We’re not all blessed with lush and pretty hair. But, that’s alright. The world would be so boring world it we all looked the same. Whether you’re happy or not with the genes you were given, the one thing we all should do when it comes to hair is take care of it and keep it healthy. Hair loss is a big issue these days. While there are plenty of natural masks to help beautify your hair at home, there isn’t much you can do once your hair starts falling out. Sure, shampoos and hair treatments may help. In order to stop losing your hair, you really need to find the cause behind it. Here are 10 of the most common causes of hair loss.
10. Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease. Lupus causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues. It often causes swollen joints, oral ulcers, fatigue and hair loss. See a rheumatologist if you’re also experience any symptoms from the above list aside from hair loss. The disease cannot be cured, but it can be manages with medicine.
9. Hypothyroidism
Many people around the world suffer from thyroid disease. The thyroid hormone is responsible for keeping your heart rate in check. However, it also controls your metabolism and mood. Your basal metabolic rate controls everything happening inside your body. This includes your lungs breathing and your hair growing. If you don’t have enough of the hormone, you’ll begin seeing imbalances (such as heart palpitations and even hair loss). If you think you may have hypothyroidism, see your physician.
8. Too Much Styling
Mother was right, you know! Putting too much junk in your hair can cause it to fall. Ironing it flat, curling it or dying it is also hard on your hair. No matter how gentle the hair dye claims to be, it is still very harsh for your hair. Take a little break from all those products. Give your hair a chance to recover. Help your hair with natural hair masks, mild shampoos, and conditioners.
7. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition where the root of the hair is caused (by various reasons) to be pushed into a resting state. It most commonly occurs after major surgery, pregnancy and even drastic weight loss or gain. Anything that is going to put stress on your body will also put stress on your roots as well. Currently, tests for this disease do not exist. The best way you can treat it is to remove the stress factor. Eventually, the hair will grow back.
6. Genes
The most common cause of hair loss in men is their genes. Androgenic alopecia affects men which inherit gene from either of their parents. There is a myth that says that boys inherit the baldness from their mother. That is wive’s tale. It can come from either the mother or the father. There really isn’t a cure for baldness, just yet. If the bald thing really bothers you, you can have a costly (and quite painful) hair transplant.
5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Unfortunately, more and more women suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome these days. Hormonal imbalances cause this syndrome. They direct the ovaries to produce excessive amount of male hormones than the body needs. It can cause infertility, hair loss, hair growth, acne, irregular periods and of course, cysts on the ovaries. Most cases are treated with birth control pills and medicine which blocks the male hormones. Scientists have proven that losing weight can decrease the effect of the male hormones your body produces.
4. Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency, or anemia, is a condition in which the blood doesn’t have enough blood cells. This can manifest in extreme fatigue, hair loss, pale skin, headaches and cold hands and feet. Eat iron-rich foods such as lean meat, beans and fortified cereals or take supplements. Women need 18 mg or iron a day and men just 8 mg.
3. Scalp Conditions
One of the most common causes of hair loss is a number of scalp conditions that make it hard for the hair to grow or stay on your scalp. Conditions include seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections and psoriasis. If you treat the condition, your hair will get better, but many of the scalp conditions don’t really have a cure. Medicated shampoos help, most of the times.
2. Alopecia Areata
This is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system attacks your hair follicles. Almost 5 million people are affected in the United States alone and it occurs equally in women and men. We still don’t know what causes it, but stress or illness are thought to be some of the culprits.
1. Stress
Stress is the number one cause for hair loss in women. People react different to stress, some develop other more life-threatening issues, while some have trouble with hair falling. As if the case for telogen effluvium, the only way to stop your hair from falling is to remove the stress. Easier said than done, but we believe that every person knows how to do that for themselves. Good luck!
Do you know of more causes of hair loss? Care to share with us in the comment section below? How did you stop your hair from falling out? Tell us how you did it!
