There are many reasons that we can start to lose our hair which is why it is important to involve a board-certified dermatologist early in your journey to treat hair loss. Some of the main causes of hair loss are:
Internal factors
Diet and hair loss are frequently linked due to factors such as poor nutrition and underlying deficiencies and disease having an effect on hair structure and hair growth. Vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency, anemia, and thyroid disease are some of the conditions frequently associated with hair thinning or loss but there are many others too – so make sure you’re consuming the right vitamins for healthy hair.
Stress
When our body experiences an extreme event such as following a surgery, death of a loved one, child birth, viral infection, or as even as a result of the ongoing global pandemic itself, stress-related hair loss can occur. This can result in experiencing a disruption in the hair growth cycle with a large shift in our hairs from the growing phase to the shedding phase months later. This is referred to as condition called telogen effluvium.
Genetics
Family history of hair loss, also referred to as hereditary hair loss, is an important risk factor for female and male pattern baldness (also known as Androgenetic Alopecia) which occurs when our hair follicles are genetically more sensitive to hormone shifts.
External factors
Over processing and factors related to styling like heat, chemical straightening, hair dyes, tight hair styles, or other harsh hair processing can weaken the hair and contribute to hair breakage, thinning and loss.
Autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune conditions such as Alopecia Areata can lead to smooth patches of hair loss and conditions like Lupus can lead to scarred patches of hair loss on the scalp. These conditions have important medical underpinnings and treatments that should be discussed with your dermatologist.
Medications
Some medications can increase the risk that the hair will become thinner or shed more easily. It is important to make sure to discuss any concerns you have about the medications you are taking with your doctors. Never change or discontinue medications on your own.