The hair is one of the most delicate parts of the body. Lack of proper maintenance can lead to hair loss, which is a common phenomenon that men and women face.
Hair growth and hair loss are both functions of several factors. Your everyday lifestyle can affect hair loss. This is more reason why you have to be deliberate about hair care.
Hair loss is a result of the following:
- Heredity
This is the most common cause of hair loss and it happens with ageing. Known as androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness are tied to the genetic makeup of the individuals. This is usually characterised by a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along with the crown of the scalp in women.
- Hormonal changes and medical conditions
A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss. This includes hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions including alopecia areata, an immune system-related and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania also result in hair loss.
- Medications and supplements
The side effects of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure can result in hair loss.
- Stress
If you are stressed, it may likely tell in your hair falling off. Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after physical or emotional trauma. However, this type of hair loss is temporary.
- Hairstyles and Treatments
Avoid excessive hairstyling or hairstyles because they pull your hair tight,and result in a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanents also can cause hair to fall out. This type of hair loss can be permanent.