Usually, the hair growth cycle involves the shedding of the old hair, and new hair growth replaces it. Likewise, most people will get their new hair replaced and will remain with a head full of hair. However, due to several medical reasons, the lost hair may not grow permanently for some of them. In such cases, if you are looking for a hair loss solution, then you need to know the causes and symptoms of hair loss you are facing. Therefore, we have explained all about the causes of hair loss along with symptoms and treatment options in this blog post. 

Why Is My Hair Falling Out?

Everyone has this question, as people normally lose nearly 50-100 hairs daily. But actually, the person whose hair growth cycle stopped or who has thin hair and whose hair fall is happening in clumps is the one who needs an answer to this question. So, our dermatologist team at Oris has answered this question below in detail.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur due to a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, medical conditions, or environmental influences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the causes

1. Genetic Predisposition
2. Hormonal Changes
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
4. Medical Conditions
5. Stress and Lifestyle Factors
6. Medications and Treatments
7. Hair Care Practices

Genetic Predisposition

Hereditary hair loss is also known as androgenetic alopecia and it is the most common cause of hair thinning and baldness. It happens because genetics influence the sensitivity of hair follicle s to androgens, which leads to the gradual miniaturization of hair. Genetic predisposition affects both men and women. where men will experience a receding hairline or bald spots and women will face diffuse thinning across the scalp.

Treatment Options for Genetic Predisposition

• Minoxidil: It  is a topical solution that can be applied to the scalp to stimulate hair regrowth and slow thinning. 
• finasteride: It is an oral medication that blocks the hormone DHT, which contributes to hair follicle shrinkage. 
• Hair Transplant Surgery: In very rare cases, you can get treated with surgical techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) to move healthy hair follicles to thinning areas. 
• Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): It is an non-invasive laser treatment to improve blood flow and stimulate hair follicles.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can trigger hair loss. Hormonal changes affect the hair growth cycle by pushing more hair into the shedding phase. Hormonal changes mostly affect women, but hormonal imbalances in men can also contribute to hair thinning.

Treatment Options for Hormonal Changes

• Hormone Therapy: It can help women in balancing hormone levels through treatments like oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 
• Minoxidil: Minoxidil is a topical treatment to encourage hair regrowth and reduce thinning caused by hormonal imbalances. 
• Lifestyle Modifications: To support hormonal balance, a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques can be adapted to the lifestyle. 
• Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Addressing specific causes such as PCOS or thyroid disorders with targeted medications or therapy.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, biotin, and protein leads to nutritional deficiencies, which may lead to hair loss. Nutrients are vital for healthy hair growth, and their deficiency weakens hair strands and slows growth. Individuals with poor diets or absorption issues are mostly affected by hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies.

Treatment Options for Nutritional Deficiencies

• Balanced Diet: Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, eggs, nuts, fish, and lean meats to supply essential vitamins and minerals. 
• Nutritional Supplements: Use supplements such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D as prescribed by a healthcare professional. 
• Hydration: Ensure you intake adequate water to maintain scalp hydration and overall hair health. 
• Treat Absorption Issues: If you are having any absorption issues, like gut disorders or anemia, then treat them with medical intervention to improve nutrient absorption.

Medical Conditions

Conditions such as alopecia areata (autoimmune disease), thyroid disorders, or scalp infections could cause hair loss because illnesses caused by these medical conditions could disrupt the normal hair growth cycle or directly damage hair follicles.

Consulting a healthcare professional to treat hair loss caused by medical conditions is recommended for tailored treatment solutions.

Stress and Lifestyle Factors

Physical or emotional stress, lack of sleep, and unhealthy habits like smoking could cause stress. Stress-induced hair loss (telogen effluvium) forces a large number of hairs into the shedding phase prematurely. Anyone experiencing chronic stress or lifestyle imbalances could face hair loss.

Treatment Options for Stress and Lifestyle-Related Hair Loss

• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing. 
• Healthy Diet: Include biotin, zinc, iron, and protein-rich foods for stronger hair. 
• Adequate Sleep: Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep to support hair health. 
• Exercise Regularly: Improve circulation and reduce stress with physical activity. 
• Avoid Harmful Habits: Limit smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption. 

Medications and Treatments

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or drugs for conditions like hypertension, depression, or arthritis could cause hair loss. Medications may interfere with hair growth by altering hormonal levels or damaging hair follicles.

If you experience hair loss while taking medications or receiving treatments, consult a dermatologist for a tailored solution.

Hair Care Practices

Overuse of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, or tight hairstyles could cause hair loss. These practices weaken hair shafts and can lead to traction alopecia. Individuals who frequently damage their hair through their hair care routines could also be affected by hair loss.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss Due to Hair Care Practices

• Adopt Gentle Hair Care: To prevent hair damage, use sulfate-free, mild shampoos and conditioners. Also, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or strong dyes. 
• Minimize Heat and Tension: Reduce the use of heat styling tools and opt for loose hairstyles to prevent traction on hair. 
• Deep Conditioning and Hydration: Use nourishing masks or leave-in conditioners to restore moisture and strengthen hair.

Symptoms of Hair Loss

Hair loss manifests in different ways depending on the cause. Recognizing the symptoms early can help you prevent further progression. So, we have listed some of the common symptoms.

• Thinning Hair: Gradual thinning on the crown of the head. It is very common in age-related hair loss. 
• Receding Hairline: A classic M-shaped pattern in men where the hair thins and moves back. 
• Patchy Bald Spots: Circular bald spots that may occur in autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata. 
• Sudden Hair Shedding: You can see clumps of hair coming out during combing or washing. These indicate telogen effluvium. 
• Scalp Issues: Redness, swelling, or scaly patches caused by infections or skin conditions on the scalp could also lead to hair loss. 
• Hair Shaft Breakage: Weak, brittle hair prone to snapping is often caused by over-processing or heat damage.

Takeaway

Hair loss is not dangerous for life, but it affects us emotionally. It has the ability to change our look, so most people lose hair when they are under stress compared with other causes. Be open and comfortable speaking with a dermatologist regarding the discomfort that hair loss is causing you. Contact Oris Dental Center, as there are solutions for every cause.

Book an Appointment