Common Causes of Hair Loss and How to Stop It.
Both men and women throughout the UK and across the world can develop hair loss. There are a number of factors that can cause hair loss, such as ageing and genetics. What is causing your hair loss can determine whether your hair falls out abruptly or gradually, or can regrow on its own. In some instances, treatment may be needed to regrow hair.
Here are some of the common causes of hair loss, as well as methods that can help in treating it.
Hereditary Hair Loss
Both men and women of all ages can develop this kind of hair loss. Hereditary hair loss is the most common type across the world. It’s known as male pattern hair loss for men and female pattern hair loss for women. Regardless of the type, the medical term is known as androgenic alopecia. This type of hair loss means you have inherited genes that cause hair follicles to shrink and stop growing hair eventually. Shrinking can start in your teens but normally begins later in life. Treatment can help to stop or slow down hair loss. There’s also the possibility that hair can regrow. However, this depends on when you start treatment.
Age
The aging process is inevitable and happens to us all. What comes with ageing is hair loss. Most people notice some hair loss. This is because hair growth slows down. There will come a point where hair follicles stop growing hair. This causes the hair on the scalp to start thinning. Hair will also begin to lose its colour. A woman’s hairline starts to recede naturally over the years. If caught early, treatment can help regrow hair in some individuals.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a disease that begins when the body’s immune system starts attacking hair follicles. This results in hair loss. One can lose hair anywhere on the body, including the nose, scalp, and ears. Some people lose their eyebrows and eyelashes too. If you opt for treatment, this may help in stimulating hair regrowth. You can find out more about alopecia areata, including what causes it, treatment options, and how common the disease is.
Childbirth
A couple of months after giving birth, you may start noticing a lot more hairs on your pillow or brush. Try not to panic. This is common and happens to many women. Postpartum hair loss isn’t anything to worry about. In most cases, postpartum hair loss is temporary. To deal with postpartum hair loss and speed up the process, there are certain things that can help. These include getting the right nutrients in your diet, going easy on your hair, and choosing the right accessories. If you have any concerns, make sure to speak to your GP.
Hair Care
Many of us love to perm, color, or relax our hair. If you do any of the three, you could be damaging your hair in the process. Over time, this damage can result in hair loss. There are ways to prevent hair loss in this instance, such as changing how you care for your hair. After damaging a hair follicle, hair can no longer grow from that follicle. The more damaged hair follicles you have, the higher the risk you have of having permanent bald spots. If you’re not sure what to do, it may be wise to speak to a hairdresser. They can give expert tips on the best practices for looking after your hair, as well as what hairstyles work best.
Cancer Treatment
For those receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment to the neck or head, there is a possibility of losing all or most of your hair within weeks of beginning treatment. Hair normally begins to regrow within months after finishing radiation or chemotherapy treatment. Dermatologists can provide medication that helps hair grow back more quickly. There are ways to prevent hair loss during cancer treatment. Many people wear a cooling cap before, throughout, and after chemotherapy sessions. They may help in preventing hair loss.
Medication
There are some medications that include hair loss as a possible side effect. If you believe the medication you’re taking is causing hair loss, make sure to speak to the doctor who prescribed your medication to check whether hair loss is a possible side effect. It’s crucial you don’t stop taking medication before consulting your doctor. Should you stop taking the medication abruptly, this can lead to serious health problems. After finishing the medication, regrowth is possible which should provide some relief.
Regardless of age or gender, hair loss can be devastating to endure. If you have any concerns and resonate with any of the above, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your GP. Only a medical professional can provide expert advice and guidance around hair loss, as well as lifestyle changes and treatments that could promote hair growth.
