Hair loss is a common problem affecting millions of men and women across the globe, but how much do we actually know about it?
Examining the contributing factors makes understanding and handling baldness easier. Here are the top five reasons people lose their hair:
Lifestyle
The way we live our lives has an impact on our hair growth. Eating junk food to excess, failing to get enough sleep, and high stress levels can all contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Smoking is another contributor to hair loss. This is due to the sheer amount of carcinogens and toxins found in cigarette smoke, which can damage keratins (basic proteins that build hair).
Quitting smoking, eating a healthier, more balanced diet, and trying to reduce stress levels is key to promoting better hair growth.
Genetics
Genetics are a common cause of hair loss. Male pattern baldness can be hereditary, thinning hair may be passed on by a mother’s genes too, but it’s actually much more complex: a recent study found that 287 different genetic signals are involved in baldness.
While you may not be able to prevent hair loss related to your genes, you can follow a healthy lifestyle to give your hair the best chance. Hair transplant surgery can restore hair in bald areas, though healthy hair is needed from the back or sides of the head first.
Hair styling / products
Excessive use of hair styling tools (curling tongs, straighteners, dryers etc.) and hair products can contribute to hair loss.
It’s important to take more care when tending to your hair. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following for better hair health:
- Let your hair air dry partially before combing or styling
- Blow dry your hair as infrequently as possible
- Straighteners should only ever be used on dry hair, on a low or medium setting, no more than every other day
- Avoid wearing hair extensions, braids, or tight ponytails for too long, as these can cause hair-breaking tension
Medication
Certain medications can cause hair loss, including:
- Anticoagulants (these may lead telogen effluvium, a type of baldness that affects the full scalp
- Beta blockers
- Taking male and female hormones may trigger hormonal changes leading to hair loss
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Chemotherapy may also cause hair loss
In many cases, baldness related to medications may not be permanent and your hair might grow back once treatment has ended.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes in both men and women may be to blame for hair loss. This is most common when pregnant or menopausal, while women with too much testosterone can start to lose their hair too.
Fluctuating thyroid levels may cause thinning hair too, as the body diverts more energy into managing hormones, potentially triggering baldness.
At HairPalace, we perform hair transplant surgery using the most cutting-edge techniques, for permanent results. You can rest assured that your hair will have a natural, healthy look, incorporating hairs taken from areas of stronger growth on the scalp.
Want to learn more? Just give our friendly team a call now!
The post Why am I Going Bald? Causes and Potential Solutions appeared first on HairPalace.