It is perfectly normal to lose some hair every day. In fact, the average person loses between 50 and 100 strands of hair per day. But what if you start losing more than that? And what if it is not just a few strands here and there, but clumps of hair coming out in your hands every time you brush or style your hair? If this is the case for you, let’s talk about the main causes of hair loss.
What Are the Main Causes of Hair Loss?
Did you know that there are a lot of different causes of hair loss? In both men and women, hair can fall out for a variety of reasons. Some people might be surprised to learn just how common hair loss is.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50% of men will experience some degree of hair loss by the time they reach the age of 50. For women, the number is slightly lower but still significant, with around 40% experiencing hair loss by age 40.
We will dive deeper into the many different causes of hair loss in both men and women. In this blog, we will cover the 15 eye-opening causes of hair loss to help you identify what may be causing your hair loss.
How Can I Stop My Hair Loss?
Before we begin, for each of the causes of hair loss described below, we will detail if it is possible for you to regrow your hair or stop losing your hair. Look for the “How Can I Stop My Hair Loss from [insert cause]” section for more details.
The 15 Causes of Hair Loss for Men and Women
1) Cause of Hair Loss: Genetics or Hereditary
Hair loss is a common problem for men and women. But what many people do not know is that hair loss can be started by genetics or hereditary factors. This is one of the most common causes of hair loss, particularly in men. If you have a family member who has experienced hair loss, it’s more likely that you will too.
For men, hair loss is often caused by a condition called male pattern baldness. This is a genetic condition that causes the hair follicles to slowly shrink and produce less hair over time. In some cases, men may even lose all of their hair, but it typically starts with a bald spot or a receding hairline in the corners of your hairline near the temple area.
Women can also experience hair loss due to genetics or hereditary factors. In women, the most common cause of hair loss is a condition called female pattern baldness. This condition is similar to male pattern baldness, but it typically causes the hair to thin out rather than fall out completely.
In the medical world, the correct term is androgenic alopecia for men and women experiencing pattern baldness and if you are experiencing hair loss, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They will be able to determine if your hair loss is due to genetics or another underlying condition.
How Early Can You Experience Hereditary Hair Loss?
Hereditary hair loss is primarily driven by your genetics and the truth is that you can begin to experience hair loss at any age. The earlier you begin to pay attention to the warning signs of hereditary hair loss, the better.
As a woman, if your mother or grandmother experienced hair loss at a young age, you are more likely to experience hair loss yourself. The same is true for men as well. Hereditary hair loss usually occurs gradually and can start as early as your twenties.
How Can I Stop My Hair Loss from Genetics
While there is no cure for hair loss, these tips can help you stop the progression of your hair loss and maintain the hair you have because it is possible to slow the progression of hair loss for genetics. You just need to know how.
The first thing we recommend is that if you are concerned about your hair loss, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you determine the reason and cause of your hair loss and recommended treatment options.
At-Home Treatments for Hair Loss
There are several medical treatments that can help stop hair loss caused by genetics that you can find online for at-home treatments. These include:
Minoxidil (aka Rogaine)
Finasteride (Propecia) – DHT Blocker for Genetic Thinning for Men and Women
iRestore Laser Cap Treatment for Hereditary Hair Loss FDA Approved
2) Cause of Hair Loss: Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are a major common cause of hair loss in both men and women. Whether it is due to menopause, pregnancy, thyroid issues, or simply an imbalance in your hormones, hair loss can be frustrating and difficult to deal with if it is a result of your hormones.
3) Cause of Hair Loss: Medical Conditions
There are a number of medical conditions that can cause hair loss, such as thyroid problems, anemia, or even autoimmune disorders.
4) Cause of Hair Loss: Medications
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. This includes chemotherapy drugs, beta blockers, and even antidepressants.
RELATED: HOW TO FIND A CHEMO HAIR LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
5) Cause of Hair Loss: Diet
A poor diet can lead to hair loss because it can cause nutrient deficiencies. This can lead to the follicles not getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy, which can lead to hair loss.
6) Cause of Hair Loss: Scarring Alopecia
Both physical and emotional stress can lead to hair loss. This is because when you’re stressed, your body goes into survival mode and starts to conserve energy, which can lead to the slowing down of hair growth.
7) Cause of Hair Loss: Age
As we age, our hair follicles start to shrink and produce thinner, shorter hairs. This is a natural part of aging and is not usually a cause for concern.
8) Cause of Hair Loss: Scalp infections
Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss. This is more common in people who have conditions that affect the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS. Ringworm: This is a fungal infection that can cause baldness and itching on the scalp. It’s more common in children but can affect adults as well.
9) Cause of Hair Loss: Trichotillomania aka Pulling Your Hair
This is a condition where people can’t resist the urge to pull out their own hair. This can lead to baldness and patchy hair loss.
10) Cause of Hair Loss: Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss. It can be caused by stress, genetics, or other unknown factors.
11) Cause of Hair Loss: Sexually Transmitted Infections
This one left us just as speechless as you may be feeling seeing this as a cause of hair loss on the list, but yes, if left untreated, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can cause you to lose more hair than you thought. One example is the STI known as Syphilis. Not only can it lead to blindness but it can also create patches on your scalp as a result of losing hair on your head, in your eyebrows, in your beard, and anywhere else hair may grow if left untreated; however, it is not the only STI that can cause hair loss.
12) Cause of Hair Loss: Telogen Effluvium aka Stress
This is a condition that causes hair to fall out in patches. It can be caused by stress, childbirth, surgery, medications, or even crash dieting.
13) Cause of Hair Loss: Hair Care
If you color, perm, or relax your hair, you could be damaging your hair. Over time, this damage can lead to hair loss.
14) Cause of Hair Loss: Scalp Psoriasis
Many people who have plaque psoriasis develop psoriasis on their scalp at some point. This can lead to hair loss.
15) Cause of Hair Loss: Traction Alopecia
This is a type of hair loss that’s caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles. It’s more common in African American women who wear their hair in tight braids or cornrows.
As you have read above, many of the causes of hair loss can be treated at home or through the guidance of a doctor; however, without knowing the correct diagnosis of your hair loss, treatment may not work as intended. Therefore, please reference the American Academy of Dermatology if you plan to diagnose yourself before seeing a doctor.
