Hair loss is surprisingly common in both men and women, and there are many different factors that can be attributed to balding including heredity, hormones, unhealthy styling products and treatments, stress, and illness.
It is important to understand the possible causes of hair loss, so that you may determine the best treatment and prevention plan.
Heredity and Hormones Male and female-pattern baldness, or Androgenetic alopecia, is the most common explanation for balding.
This type of hair loss is passed down genetically, and can be passed by either the father or the mother, and is most commonly seen in individual's whose parents both carry the gene.
This type of hair loss is caused by the conversion of testosterone (which both men and women have) in the body to DTH, a chemical that shrinks follicles and prevents them from producing hair normally, while also shortening the life span of existing hair.
All though everyone produces DTH, some individuals have more receptors for DTH, causing hair loss.
Androgenetic alopecia can be treated and reversed, but it is important to quickly find a treatment plan that is right for you, to prevent further hair loss.
Stress Most people aren't fully aware of the great effect stress has on our bodies- and how greatly it can affect how our hair grows.
Physical and emotional trauma can cause great stress on how our bodies function, and it is important to recognize the factors in our lives that raise stress levels, so that you can learn to manage your stress effectively.
Emotional Stress and Balding Emotional stress as a result of a job loss, loss of a family member, or financial burdens can cause Telogen effluvium, a condition where stress causes your hair follicles to go into a resting phase, causing growth to stop.
During this resting phase, you may notice your hair falling out after showering or combing your hair.
You may also wake up in the morning and notice a larger amount of hair on your pillow than usual.
Hair loss due to emotional stress doesn't have to be permanent, and can be reversed easily with effective stress management techniques.
Physical Stress and Balding Physical stress on our bodies can also lead to hair loss, such as after childbirth, surgery, or illness.
When our bodies go through trauma, energy is conserved, and hair settles into its "resting phase", as mentioned before.
During this resting phase, hair growth stops and hair loss begins.
The resting phase is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, but under stress, more hair goes into this phase than normal, and as a result, more hair loss occurs.
Excessive weight loss due to malnutrition from starvation or an unhealthy diet can also cause thinning hair.
It is important to maintain a healthy diet, and to make sure you are getting plenty of protein.
Protein is necessary for healthy hair growth.
Unsafe Styling Products and Hair Treatments Dyes, bleaches, hot irons, chemical treatments, even hot showers, all have dramatic effects on the quality of your hair.
Chemical treatments, when used improperly or too frequently can cause hair to become brittle, and even cause chemical burns on the scalp.
Chemical burns can cause permanent hair loss, so it is very important to consult a professional hair stylist when treating hair with chemicals.
Hot showers and shampoos with alcohol can remove important oils in the hair that help maintain moisture and a hair follicle's ability to retain nourishment for healthy hair growth.
Excessive use of hot irons can also damage the integrity of hair, and can cause your hair to break and split easily.
Be aware of how you treat your hair during your daily washing and styling regimens, check your shampoo's ingredients, and only allow professionals to bleach and chemically treat your hair.