Why Does Hair Fall Out?

Losing hair can be an incredibly distressing experience for anyone. Often, the first thought that hair loss sufferers have is "why?" It can be caused by various factors, some of which may surprise you. If you are experiencing hair fall, this is the article for you. In it, we'll go over 5 reasons why hair falls out. Let's get into it!

Genetics

It could be in your genes. In fact, genetics is one of the most common causes of increased hair shedding and hair loss. If you have a family history of hair loss, you're more likely to experience it yourself. Several genetically influenced diseases can cause hair loss, including alopecia and male pattern baldness.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones...a mess, aren't they? When our hormone levels change, it can affect the health of our hair. For example, many women experience thicker, fuller hair during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. But after they give birth, their estrogen levels drop sharply, and they may notice their hair thinning or falling out more than usual. This is called postpartum hair loss, and it's normal. However, if you haven’t just had a baby and suddenly start losing more hair than usual, it could indicate an underlying health condition.

Other hormonal changes that cause hair loss include menopause, thyroid problems, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Age

As you age, your hair follicles shrink, resulting in thinner, shorter hairs. This process is known as involutional alopecia, and it's a natural part of aging. While it is not harmful, it can be hard to deal with cosmetically.

In addition to the shrinking of hair follicles, age can also cause changes in hormone levels that can lead to hair loss. For example, both men and women may experience an increase in the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) as they age. DHT is thought to play a role in pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss.

Stress

Stress has long been linked with hair loss. While the exact mechanism is unknown, it is thought that stress causes an increase in the production of hormones that can then lead to hair loss (like cortisol and adrenaline). Additionally, when a person is under a lot of stress, they may not be able to properly care for their hair, which increases their chances of neglect-related hair loss.

A Bad Haircare Regimen

Is your haircare regimen lacking? An improper haircare regimen can cause hair loss over time. First, if you are using harsh chemicals, such as bleach, salt, sulfates, or alcohol, on your hair, you could end up paying for it later. Constantly putting harsh chemicals on your hair can result in dry, brittle hair that breaks off easily. Second, if you are not using the right products for your hair type, your scalp may become dry and irritated and lead to increased shedding. Finally, if you are not shampooing and conditioning your hair regularly, you may be allowing dirt and build-up to accumulate on your scalp, which can clog your scalp's pores and cost you your hair.

Hair loss is a complex issue with many possible causes. While there is no single cure for all occurrences of hair loss, there are treatments available that can help you regain your hair and your confidence. If you're concerned about losing your hair, talk to a dermatologist about your options. It's your best bet. We hope you found this article helpful, and we wish you the best with your hair!

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15 years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator of NaturallyTextured.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.