You typically lose some hair daily as a natural part of its growth cycle. The American Academy of Dermatologists says that losing up to a hundred hair strands daily is normal. However, the condition becomes hair loss when you lose more than that number and have little to no hair growth.
Alopecia areata, or hair loss, is when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing little to no hair growth. Alopecia typically affects the head and face, with hair falling out in patches. While hair fall is a common struggle, especially for women, hair loss is a more serious problem that requires a doctor’s assessment and a lifestyle change.
If you are worried about your hair and suspect that your hair fall is quite excessive, keep reading to find out the signs and causes of alopecia.
Signs and Symptoms of Hair Loss
Alopecia affects 1 in 1000 people globally. Each person’s case of alopecia areata develops differently. Some people experience hair loss on and off throughout their lives, while others only experience it once. Recovery is also unpredictable. Some people’s hair fully regrows while others do not.
The common signs of hair loss to look out for are the following:
- gradually losing hair on your head
- slow-growing bald spot
- a hairline that is thinning and getting more noticeable with time
- burning, itching, or stinging feeling on the scalp before sudden hair loss
- scaly bald patches accompanied by sores or blisters that bleed pus
You may experience hair loss for a long time before you notice these signs because they can be subtle at first. Even though many people who experience hair loss show one or more of these universal symptoms, hair loss can also strike suddenly and dramatically.
5 Causes of Hair Loss
Alopecia, or hair loss, can be either temporary or permanent and affect your scalp or the entire body. It is crucial to identify the cause of hair loss for proper treatment. Here are the five most common causes of hair loss:
-
Genetics
A hereditary condition that worsens with age is the most common reason for hair loss. The term androgenic alopecia can refer to baldness among men and women. Men typically experience a receding hairline and bald spots. In contrast, women usually experience thinning hair at the top of the scalp.
-
Hormone issues
Hormonal imbalances can occur in both men and women, resulting in hair loss or thinning. Most people associate hormone imbalances with estrogen or testosterone, but problems with your thyroid can also cause hair thinning. Your hair should start to grow again once you resolve your hormonal imbalance.
-
Nutrient deficiency
You could lose your hair or see it thin out if you do not consume enough of a particular vitamin or mineral. For instance, folic acid and iron support healthy follicle function. A lack of vitamins and minerals can seriously affect your overall health and immune system, causing hair thinning.
-
Too much stress
According to studies, stress can lead to hair loss. Stress can kill the new hairs that your follicles are trying to grow. Stress can also cause your existing hair to loosen earlier than usual in the growth cycle. These circumstances may quickly thin your hair.
-
Excessive hair treatments
You might unintentionally contribute to hair thinning when choosing hair products and styles. Your hair may start to thin if you use too many harsh products, including gels and sprays, perms, relaxers, and other chemical treatments.
Some products may even permanently harm your hair follicles, making it impossible for you to grow new hair in those areas. Wearing your hair in styles that tug on it is another potential factor in hair thinning or loss. Thinning hair may result from tight buns, ponytails, or braids.
Simple Ways To Prevent Hair Loss
Hair loss can be an indication of other health problems. Moreover, losing your hair can impact your confidence. Use these tips you can do on your own to prevent hair loss:
-
Maintain appropriate scalp and hair care
Do not subject your hair to harsh treatments like bleaching, hair dye, or heating tools. Use curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs sparingly and only when necessary. These transfer too much heat into your hair and can weaken it. Regular washing of your hair and scalp will help keep your scalp healthy.
-
Change your diet
Excellent nutrition is the core of beautiful hair. Your hair will benefit from a diet high in lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and other healthy foods. A healthy, balanced diet and getting enough water into your system are crucial to maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Take Care Of Your Hair
Hair care is as important as caring for any other part of the body. Although different factors can have adverse effects on the hair, healthy living can help prevent conditions like alopecia. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you are concerned about hair clumps in your hairbrush or the shower drain.