Hair loss can be a distressing experience for both men and women. While certain factors like genetics, hormones, and age are well-known to cause hair loss, there are several other triggers that people may not be aware of.
Here are 5 hair loss triggers that you should be aware of:.
1. Medications
While many medications can effectively treat various health conditions, some drugs can cause hair loss as a side effect. Medications like blood thinners, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss in both men and women.
If you are experiencing hair loss and have recently started taking any medication, consult with your doctor to discuss alternative treatment options that do not affect hair health.
2. Stress
Stress is a common trigger for hair loss in both men and women. When you experience significant stress, your body releases cortisol, a hormone that can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle and cause hair loss.
To minimize stress-related hair loss, try some stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your hair needs a variety of nutrients to remain healthy and strong. If your diet is lacking in vitamins and minerals like iron, biotin, zinc, and vitamin D, your hair may become more susceptible to breakage and hair loss.
To ensure that you are getting the right nutrients, include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. If needed, speak to your doctor about taking supplements to boost your nutrient intake.
4. Hairstyling Practices
While regular hair washing, conditioning, and brushing are essential for maintaining healthy hair, certain hairstyling practices can lead to hair damage and hair loss.
Tight hairstyles like braids, buns, and ponytails can pull on the hair strands, causing them to weaken and break. Using hot styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can also damage the hair cuticles, leading to hair loss. To protect your hair, try to avoid tight hairstyles and limit the use of hot styling tools.
5. Thyroid Problems
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including the hair growth cycle. If your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can affect your hair health, leading to hair thinning and hair loss.
If you have unexplained hair loss, consult with your doctor to have your thyroid function checked.
Conclusion
While hair loss is a common problem, being aware of the various triggers can help you take steps to prevent or manage it. By addressing the underlying causes, you can improve your hair health and prevent further hair loss.