Hair thinning, or hair loss, is a common problem affecting both men and women. While genetics, aging, and hormonal changes are often cited as the main culprits of hair loss, there are also some unexpected factors that can contribute to hair thinning.
In this article, we will explore some of these surprising hair loss triggers.
1. Stress
Stress is a major cause of hair loss in both men and women. When our bodies are under stress, they release cortisol, a hormone that can damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning.
Stress-induced hair loss usually starts a few months after a stressful event, such as a divorce or job loss.
2. Nutritional deficiencies
A healthy diet is essential to keep your hair healthy, as well. Nutrition deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, biotin, or vitamin D, can weaken hair and cause hair loss. Iron deficiency, for instance, can lead to anemia, which can lead to hair thinning.
Biotin and vitamin D are both important for hair growth and strength.
3. Hairstyling habits
Excessive hairstyling or using harsh hair products can damage the hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Tight hairstyles, such as braids, ponytails, and cornrows, can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by pulling on the hair.
Chemical relaxers, hair dyes, and other styling products can also damage the hair and cause it to thin.
4. Medications
Several medications, such as antidepressants, blood thinners, and chemotherapy drugs, can cause hair loss. In particular, chemotherapy drugs can cause all the hair on the body to fall out, including eyelashes and eyebrows.
5. Hormonal changes
Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by thyroid problems or menopause, can trigger hair loss. During menopause, for example, the decline in estrogen levels can cause hair thinning and hair loss.
Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can also cause hair loss.
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6. Environmental factors
Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as air pollution or cigarette smoke, can damage the hair and contribute to hair loss. Similarly, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage the hair and scalp and lead to hair thinning.
7. Medical conditions
Various medical conditions, such as lupus, alopecia areata, and trichotillomania, can cause hair loss. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause hair thinning and hair loss.
Alopecia areata is a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Trichotillomania is a psychological condition that causes people to pull out their hair, leading to bald patches.
8. Weight loss
Rapid weight loss can cause hair thinning, as well. When the body lacks adequate calories and nutrients, it can prioritize the organs and systems that are essential for survival, such as the heart and brain, over the hair.
As a result, the hair can become weak and thin.
9. Genetics
While some forms of hair loss are caused by external factors, such as stress or medications, others are purely genetic. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common form of genetic hair loss.
It is caused by a combination of genetics and hormones and usually starts with a receding hairline or thinning at the crown.
10. Aging
As we age, our hair naturally becomes thinner and weaker. This is partly due to the decline in hormone levels, such as estrogen and testosterone, that occurs with age.
Additionally, the hair follicles shrink over time, leading to smaller, weaker hair strands.
While hair loss can be a distressing experience, there are many treatments available to help slow or even reverse hair loss.
If you are experiencing hair thinning, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and discuss treatment options.
