It’s normal to lose about 100 hairs every day. But when you start seeing clumps of hair on your brush or in the shower drain, it’s natural to feel alarmed. Hair loss can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.

If you’re currently experiencing hair loss, there might be a few reasons why this is happening. Here are some of the most common hair loss causes:.

1. Genetics

If your parents or grandparents have a history of baldness, it’s possible that you will have it too. Male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is a common genetic condition that affects men and women.

Women are more likely to experience hair thinning rather than baldness. In most cases, genetics is the primary cause of hair loss. If you think you have a hereditary hair loss, consider talking to your dermatologist about possible treatment options.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

Trauma, pregnancy, menopause, and certain medications can cause hormonal changes that can lead to hair loss. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also cause hormonal imbalances that trigger hair loss.

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can also cause hair loss as a side effect. If you suspect that hormonal changes are causing your hair loss, talk to your doctor about getting your hormone levels checked.

3. Stress

Everyone knows that stress can have an adverse effect on your body. When you experience physical or emotional stress, your body produces a hormone called cortisone. Cortisone can affect your hair follicles that can cause hair to fall out.

Chronic stress can also result in a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair falls out in clumps. Reducing stress can help improve your hair growth and prevent hair loss.

4. Nutritional Deficiency

What you eat can affect the health of your hair. A diet that lacks essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia is a common cause of hair loss in women.

If you think your diet is deficient in nutrients that are essential for hair growth, consider making dietary changes or talking to a nutritionist.

5. Medications

Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications like antidepressants, blood thinners, and chemotherapy drugs.

If you are taking medication and are experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor to find out if there is a different medication that will not cause hair loss.

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6. Hairstyles and Treatments

Overusing styling products, excessive heat, and chemical treatments can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss. Tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, cornrows, and tight headbands can cause a condition known as traction alopecia.

This condition causes permanent hair loss if not treated on time. Avoiding tight hairstyles and choosing styling products wisely can prevent hair loss related to hairstyling and treatments.

7. Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata and lupus can cause hair loss. In alopecia areata, the immune system attacks the hair follicles that cause hair loss.

In lupus, hair loss can be a side-effect of the medication used to treat the autoimmune disease. If you have an autoimmune condition and are experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor for possible treatment options.

8. Ageing

Hair growth slows down as you age. Hair follicles shrink, leading to thinner hair and hair loss. Age-related hair loss affects both men and women.

While you can’t stop ageing, you can adopt healthy habits like eating nutritious food, reducing stress and pollution, regular exercise, staying hydrated, and getting adequate sleep. This can help keep your hair healthy as you age and prevent hair loss.

9. Infections and Scalp Conditions

Fungal infection like ringworm and bacterial infections like folliculitis can cause hair loss. Scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and eczema can also cause hair loss.

If you think that an infection or scalp condition is causing your hair loss, consider seeing a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

10. Environmental Factors

Exposure to environmental factors like pollution, chlorine in swimming pools, and hard water can dry out hair and cause hair loss.

Wearing a hat or covering your hair when you go outside can help protect your hair from environmental factors that can trigger hair loss.

Conclusion

Hair loss can be distressing and affect your self-esteem. The real reasons why your hair might be falling out can vary from genetics to environmental factors.

Understanding the cause of your hair loss can help you choose the right treatment and prevent hair loss from getting worse. If you’re experiencing significant hair loss, talk to your doctor. They can examine your scalp and recommend treatment options.