Hidden Causes of Hair Fall

Nearly all men and women experience hair thinning or hair fall problems. It is common in adults, but anyone can experience it, including children. One of the most common issues is figuring out what causes hair fall. It can sometimes be a side effect of an underlying health problem or even genetics. While it is hard to determine the reason immediately, knowing the possibilities can be beneficial.

Here are the possible reasons for hair fall that will aid in figuring out an appropriate hair fall treatment.

Stress

An intense amount of stress can trigger hair loss. Sometimes, not the disease but the stress that comes with it can cause immense hair fall. Emotional trauma can lead to acute telogen effluvium, in which around 70% of the hair follicles go into a resting phase. The normal resting percentage is about 10 to 20%. Life-altering events like marriage, divorce, losing a loved one, etc., can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. While hair fall due to stress is temporary, seeing a credible dermatologist for an effective hair fall solution is vital.

Hormonal Imbalance

Excessive androgens or male sex hormones can cause hormonal imbalance and hair fall. Increased androgens play a significant role in male and female hair growth patterns. It usually occurs in mid-life and can be a possible culprit of hair fall. Another critical factor associated with hormonal imbalances and hair fall is the thyroid. Both an underactive and an overactive thyroid can cause hormonal imbalance and result in hair loss. Thyroid hormones regulate various functions in the body, including hair growth. Therefore, hair loss and thyroid issues go hand in hand and need appropriate treatment.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Certain vitamins and mineral deficiencies can also cause your hair to fall and halt growth. Hair fall due to vitamin deficiencies results from inadequate proteins, zinc, biotin, and iron. These essential nutrients in the body ensure enhanced health and proper functioning of all organs. Poor nutrition can cause a lack of essential vitamins in the body and may result in hair thinning and patches of baldness. Include leafy greens, nutrient-rich foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, etc., and biotin supplements for hair fall prevention to manage dietary factors causing hair fall.

Scalp Infections

Hair loss can also occur due to specific scalp conditions like dandruff, psoriasis, or fungus. A common fungal infection causing hair issues is ringworm which requires antifungal medicines by mouth. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease producing thick white scales on the scalp. They can even cause bleeding when pulled. Hair fall due to scalp infections can be treated with steroid creams and anti-inflammatory drugs. Dandruff is a common condition involving greasy, white and yellowish scales on the scalp due to excess oil on the skin or hormonal imbalance. Hair fall remedies include an anti-dandruff shampoo or an antifungal hair cleanser.

External Aggressors

Environmental factors and hair fall have a deep connection and are among the major hidden causes of hair thinning. Exposure to air pollutants like smoke and chemicals can weaken hair follicles. Too much UV rays exposure can impact the hair shaft and lead to hair thinning. Besides, using hard water or water with high mineral content can make your hair brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. Extreme weather conditions like too much humidity or a dry environment can increase hair breakage. However, individual susceptibly to these environmental factors varies, and each person has a different response.