Causes Of Hair Loss
Losing about 50 to 100 hair strands a day is considered normal. We do not usually notice this hair loss because the same number of hair is growing at the same time. Noticeable hair loss occurs when the hair that has fallen out isn’t replaced with new hair. The following factors can cause excessive hair loss.
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Hormones
Elevated levels of androgen (male hormones normally produced by both men and women) can cause thinning of hair, brittleness, and faster falling out of hair.
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Genes
The likelihood of developing male or female pattern baldness may be influenced by genes from both male and female parents.
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Ringworm infection
Ringworm infection is a type of fungal infection that can lead to brittle hair, redness, swelling, and at times, oozing of areas on the scalp.
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Medications
Some drugs used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, and high blood pressure can cause hair loss as a side effect.
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Mental and physical stress
Temporary hair loss can be brought on by severe mental or emotional stress, sickness, and the delivery of a baby.
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Burns and injuries to the scalp
These can cause temporary hair loss unless a scar is produced when the wounds heal.
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Radiation therapy
Radiation on the head can cause hair loss and once hair regrows, it may not grow back the same as it was before.
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Diet
Malnutrition and a low-protein diet or severely calorie-restricted diet can cause hair loss.
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Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases can affect the hair follicles and cause alopecia areata. In alopecia areata, the hair grows back initially very fine and usually of a lighter color before normal regrowth.
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Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, iron deficiency anemia, and eating disorders can cause hair loss. Oftentimes, hair loss stops when the disease is under control.
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Cosmetic hair procedures
Frequent shampooing, perms, bleaching, and dyeing hair can make hair weak and brittle. Tight braiding or ponytails and using rollers or hot curlers can also damage hair.