Common Causes of Thinning Hair
When your hair starts to fall out, it can be alarming. But don't panic just yet—hair loss can happen for many reasons, and some conditions may even be temporary. From stress and nutrient deficiencies to genetics and styling habits, several factors can affect your hair’s healthy growth. So, what's behind the sudden shedding? Here are five reasons why your hair might be thinning.
1. Genetics
If your hair is starting to thin earlier than you expected, you might want to take a look at your family history. Hereditary hair loss is one of the most common causes of hair loss, and it often affects men more than women. Women are usually protected from this pattern because of low testosterone and high estrogen levels, which help prevent early or genetic balding.
2. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks your body's hair follicles, resulting in patchy hair loss that typically starts at the top of the scalp. It's a fairly common disorder, affecting nearly 7 million people in the United States.
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3. Stress
When you're under severe mental or physical stress, you can experience temporary hair loss. This usually happens because of a condition called telogen effluvium, and anything from illness to pregnancy and dramatic weight loss can trigger it. During telogen effluvium, your hair shifts phases faster than normal, causing it to shed and fall out.
4. Excessive Styling
Excessive washing, dyeing, or styling your hair can also cause it to thin, break, and fall out faster than usual. This is often because your hair's main protein, keratin, is damaged, leading to hair loss. Brushing through your hair when it's wet can also lead to breakage.
5. Nutrient Deficiencies
Low iron, vitamin D, or protein can cause hair loss as well, which is why it's so important to eat healthy, balanced meals and to avoid rapid weight loss. If you don't feed your body the essential nutrients it needs to function, your hair will suffer the consequences, too.
