Hair loss is common, but it is not always easy to identify the underlying cause.

While male pattern baldness is the most well-known cause of hair loss, there are many other reasons why people experience hair loss, including illness, medications, lifestyle factors, and genetics. Here are 30 unusual causes of hair loss and how to combat them.

1. Overprocessing

Overprocessing can cause hair damage and lead to hair loss. Hair straightening, coloring, and perming can all damage the hair shaft and cause breakage.

To combat this, choose gentle products, use heat styling tools sparingly, and consider taking a break from chemical treatments.

2. Tight hairstyles

Hair that is pulled too tightly can cause breakage and damage to the hair follicles. Tight braids, ponytails, and cornrows can all cause hair loss. To combat this, choose looser hairstyles and avoid wearing the same style for extended periods.

3. Nutrient deficiencies

Lack of vitamins and minerals can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency anemia, for example, has been linked to hair loss. To combat this, eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin, or consider taking a daily vitamin supplement.

4. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy can cause hair loss, either in the treated area or all over the body. To combat this, speak to your doctor and explore alternative treatment options.

5. PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can cause hair loss, as well as other symptoms like acne and weight gain. To combat this, seek medical treatment and consider hormone therapy.

6. Sudden weight loss

Sudden weight loss, usually due to an eating disorder or crash dieting, can cause hair loss. To combat this, seek medical and psychological help, and aim for a healthy weight loss plan.

7. High levels of stress

Stress can cause hair loss, as the body diverts resources away from hair growth during periods of stress. To combat this, practice stress-reducing activities like mindfulness, meditation, and exercise.

8. Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders, both overactive and underactive, can cause hair loss. Treatments for thyroid disorders can often help combat hair loss as well.

9. Medications

Medications for conditions like cancer, depression, and birth control can all cause hair loss. To combat this, speak to your doctor and explore alternative options.

10. Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases like lupus and alopecia areata can cause hair loss. Treatment for autoimmune diseases can often help combat hair loss as well.

11. Genetics

As much as 80% of hair loss is believed to be genetic. To combat this, consider medications like finasteride or minoxidil, or explore hair transplant surgery.

12. Hypervitaminosis A

Too much vitamin A, usually from supplements, can cause hair loss. To combat this, limit vitamin A intake and speak to your doctor about safe levels.

13. Dermatitis

Dermatitis, in particular, seborrheic dermatitis, can cause hair loss. To combat this, keep the scalp clean and speak to your dermatologist about treatment options.

14. Scalp psoriasis

Scalp psoriasis can cause hair loss due to the damage it causes to hair follicles. To combat this, seek medical treatment and explore topical and oral medications.

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15. Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a form of temporary hair loss caused by stress, surgery, or medications. To combat this, speak to your doctor and explore treatment options.

16. Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium is a form of hair loss caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment. To combat this, seek medical treatment and explore alternative hair regrowth options.

17. Dandruff

Dandruff can cause hair loss, as the flaky skin can block hair follicles and lead to breakage. To combat this, use gentle, anti-dandruff shampoos and keep the scalp clean.

18. Infections

Infections, especially fungal infections like ringworm, can cause hair loss. To combat this, seek medical treatment and use medicated shampoos as directed.

19. Hair-pulling disorder

Trichotillomania, a disorder characterized by hair-pulling, can cause hair loss. To combat this, seek psychological help and explore behavioral therapy options.

20. Harsh hair products

Harsh hair products like gels, hairsprays, and mousses can cause hair loss by clogging hair follicles. To combat this, use gentle, natural hair products and avoid daily use of heat styling tools.

21. Menopause

Menopause can cause hair loss due to hormonal changes in the body. To combat this, consider hormone replacement therapy or explore hair regrowth options.

22. Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that affects the immune system. To combat this, seek medical treatment and explore steroid injections or other hair regrowth options.

23. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause hair loss, usually from the scalp but sometimes all over the body. To combat this, explore alternative hair regrowth options like wigs or hairpieces.

24. Obesity

Obesity can cause hair loss, due in part to imbalanced hormones in the body. To combat this, aim for a healthy weight through exercise and a balanced diet.

25. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can cause hair loss, although the underlying cause is not fully understood. To combat this, manage symptoms with medication and explore alternative hair regrowth options.

26. Lupus

Lupus can cause hair loss due to autoimmune damage to hair follicles. To combat this, seek medical treatment and explore hair regrowth options like steroid injections or wigs.

27. Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can cause hair loss, as the body diverts resources away from hair growth. To combat this, eat a balanced diet rich in iron or consider an iron supplement.

28. Chemically treated water

Chemically treated water, like that found in swimming pools or hot tubs, can cause hair damage and hair loss. To combat this, wear a swim cap or thoroughly rinse hair with clean water after swimming.

29. Environmental pollutants

Environmental pollutants like air pollution can cause hair damage and hair loss. To combat this, keep hair and scalp clean and consider using protective hats or head covers in polluted areas.

30. Poor circulation

Poor circulation can cause hair loss, as blood flow is essential to healthy hair growth. To combat this, exercise regularly and consider massage or other methods of improving blood flow.