The causes of hair loss vary among men and women, which sometimes makes the journey of searching for effective solutions frustrating.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss is a medical condition in which a person loses a large and abnormal amount of hair on the head and sometimes from other areas of the body. Hair loss may occur gradually or suddenly, and it may occur at any age stage, from childhood to old age. It affects all genders and ages. There are many reasons that result in hair loss, so we will answer the frequently asked question: What are the causes of excessive hair loss?
Natural hair growth
The natural growth of hair proceeds according to a specific and organized cycle that includes 3 stages, the first of which is the growth stage, which is the stage of activity of the hair and grows at a rate of 1 and a half centimeters per month, then followed by the catagen stage, which is a transitional stage in which the hair separates from the walls of the follicles but remains stable, then the last stage is the resting stage, in which the hair stops growing and remains in the scalp until it falls out.
Causes of hair loss
Hair loss is a complex and multifaceted issue, with a wide range of possible causes that include the following:
Heredity and genetics: Hereditary hair loss
One of the most common types of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as androgenic alopecia, which affects men and women all over the world.
This condition is rooted in genes and is supported by the action of hormones. Individuals inherit genes that cause hair follicles to gradually shrink due to the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a by-product of testosterone or the male hormone.
In men, the characteristic signs are a receding hairline and bald spots at the top of the head, while women often experience a general thinning of the scalp.
Interestingly, the onset of hereditary baldness can vary between individuals, with some experiencing the condition in their early teens, while others may not notice the effects until later in life.
While androgenetic alopecia cannot be prevented if it is due to the genes we are created with, there are factors that may help reduce hair loss and improve hair condition, like:
- Limit hairstyles that pull hair back for a long time.
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- Stress management.
- Application of treatment with topical minoxidil, oral finasteride for men under medical supervision, and low-level laser therapy.
Alopecia Areata
disease Alopecia It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly targets hair follicles, causing sudden hair loss in specific spots.
The unpredictable nature of alopecia areata is particularly troublesome, as hair loss can occur quickly and without warning.
Alopecia areata affects anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race, although most cases begin before the age of 30. It is worth noting that it is not a contagious disease and does not infect people through direct contact with patients.
Although there is no sure cure for all cases of alopecia, the following treatment methods aim to: Stop hair loss and promote hair regrowth:
- Topical corticosteroid injections;
- Minoxidil treatments;
- Immunotherapy creams or ointments.
- Phototherapy.
malnutrition
Lack of intake of essential vitamins and minerals can also lead to hair loss. This is one of the most important causes of hair loss, as a lack of nutrients, such as iron, protein, biotin, and zinc, often disrupts the hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair loss or hair thinning.
For example, iron deficiency and anemia cause telogen effluvium, where hair follicles enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to hair loss. Likewise, a lack of protein in the diet can weaken the hair structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and thinning.
This is often seen in people who try to follow extreme diets to lose weight quickly, or people who have severe anorexia and eating disorders.
What causes hair loss when pulled?
In addition to the various causes of hair loss that we discussed previously, some may notice noticeable hair loss once they are pulled or styled. Here are some factors that may lead to this phenomenon:
- Traction alopecia: mThe most common cause of hair loss in women is caused by tight hairstyles, such as braids.
- Trichotillomania: It is a psychological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to pull hair, often as a coping mechanism to stress or anxiety.
- Exposure to some toxins, such as arsenic, thallium, mercury, and lithium, which may disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair loss or even complete hair loss.
- Aging: As we age, it's normal to experience some degree of hair loss.
The rate of age-related hair loss can vary from person to person, with some individuals experiencing more noticeable thinning or receding hairlines than others.
It is important to note that while some hair loss is a normal part of the aging process, sudden or excessive hair loss may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.
Causes of excessive hair loss
Knowing that what we mentioned may be a cause of excessive hair loss, however Sudden, severe hair loss may also result from::
- Tension and stressSudden or prolonged periods of stress disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a condition known as Telogen effluvium. يحدث هذا النوع من تساقط الشعر عندما تتسبب استجابة الجسم للإجهاد في دخول عدد كبير من بصيلات الشعر إلى مرحلة الراحة (التيلوجين)، مما يؤدي إلى تساقط الشعر بشكل مفرط.
Triggers for telogen effluvium range from major life events, such as childbirth, surgery, or the loss of a loved one, to chronic stress and rapid weight loss.
- Side effects of drug treatments: Some medications can also contribute to excessive hair loss, most notably chemotherapy and radiation drugs, which are often used to treat cancer. This condition is called active hair loss, as hair follicles in the active growth phase are disrupted, causing rapid and comprehensive loss.
In addition, there are a range of chronic disease medications that may cause hair loss as a side effect, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, and cholesterol-lowering medications.
In these cases, it is necessary to consult a specialist to explore alternative treatment options or to manage the dosage.
- Scalp infections and skin diseases: Some scalp infections and skin conditions can also interfere with the health of hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
For example, ringworm, a fungal infection, causes circular patches of hair loss on the scalp, while conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis can lead to inflammation and flaking, disrupting hair growth.
In some cases, hair loss associated with these conditions may be temporary, with hair growth returning once the underlying problem is addressed and treated.
Causes of hair loss in women
One of the most common causes of hair loss in women is their exposure to several hormonal disorders at different periods of life.
Conditions, such as a syndrome, can result Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders cause a disturbance in the hormonal balance, leading to increased hair loss or thinning.
Transitional periods in a woman's life, such as pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, may also cause temporary hair loss due to hormonal changes that occur during these stages.
The second most obvious cause in women is hair loss resulting from tension and heat, as hairstyles that are constantly performed, such as: tight ponytails, braids, or hair extensions, and permanent exposure of hair to hair straighteners, heat, and dyes may damage the follicles, making them more weak and eventually stop producing new hair.
Treatment for hair loss due to traction often consists of changes in hair styling habits, allowing the scalp to rest and the damaged follicles to recover.
Also learn about The best solution to treat hair loss
Causes of hair loss in children
All of the previously mentioned causes in adults may affect children. Alopecia areata, trichotillomania, and temporary hair loss after exposure to physical or emotional trauma are all clear causes that greatly affect children in society.
Other less common causes include:
- Scalp injuries.
- undernourishment.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Hair loss in newborns is normal and temporary.
One of the common causes in children is fungal infections. Let us learn more about them.
Tinea Capitis
It is a fungal infection that affects the scalp and hair. It may affect people of any age, but its prevalence rates peak in children between the ages of 3 and 7 years.
The most common symptoms of ringworm include:
- Intermittent hair loss.
- Dry and scaly areas.
- Itchy patches and redness on the scalp.
- Hair breakage.
- Black dots where hair splits on the surface of the scalp.
Tinea capitis appears in inflammatory or non-inflammatory forms. Inflammatory cases are characterized by painful, swollen lesions that may secrete pus, which can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
However, in most cases, hair loss in children is not permanent and improves once the underlying cause is treated and an accurate diagnosis is made.
Causes of hair loss in young people
In continuation of the answer to the question: What are the causes of excessive hair loss?
- Genetics: Many cases of baldness in youth are the result of hereditary factors or genes and can be identified from family history.
- Exposure to stress: Many young people are exposed to situations of stress, anxiety, and psychological pressure, which causes extensive hair loss.
- Vitamin deficiency and iron deficiency: Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, and vitamin deficiency cause the scalp and follicles to weaken later, causing hair loss.
- Hormonal changes: Some hormonal changes due to thyroid disorders or with low testosterone, young men may suffer from hair loss.
- Smoking: It is one of the most prominent factors for hair loss in young people, as it causes a lack of blood flow to the scalp.
- Use of chemical preparations: Some products have spread, such as new hair straighteners, which contain harmful chemicals that result in heavy hair loss.
- Skin diseases: Some skin diseases that affect young people contribute to hair loss, the most prominent of which are psoriasis, fungal infections, and scalp infections.
It is distinguished Al Moosa Specialist Hospital With the inclusion of a large group of the best and most skilled dermatologists, the hospital’s specialized dermatology clinics have achieved high success rates in treating many hair loss among young people and children of both sexes.
How can hair loss be prevented?
There are several important tips that will help you prevent hair loss unless there are hereditary factors for hair loss or chronic skin diseases. These tips include the following:
- Good hair care:
By using healthy products and staying away from harmful irons, while avoiding tying and pulling the hair daily. - Avoid stress and psychological pressure:
Alleviate the stress that causes hair loss through some relaxation and meditation exercises.
- Detection of iron deficiency disease:
Iron deficiency is one of the most common problems that lead to hair loss, so a blood test must be done to detect it early and treat it.
- Stay away from smoking:
Smoking negatively affects blood flow to the scalp, so it is necessary to stay away from it to improve blood circulation to the hair. - Paying attention to healthy nutrition:
It is the first gateway to healthy and vibrant hair. You must rely on balanced foods that contain the necessary vitamins, proteins, and minerals, in addition to nutritional supplements that contain biotin, which is necessary for healthy and strong hair. - Topical treatment for hair:
By using some natural oils, such as argan oil, which help maintain the health and vitality of hair, while taking care of the scalp and treating dandruff with some medicinal shampoos after asking the specialist doctor about the most suitable ones.
Tips for living with hair loss
Despite the importance and effectiveness of treating hair loss, in some cases hair loss may continue for a long time, so the specialist doctors at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital offer you tips for living with hair loss, which are as follows:
- Accept the problem and hope to be cured with medical treatment and follow-up with doctors.
- Completely avoid hair straightening products because they contribute to exacerbating the problem.
- Constantly solve the problem of dandruff by using medical shampoos to treat it.
- Using gentle products on the hair helps treat hair loss and strengthens the follicles.
- Pay attention to proper nutrition and take nutritional supplements that contain biotin to strengthen the follicles.
- Choose a suitable styling method to hide bald areas and avoid pulling hair so as not to increase hair loss.
- Continuous follow-up with doctors and always asking about any modern treatment for hair loss, as there is continuous development in treatment methods.
FAQs
What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?
What causes hair loss is a deficiency of vitamin B7, which results in weak follicles and hair loss, and a deficiency of vitamin D, which causes a slow hair growth cycle and subsequent hair loss.
How do you differentiate between normal and abnormal hair loss?
It is possible to differentiate between normal and abnormal hair loss based on the amount of hair falling out. It is normal for 50 to 100 hairs to fall out per day, and their shape is usually normal, with the hair root at the end. It also falls from all over the head and not a specific area, and anything less than that is abnormal.
How do I know my hair loss type?
You can find out the type of hair loss by going to a specialist doctor and performing a comprehensive medical examination that includes examining the scalp and performing some medical tests. Then the doctor moves on to detect the general health condition and symptoms such as the presence of scalp infections or hormonal changes that led to the loss.
Does hair return to its density after loss?
The return of hair to its density after loss depends on some factors, including the cause of hair loss, hereditary or resulting from temporary factors, is there another health problem, the amount of hair lost, and the extent of the hair’s response to the treatment recommended by the doctor.
How do you distinguish between hereditary and non-hereditary hair loss?
Hereditary hair loss appears gradually in the hair, especially at the top of the head, and there is often a family history of baldness. As for non-hereditary hair loss, it includes random areas on the head, and some empty spaces may appear suddenly and stop once the cause is treated.
Hair loss can be a frustrating and confusing experience for people of all ages.
