Hair loss is thought to affect only the males in the past. However, we know that this is not the case. More and more women are experiencing the same problem. It usually occurs in adults, but in certain cases, it affects young adults as well. It is normal to lose around 50 - 100 strands of hair a day. They will grow back and there is absolutely no cause for worry.
Here are some possible reasons why you are losing more hair than you should.
1) Androgenetic alopecia. It is commonly known as male pattern baldness, and it affects both men and women (female pattern baldness). It is not known exactly what causes androgenetic alopecia, but it has been linked to heredity baldness. This is also one of the most common cause for hair loss.
2) Stress and hair loss. This is also know as telogen effluvium. Excessive stress due to work, illness, injury, pregnancy, death of a family member, financial difficulties, love problems, keeping late nights, etc, can affect the hair growth cycle. There is no pattern, unlike male pattern baldness (see below). This problem usually goes away with the stress. So, start relaxing!
3) Aggressive hair treatments. Exposing your hair to harsh chemicals such as dyes, bleaches, straighteners, hair-styling products can also damage your hair follicles. Hair is also 'weakened' and breaks off easily. Go easy on such treatements if you can.
4) Hair styling. This is a condition called traction alopecia. It is due to excessive pulling, or traction, on the hair. This usually affects people who braid or tie their hair. It can damage your hair follicles and the result can be permanent.
5) Trichotillomania. This is a condition in which people pull out their hair on intention. It can be a sign of serious emotional unstability. If the problem doesn't go away, its best that he person involved seek professional help from a therapist.
6) Poor eating habits. People who go on crash diets, or are suffering from anorexia, might also suffer from hair loss. The body isn't getting enough proteins and nutrients for healthy hair growth. Excessive intake of carbohydrates and fats might also affect our hormones production, which in turn affects hair growth. However, there is not enough documented evidence to support this point.
7) People on medications. Some medications such as chemotherapy drugs for cancer have been known to cause baldness. Others include birth control pills and blood thinners (also called anti-coagulants).
There are many things that are beyond our control, such as using medications or inheriting our parents' genes. However, we can change our lifestyle so that we can live healthier, happier and with more hair on our head!
