Why is My Hair Falling Out?

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Is your hair falling out and you don’t know why or what to do about it? Well discover the reasons why here and let us help you figure it out. Discover more.

Finding hair in your hair brush is totally normal, yes, us humans shed. However, if a person starts losing an unusual amount of hair, it can be cause for concern. Hair falling out usually doesn’t have much effect on your appearance, as your head has plenty more to make up for the daily loss. However, there may be a more significant reason for your hair loss when you start seeing your scalp or bald spots.

The term hair loss comes with many a thought. People tend to think of genetic factors, such as male pattern baldness, hormones, thyroid problems, and other diseases can all cause hair loss. So, lets answer the burning question, why is my hair falling out, and discover what may be the cause, and how to treat it.

Reasons for hair falling outgirl looking at thinning hair

There are many factors that contribute to the process of your hair falling out, most of the time these issues are nothing to be too concerned about, however, you need to make sure to keep an eye on your symptoms and, if at any time, you have concerns about your hair falling out, you should seek advice from a trusted health professional. The following reasons can be the cause for your hair falling out:

Hormonal Changes

Woman may lose hair following childbirth or while in menopause. Women who have hormonal imbalances can also suffer from hair loss.

Aside from genetic male pattern baldness, men can lose hair as their hormonal composition changes with age. Hair falling out from your scalp is caused by your follicles’ response to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Thyroid disorder

This is perhaps one of the most common hormone-related causes for hair loss, both too much thyroid hormone, and too little, can lead to hair loss. Treating the thyroid disorder can often reverse the hair loss.

Stress

hair falling out

Physical and mental stress can cause your hair to fall out. Situations of heavy stress on the body such as; surgery, a fever and blood loss can all result in excessive hair loss. Childbirth can also result in hair loss for several months post delivery.

As for mental stress, the link is less well-researched. However, many people have reported losing hair at times of extreme mental stress or anxiety.

Hair loss due to physical stress are often temporary and do subside as the body heals. There are ways to combat mental stress. Such as:

 

  • Daily exercise
  • Proper nutrition
  • Meditation and other stress management strategies such as yoga, swimming and Tai Chi.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Zinc and iron deficiency are the most common nutrition deficiency links to hair loss. However, some evidence shows that low intakes of the following vitamins and nutrients could also be to blame:

The other vitamin that causes hair loss, if enough isn’t consumed, is protein. A body low on protein finds a way to conserve where it can, and that includes pausing the growth of hair. About 2 to 3 months after that, hair starts to fall out. By adding more meat, eggs, fish and nuts to your meals, can pack more protein into your diet.

Skin conditions

Psoriasis and dermatitis skin conditions can come about on the scalp, which can interfere with hair growth. Infections such as folliculitis can also cause hair loss.

Many of these non-genetic causes for hair loss can be treated, and the hair loss prevented.

Tips on how to treat hair falling outWoman with straighteners

There are many ways that you can take better care of your hair and. There are a few hair loss treatments that you can try and see if any of them work for you. Taking care of your hair and making a few lifestyle changes will make a big difference, that hopefully you will start to notice:

  • Be gentle with your hair. Use a detangler and avoid tugging at it when brushing, especially when your hair is wet. A wide-toothed comb might help prevent pulling out hair
  • Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot-oil treatments and permanents. Limit the tension on hair from styles that use rubber bands, barrettes and braids
  • Ask your doctor about medications and supplements you are taking that might cause hair loss
  • Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light
  • If you’re being treated with chemotherapy, ask your doctor about a cooling cap. This cap can reduce your risk of losing hair during chemotherapy
  • Ask your doctor if there are supplements you can be taking, or foods you should be eating that will help slow or reverse the process of your hair falling out

Excessive loss of hair usually stops on its own, especially if it’s caused by stress or illness. If your hair continues to fall out excessively, your doctor can check for underlying problems like thyroid disorders or nutrient deficiencies. We all know that hair falling out can be stressful and upsetting for many. Hopefully, this short article has answered some of your questions, and concerns, but if you are still concerned or worried about your hair falling out, then you should always seek medical advice.

Now that we have gone through a few of the reasons as to why your hair may be falling out, and want to learn more about how to look after your hair, read our article on how to get healthy hair, next.

 

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