Today’s culture places great importance on having a full head of hair, which can be devastating for people suffering from hair loss. But what causes hair loss? It’s not as straightforward as you might think. Continue to read a few reasons why some people lose their hair.
Age
Our hair cells continuously die and regrow throughout our life. But as we age, cells die off more quickly and take longer to regenerate. Many people will notice at least some hair loss or thinning as they grow older, but some folks have it worse than others. Our scalps also produce less oil as we age, which further contributes to age-related hair loss.
Genetics
The most common reason for hair loss is hereditary, and is known as androgenetic alopecia. Also known as male or female pattern hair loss, androgenetic alopecia affects 50 million men and 30 million women in the U.S. Androgenetic alopecia starts in young adulthood and worsens as people grow older.
It’s a myth that this hair loss stems from the mother’s side of the family—androgenetic alopecia is caused by genes from both sides of the family.
Stress
Another one of the common hair loss causes is stress. The medical term for this stress response is telogen effluvium. While the person may notice excessive hair loss for a few months during or after a stressful life event, telogen effluvium is only temporary. After six to nine months, the person’s hair should start to grow back.
Nutritional deficiencies
A chronic form of telogen effluvium can develop that’s related to low levels of iron, vitamin D and zinc. This type of shedding starts slower and lasts longer, but it can be corrected by taking supplements or changing one’s diet.
Autoimmune disease
Hair loss known as alopecia areata can develop from autoimmune diseases where the body’s immune system attacks healthy hair follicles, causing them to fall out. Alopecia areata shows up as one or more coin-sized hairless patches either on the scalp, face or other parts of the body. The hair follicles are still alive with this condition, and hair may eventually grow back.
Medications
Another one of the common hair loss causes is certain medications. Some cholesterol, blood pressure, acne and gout medications have hair loss side effects in some people. Ceasing use of these medications can stop hair loss, though that may not be recommended by medical professionals.
Traumatic hair styling
Heat styling, chemical hair treatments and tight hairstyles can cause scarring hair loss. Scarring hair loss differs from the causes above in that the hair follicles are destroyed, and hair cannot regrow. Sadly, this scarring can be permanent if the damage is serious enough.
Raveen Hair Replacement has the answer
If you’re suffering from hair loss, Raveen Hair Replacement has the products and services you need to restore your hair and your confidence. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation or to discuss what causes hair loss with one of our team members. We look forward to helping you regain your confidence with the right hair loss treatment.