5 Main Causes of Hair Loss
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Why is my hair falling out?” it is important to know that you’re not alone in experiencing hair loss or thinning hair. In fact, 50% of the population will deal with hair loss at some point in their lives.
Prevention is better than cure so if you notice signs of thinning, speak to a doctor, trichologist or a professional hairdresser.
1. Genetic factors of thinning hair
When we talk about genetic hair loss, what we are often referring to is male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness (also known as Androgenetic Alopecia). Genetic hair loss in women can be subtle. Women may start noticing thinning where they tend to part their hair and hairline, whereas men may start losing hair from the crown and the temple area.
Contrary to popular belief, this type of hair loss can be inherited from either parent or both parents. Most people affected by genetic hair loss start to notice the first signs of thinning hair in the 4th to 5th decades of life, but for some, hair loss can start as early as the late teens and early 20s, which can obviously be distressing. Nioxin can be part of a routine aimed at slowing down the hair thinning process and making the most out of what you have. Learn more about the genetics of hair loss and how we can help.
2. Stress and trauma
Stress and hair loss are closely connected.
You can experience hair loss when you’re going through a situation that increases your stress levels. This could mean getting a new job, experiencing pressure at work, living a hectic lifestyle, having a new baby, or losing someone close to you. Most often, hair loss is not immediate, and it may first show up 3 to 6 months after the stressful episode, so you may want to reflect on the past when asking yourself, “Why is my hair falling out?”.
When our bodies experience stress, this can cause a can cause an increased amount of hair to enter the shedding phase causing a reduction in the hairs density months later. This is referred to as telogen effluvium. Read our dedicated article to learn more and how to combat stress-related hair loss.
3. Nutrition and diet
Our diet can play a significant role in the growth of healthy hair. It is important to remember that a healthy scalp supports healthy hair. The hair grows from the scalp thanks to a rich environment of vitamins and nutrients that are obtained through what we eat. For this reason, it is important to eat a healthy balanced diet.
Hair growth supplements can help if you are not getting all the nutrients that hair needs, such as zinc, iron, biotin, or vitamin D. It is also important to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement if you have a medical condition or health concern that is being monitored.
4. Health concerns or medication
Hair thinning can be a result of several health concerns, such as thyroid conditions, natural hormonal changes that women experience after pregnancy or during menopause. Alopecia areata is another medical condition that leads to smooth patches of hair loss. Hair loss can also be a side effect of certain medications. The hair follicle is incredibly sensitive to changes in the body. Any hormone therapy (including birth control) can contribute to hair thinning as can steroids, certain chemotherapies and some medications for blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and acne.
If you are worried about hair loss it’s always best to consult your doctor or a trichologist. A medical professional will be able to diagnose or treat the condition or cause of the hair loss. It is also important to not start or stop any medications without first speaking with your doctor. While you address your hair loss, it is recommended that you also speak to a hairdresser who can provide a cosmetic solution to hair thinning and consider speaking to the mental health professional who may help ease some of the mental health issues associated with hair loss.
5. Environmental factors
Newer research is showing that our environment can also impact our hair. Beyond hair styling, elements in our surrounding environment such as air pollutants and minerals in water may impact the quality of the hair and potentially contribute to thinning.
Sun exposure and common hair styling practices such as dyes, heat, and chemical straighteners can weaken the hair shaft, also playing a role in hair thinning.