There are many causes of hair loss. It is common for people to experience some hair loss during certain times in their life, and many people experience hair loss everyday while washing their hair or just general shedding. The average person may loose up to 100 hairs per day. There are many other more serious causes of hair loss.
Pattern Baldness
Male or female pattern baldness is usually hereditary. When the hair falls out or sheds, the regrowth process starts, but this doesn't happen with people who suffer from pattern baldness. Once the hair falls out, it is gone. Pattern baldness is caused by hormones. Dihydrotestosterone slows down the production of the hair. It can also cause the hair to become brittle, grow shorter and eventually fall out.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by excessive hairstyling. This may be due to the hair being pulled too tight. Once the hair has been pulled too tight, it causes damage to the scalp and hair follicles. Once the hair follicles have been damaged, there is a good chance that the hair will not be able to grow back.
Medications
There are many different types of medications which can cause hair loss. This is due to the chemicals in the medication. People who are being treated for heart disease, gout and high blood pressure are susceptible to hair loss. Even birth control pills can cause hair loss. People who need to undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy may also experience hair loss. Once the treatment or medication is stopped, the hair should begin to regrow.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen Effluvium is hair loss caused by changes in the normal hair cycle. This happens due to trauma to the body. The trauma can be either emotional or physical. This can be cause by the death of a loved one, surgery or physiological stress. This causes the roots of the hair to go into a resting state and the hair will fall out of the root. The hair will usually begin to grow back, but it can take up to 3 or 4 months before this will happen.
Infections
Scalp infections like ringworm or other fungal infections can cause the hair to fall out and stop growing. These infections will require a treatment of an anti-fungal medication. After the treatment, the hair should begin to grow back.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder, for which the cause is unknown. This disease can be set off by a virus which will then cause the hair to fall out. The hair will grow back, but people who suffer from this may have various episodes. Many people who have alopecia areata will also have family members who also suffer from this.
Nutritional Problems
People who have a lack of protein or iron may suffer from hair loss. People who try the newest fad diets or suffer from eating disorders may have hair loss problems. Making sure that you have a good healthy diet can prevent this from happening.
There are many different causes of hair loss. If you are suffering from hair loss and do not know why, talk to your doctor. They can help him figure out why and advise you of possible treatments.
