Hair loss is something that affects men and women in their millions. The onslaught of hair loss can be triggered by many factors but regardless of the cause, hair loss can be embarrassing, stressful and confidence knocking. Without further ado, here are 10 of the top reasons for hair loss. 

1.      Illness

A vast array of illnesses and conditions from cancer to polycystic ovary syndrome can trigger hair loss. Autoimmune diseases can cause the body to attack itself hence an excess of lost hairs. Alopecia is perhaps the most commonly known cause of hair loss known to lead to total baldness, and even causing the loss of eye lashes, eye brows and body hair. 

2.      Genetics

Our genes play a part in everything we do and when it comes to hair loss, it could be a hereditary issue. Particular units of genetic material can make a person more vulnerable to hair loss. Around 1 in 5 individuals with alopecia have a family history of the condition marking a clear genetic component.

3.      Male Pattern Balding

Male pattern baldness is inherited from the mother and is thought to skip a generation affecting around 6.5 million men in the UK alone. This process typically occurs around the 30’s and 40’s but can even impact teenagers. Male pattern baldness is so named because it tends to follow a set pattern; a receding hairline builds to thinning hair on the crown and temples usually culminating in total baldness. 

4.      Medications

Many medications can lead to hair loss including chemotherapy treatments, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and contraceptive pills. There’s no specific reason why some people are more susceptible to certain side effects than others. Most likely a genetic vulnerability meets with meddlesome medications and sets off a chain reaction leading to hair loss. 

5.      Stress

Stress affects our bodies in a myriad of unpleasant ways and hair loss is one of them. We typically lose around 100 hairs a day but when the hair you shed seems excessive, stress may be to blame.

6.      Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes numerous bodily changes and hair loss is a common one. This can occur whilst pregnant or post baby and is largely down to dramatic hormonal change. Referred to astelogen effluvium it usually occurs 1 to 5 months after pregnancy and is ordinarily a temporary post-pregnancy condition.

7.      Weight Loss

Whenever the body undergoes a radical change, hair loss can occur. This kind of hair loss is noticeable when shampooing, conditioning and brushing. As weight loss can be stressful on the body, the body reacts in kind shedding hair. The process is often temporary. 

8.      Lupus

Lupus is an auto immune condition that can cause tiredness, rashes and hair loss. Lupus can be managed by committing to a healthy lifestyle with sleep, diet and plenty of fluids as the staples.

9.      Iron Deficiency

Deficiencies can lead to hair loss. Check your levels with your GP; iron or zinc may be the reason for shedding a large amount of hair. 

10.  Excessive Styling

As much as we all love to create a versatile look, excessive styling is one of the greatest causes of hair loss. Tugging on and overheating hair can cause us to shed strands in abundance. Style less, apply less pressure and be kind to your hair. 

Regardless of the reason for your hair loss, Hair Development can help. We have a range of hair replacement solutions for men and women, so talk to us today.