What Are the Causes of Loss of Hair?

Hair is one of the key features that define our looks. This is true for men but is especially true for women. It is common to lose a few strands of hair when brushing or shampooing, but when hair really starts to noticeably fall out people will go into panic mode. The problem is growing, and literally millions of people are suffering from hair loss annually. There are reasons that people lose their hair--some are serious and others are not as serious--but it is a good idea to understand what causes hair loss and to know that it is usually reversible.

Poor Nutrition

• Sometimes when people are dieting they tend to lack nutrition, especially iron. This can cause hair loss. When there is hair loss and poor nutrition is the culprit it is called Nutrition Deficient Follicle (NDF). It is common for vegetarians to lack vitamin B12, which can also cause hair loss. A lack of iron or zinc can also cause hair loss.

Medications & Disease

• There are a number of drugs that treat depression, gout, high blood pressure, heart problems and arthritis that can cause hair loss. Oral contraceptives have also been known to cause hair loss in women. Certain diseases such as lupus and diabetes have been associated with hair loss. People who undergo radiation or chemotherapy almost always experience hair loss. There are certain infections that can affect the scalp and can result in hair loss. Ringworm is one of these fungal infections; but if the infection is treated, the hair will grow back.

Hormonal changes

• Changes in hormones and hormone imbalances are known to cause hair loss. Some things that can cause hormones to become imbalanced are pregnancy, stopping birth control pills, giving birth, menopause or an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. When hormonal changes are the culprit the actual hair loss may not be immediate and could actually begin up to a few months later.

Hair Treatments

• The chemicals that are used in hair processing can also cause hair to fall out. These chemicals can be very harsh and damage the hair severely when you dye, tint, bleach, get a permanent or straighten your hair. It might begin with the hair actually breaking prior to it starting to fall out. Those who style their hair too much or brush it too vigorously could suffer hair loss.

Trichotillomania

• Trichotillomania is a mental condition where people cannot control the urge to pull their hair out. These people will pull out the hair on their head and even the hair on their eyebrows or eyelashes. People who have this condition often lose hair in patches on their head.