Causes of hair loss

Hair loss can cause us significant stress and a certain degree of discomfort, which may, in turn, exacerbate the process.

Healthy, beautiful hair is associated with the condition of our body; so, what can cause hair loss?

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, affecting men more frequently than women. It has a genetic basis. Initially, the hair becomes finer, then shrinks and receives less nourishment, until it eventually falls out. Anecdotal reports suggest that hair loss is more likely to be inherited from the maternal side than the paternal side.

Hair loss is not a cause for concern in itself, provided we do not lose more than a hundred hairs a day. It is a natural physiological process, as new hair grows in place of the old. There can be various reasons for hair loss. Accurate diagnosis and prevention are important, so we encourage you to visit a trichologist or dermatologist..

Hair loss

Hair loss can be caused by:

• high androgen levels, low estrogen levels in women,
• malnutrition, deficiency of macro- and micro-nutrients (e.g., B vitamins, zinc, iron),
• skin conditions (e.g., seborrheic dermatitis),
• autoimmune diseases,
• heavy metal poisoning,
• prolonged colds,
• psychological disorders,
• anorexia, bulimia,
• steroids, oncological medications,
• harsh hair styling products.

In most cases, we are dealing with androgenetic alopecia. This does not mean that hormonal factors and high androgen levels are the sole causes of hair loss; contributing factors can also stem from lifestyle, chronic stress, and so on..

Smoking has a significant impact on hair loss; it impairs blood circulation, thereby preventing essential nutrients—including oxygen—from reaching the hair. Not every smoker will go bald, just as not every athlete with a healthy diet is guaranteed to have thick hair. Each case is unique and requires an accurate diagnosis.

Hair growth cycle

The first phase of hair growth is anagen, during which a new hair grows; this stage lasts 2–6 years. The second, transitional phase is catagen, lasting 3–5 weeks, during which the hair dies. The final stage is telogen, when the fully keratinized hair is shed and pushed out by a new hair growing in the early anagen phase.

The final phase of hair growth accounts for 12–15% of all hair on the scalp. The telogen phase is not always followed by the early anagen phase of a new hair. The causes of hair loss vary and are often independent of age. Sometimes it is merely minor hair loss that resolves with appropriate treatment, while at other times it is permanent hair loss requiring specialized procedures.