Throughout history, hair has always been perceived as a mark of beauty for men and women alike which is why hair loss can be a distressing and upsetting experience. It can be caused by many different factors which range from genetic, hormonal to other external factors.
Hair loss as a result of genetics and hormones
Almost one third of men end up experiencing male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia. It is characterised by the hairline receding and thinning of hair on the crown of the head. The condition is something which is often inherited amongst male family members, and develops when the male hormones (androgens) cause hair follicles to shrink and causes hair to eventually stop growing.
Women are also likely to suffer from hormone-related hair loss around the time they reach menopause. With lower levels of oestrogen and progesterone in the body, hair growth slows down and becomes thinner. This naturally occurring hormonal imbalance is to blame for multiple unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Women will usually find they have thinning hair around their hairline or all over which falls out in large clumps during brushing.
Hair loss as a result of external factors
Multiple external factors can affect the health of your hair such as an unbalanced diet. By not getting enough of the nutrients that your body requires can cause unwanted hair breakage, reduced hair growth and hair fall. People who are losing a lot of hair are often advised to increase their intake of vitamin B and whole grain foods. Green vegetables are usually biotin-rich, a vitamin B complex which plays a role in contributing to healthy hair.
Dandruff or conditions such as dry scalp can also lead to hair loss if left untreated. These conditions can cause flaky dry skin patches on the scalp which can clog the hair follicles preventing hair growth. Scalp conditions can also cause itchiness, so scratching can increase the chances of hair breakage.
If you are suffering from hair loss which seems excessive and is not improving despite a well-balanced diet and ruling out external factors, it is recommended that you see your doctor or a hair loss expert for a professional diagnosis and to rule out underlying conditions causing the hair loss.
