Hair is a dominant feature in human beings. It is among the first things you notice when you look at people. Good hair can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. People tend to be conscious of the state of their hair. Losing hair can be a cause of concern. While shedding some hair is normal, excessive hair loss may cause alarm. Hair loss is also called alopecia. Hair loss happens on any part of the body, but it mostly affects the scalp. Hair loss is usually influenced by age, disease, and other factors. Are you aware of minoxidil side effects. This blog discusses some causes of hair loss baldness.
Genetics
The loss of hair due to genetic reasons is probably the main cause of hair loss and baldness. Genetic hair loss is not caused by diseases or medication. As people age, the rate of hair growth slows. Genetic hair loss is a hereditary condition due to aging. The pattern of hair loss or baldness differs across the genders. In men, hair loss can begin anytime from adolescence and will gradually continue to lose more hair over the years, while in women, this type of hair loss is experienced as a part of aging. The female hair loss rarely leads to baldness. The male pattern baldness can occur at any time after puberty. The hairline recedes in men, while there is a general thinning of hair over the entire scalp in women. Usually, when a normal hair follicle is shed, a new one grows. But in the case of genetic hair loss, the new hair is finer and thinner. The hair follicles continue shrinking until they stop growing altogether, which is known as hair loss. The hair loss is naturally irreversible except through surgical restoration procedures.
Medical conditions
Some diseases and medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes, and anemia are examples of diseases that can cause hair loss. The downside of hair loss caused by some diseases is that the loss is usually permanent, although a hair loss restoration procedure can be a useful intervention.
Thyroid Problems
The thyroid gland produces hormones that control almost every body function, including hair growth. The hormones have to be just the right amount. When the hormones are in excess, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism, and when they are few, it is known as hypothyroidism. Both extremes of the thyroid hormones will harm hair growth, and if left uncontrolled, the person will most probably experience hair loss.
After pregnancy
Hair loss after pregnancy is normal. The hair loss experienced during pregnancy is usually because of mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Losing some hair during pregnancy is normal because of the raging hormones. However, losing too much hair during pregnancy is not normal because there is an increase in hormones meant to retain the hair. Most women notice hair loss after pregnancy, which is related to hormones. The hair loss is experienced after pregnancy is not permanent because the hormones get back to normal levels, and hence all the hair retained during pregnancy is shed, and this might seem like hair loss while it is just shedding of hair. Losing hair of hair loss usually resolves itself within a year or even sooner. Medication is usually unnecessary because less hair is shed once the hormones return to normal levels.
Haircare that damages the hair
Since hair is the main feature in beauty standards, we can damage hair due to stressful hair-dos to attain a perfect look. We should handle hair gently. It should not be combed when wet. We should avoid harsh treatment. Too much heat and chemical treatments can cause the hair to thin or even cause hair loss and baldness. Or pulling the hair into tight ponytails and braids can cause the hair ends to split, break off and cause a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by pulling hair into tight hairstyles until the hair breaks and comes loose. If traction alopecia persists, there will be bald spots and thinning of hair’ The hair loss is usually temporary, but if it involves some scarring, the hair loss will be permanent.
Poor nutrition
Hair growth is usually connected to specific nutrients, and lack of those nutrients affects the condition of the hair. Thinning hair is a common symptom of malnutrition. The hair is weak and brittle. The hair needs nutrients to grow and stay healthy, those nutrients are responsible for hair growth, and the hair loss will persist until the diet encompasses the required nutrient. Nutrients necessary for healthy hair are proteins, niacin, Vitamin B3, iron, and zinc. However, a balanced diet is very important to ensure healthy hair growth.
Emotional issues
Hair loss and mental health can be related. The emotional state that a person is in can cause hair loss. The hair follicles are pushed into a resting phase. The hair follicles stay dominant and stop producing new hair. The hair might shed more than usual by simple combing or brushing because it is dry and brittle and dries easily. If the person is undergoing immense emotional pressure, such as grief over a loss of a job, finances, or even depression, they might experience temporary hair loss. As soon as the stressors are controlled, we will regrow our hair.
Conclusion
From the above, we can conclude that hair loss and balding are conditions caused by different factors, and it is impossible to exhaust all the possible causes of hair loss and balding. The patient should seek professional medical advice to strike out any underlying issues causing the hair loss and balding. The condition of the hair is not just about our appearance but can be an important indicator of our health. Taking over-the-counter medication to correct a hair loss problem can cause even more damage to the hair.