Dermatologist & Hairstylist Share 8 Reasons Why You May Be Experiencing Hair Loss
It’s a woman’s nightmare to see her hair fall off. Even though it is natural to lose some hair follicles now and then, women don’t want to see it at all because a woman’s hair is her glory. According to the American Hair Loss Association about 40% of women and 86% of men experience thinning hair by the age of 50 in the U.S.
While genetics do play a part, there are many other reasons why your hair might be falling out excessively.
1. A Too-Tight Hairstyle
Tight hairstyles that pull at the root can cause hair loss, so try to keep your hair loose and avoid wearing styles like tight braids for extended periods of time. Because these types of styling affect the root of the hair, you run the risk of your hair not growing back.
2. Harsh Hair Treatments
Getting regular relaxers, straighteners, or perms that place harsh chemicals on scalp and hair can also damage the hair follicle, and cause hair to look thinner.
READ ALSO: 6 Tricks to Prevent Hair Fall Mama Didn’t Teach You
3. Certain Diseases or Infections
Medical conditions that can cause hair loss include thyroid disease, cancer, lupus, alopecia areata or scalp infections like fungus or ringworm.
4. Hormones
Hormones can definitely affect your hair during its growth cycle. Hormonal causes of hair loss include pregnancy, birth control pills, childbirth, and menopause.
5. Struggling Through a Traumatic Loss
Sudden traumatic events like a death in the family, major illnesses, or surgery can cause hair loss six to nine months after the event.
6. Too-High Heat
High heat can also damage hair roots, so let your hair air dry, and use a curling iron sparingly. Be gentle on wet hair, and use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush.
7. Genetics
Sometimes, it’s all about dealing with what your mama (or papa) gave ya! The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary female or male pattern hair loss. Patterned hair loss happens to 50% of men by age 50 and 25% of women—male pattern will typically present with a receding hairline, while female pattern will present as thinning of the hair.
The causes are not entirely clear in either case, although male pattern hair loss typically is due to a hormonal change.
8. A Poor Diet
Unfortunately, you are what you eat, and can have an effect on your hair, too. “Diets low in protein, iron or other specific vitamins may cause hair loss,” explains Nussbaum.
Source: Yahoo Lifestyle