handy. They are important for regular hair care and it’s vital to use good quality ones. Chemically loaded and corrosive shampoos can strip your hair of all moisture and cause dryness that leads to hair fall. Check the formulation of your shampoos before use and prefer mild ones. You can also opt for dermatologically recommended ones.
ALSO READ: 7 Homemade Natural Hair Conditioner For Fast Thick Hair Growth
5. Nutritional Deficiency
A healthy diet is a key to overall health. Your hair is also a part of it. What you eat impacts your hair growth and strength. Deficiencies in essential nutrient intake can cause severe hair-fall issues like alopecia, female pattern baldness, etc. Make sure to take enough of the following nutrients in your diet for strong and long hair:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Niacin
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Selenium
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Folic Acid
- Biotin
- Antioxidants
ALSO READ: 15 Foods For Fast Hair Growth
6. Weight Loss
As per the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss may follow after a weight loss of over 15 pounds. The reason behind it is not clear but it’s considered to be linked to a lack of nutrients. Some hair loss conditions like Telogen effluvium are triggered by weight loss.
7. Medications
These are one of the primary hair fall reasons. Hair fall is a well-known side effect of medications. It is evident how chemotherapy drugs affect hair loss. Likewise, medications meant for hormonal imbalances and birth control can also cause hair loss in women.
8. Crash Dieting
Many people use crash dieting as an easy way to shed a few extra pounds. The pounds are lost but so is a lot of nutritional value. Abrupt fasting spells weaken your hair follicles and cause hair loss. Thus, you must eat a balanced and healthy diet at all times.
ALSO READ: 15 Best Tips To Grow Hair Fast Naturally: Hair Secrets That You Must Know
9. Chemotherapy and Radioactive Therapies
A major hair fall reason for cancer patients is chemotherapy and radiation.
More Hair Fall Reasons
10. Infections in The Scalp
Your scalp health plays an integral role in determining your hair quality. If it is ridden with bacterial or fungal infections like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, ringworms, etc., hair loss follows. Ringworm infection can lead to permanent hair loss too.
11. Illness
Hair fall is also a post-illness occurrence. Health conditions such as fever, Anemia, flu, etc. inhibit the proper functioning of your hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. However, such hair loss is temporary and it can be treated with the help of sincere post-illness care.
12. Stress
People often joke about baldness as a sign of chronic stress. It is an insensitive generalization of all serious hair-loss conditions but there is some portion of truth in it. Hair fall is indeed triggered by the stress hormone called cortisol. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol, which disturbs the functioning of other hormones. As a result, there is a fluctuation in your hair growth cycle which causes your hair follicles to react and lead to hair loss.
13. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal conditions like PCOS, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss. You can tackle these conditions only under medical guidance. In women, hormonal balances occur during pregnancy and menopause too, which can cause a lot of hair fall.
14. Trichotillomania
It is a disorder in which people have an irresistible urge to pull their hair from the scalp and other body parts. The treatment of this hair fall reason requires psychological intervention and medical guidance.
15. Eating Disorders
People suffering from various eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia may suffer from hair loss. The clear reason is insufficient nutrient intake.
16. Autoimmune Diseases
Some autoimmune diseases like Alopecia areata cause hair loss. They require medical treatment. Other hair-fall-causing autoimmune diseases include lupus and diabetes. While some of these hair loss conditions are irreversible, a few can be treated with surgeries and medications.
Hair Fall Reasons – Some Takeaways
Hair loss can be a temporary or irreversible condition. If it’s triggered by reasons like stress, poor diet, and lack of hair care, you can take immediate steps to reverse the damage. However, if your hair loss is a result of medical conditions like hormonal changes, infections, and autoimmune diseases, you must consult your doctor. Before you get worried about your hair loss, remember some hair loss is normal. So, before you drive yourself to unnecessary sadness, read our informative piece on how much hair loss is normal?