It is normal to shed a certain amount of hair every day. If hair falls out in more significant amounts than usual, it can cause distress and worry.
While male and female pattern baldness is a primary cause of hair loss, there is a range of other reasons. A doctor will want to explore these before recommending the appropriate treatment.
In this article, we look at the leading causes of hair loss, the treatment available, and home care tips for preventing further loss.
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1.Androgenetic alopecia
This is another term for male or female pattern baldness. It is a very common cause of hair loss.
Both male and female pattern baldness is genetic. Males tend to lose hair from the temples and crown of the head. In females, hair usually becomes thinner all over the head.
Androgenetic alopecia is more likely to happen as a person ages but can start at any point after puberty. Many females who experience androgenetic alopecia develop it after going through the menopause. This means that hormones may have something to do with it.
It is possible to treat this condition with minoxidil, a medication for hair growth.
2. Pregnancy
Some women may experience excessive hair loss shortly after giving birth. This is due to a decrease in estrogen levels. This type of hair loss is a temporary condition and usually resolves within a year or sooner.
To help hair return to its normal condition, try:
using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner
using products designed for fine hair
avoiding intensive conditioners or conditioning shampoos as these can be too heavy for fine hair
applying conditioner to the ends of the hair, rather than the scalp, to avoid weighing hair down
3. Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition where the hair remains in the telogen (natural shedding) phase of the growth cycle. This causes more hair to fall out, sometimes in handfuls.
Telogen effluvium is usually a temporary condition that resolves over time. It is advisable to see a doctor to find out the cause.
Some possible causes include:
severe stress
surgery
childbirth
rapid weight loss
thyroid problems
certain medications
A doctor will need to treat any underlying causes of telogen effluvium.
If a doctor suspects that specific medications are causing hair loss, they may change them.
4. Anagen effluvium
Anagen effluvium causes large amounts of hair to fall out rapidly during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
The condition may cause hair to fall out from the head, as well as from other parts of the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
Causes of anagen effluvium include:
chemotherapy
radiation
fungal infections
autoimmune disease
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause but can include a topical solution of minoxidil.
If a person has anagen effluvium as a result of undergoing chemotherapy, cooling the scalp during the procedure may help. Hair will often grow back 3–6 months after stopping chemotherapy.
5. Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes hair to fall out suddenly. The immune system attacks hair follicles, along with other healthy parts of the body.
Hair from the scalp, as well as eyebrows and eyelashes, may fall out in small chunks.
If a person has this condition, they should see a doctor. A doctor may prescribe medication to help the hair grow back.
6. Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss due to pulling hair into tight hairstyles, which causes it to break and come loose. Hairstyles associated with this condition include:
tight buns or ponytails
braids
cornrows
extensions
If traction alopecia continues, a person may develop bald spots and thinning of the hair.
In terms of self-care, avoiding tight hairstyles will usually prevent further damage.
7. Medications
Certain medications have side effects that can cause hair to fall out.
Examples of such medications include:
blood thinners, such as warfarin
Accutane, to treat acne
antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft
beta-blockers
cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as Lopid
If a person thinks hair loss may be due to a medication they are taking, they should consider seeing a doctor for an assessment. The doctor might be able to reduce the dosage or switch the person to a different medication.
