What Are The Main Causes Of Hair Loss For Men And Women?

Hair loss can occur for several reasons, most out of our control but not all. Hair loss, for any reason, can be frustrating and embarrassing. People become stressed out and self-conscious about their appearance, which can affect their confidence and their performance in everyday activities. The good news is there are several hair replacement and restoration techniques available to help alleviate the effects of hair loss. However, it’s also important to know the most common causes for hair loss as some can be prevented while others may require specific treatments. This article describes some of the main causes of hair loss that can happen to men and women.

Hereditary Hair Loss

Some causes of hair loss can be prevented and unfortunately, others cannot. Female or male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition, in which it has a strong genetic susceptibility. Hereditary-pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. Hereditary-pattern baldness is not necessarily a disease, but a natural condition caused by some combination of genetics, hormone levels and the aging process. Women can also inherit these genes from either parent or both (Source). With the advancement of technology, there are several hair loss solutions available from hair replacement to hair restoration. All-natural wigs are also an option if other treatments are not right for you.

Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or an under active thyroid, is one of the most common health problems in men and women in the U.S. This occurs when there is not enough thyroid hormone in the body. Hypothyroidism can present in varying stages from mild and moderate to severe. Unfortunately, one of the many symptoms of hypothyroidism is thinning hair that becomes dry and brittle.

Hyperthyroidism is an over active thyroid, which is the result of producing too much thyroid hormone in the body. The symptoms of hair loss for this are more severe than hypothyroidism as the person with this illness can experience extreme hair loss, shedding and thinning.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen Effluvium (TE) occurs when there is a change in the number of hair follicles growing hair. If the number of hair follicles producing hair drops drastically for any reason during the inactive, or “telogen phase,” there will be a substantial increase in the telogen stage hair follicles (source). For this reason, the hair starts thinning and can happen in different areas of the scalp, some areas being more severe than others. Ultimately, after some time the areas can worsen and leave noticeable bald spots.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata occurs because the immune system is attacking the hair follicles, which is where hair growth begins. It’s unknown why the immune system attacks the hair follicles but the damage is typically not permanent.

Alopecia areata regularly begins with bundles of hair falling out, which results in smoothed hairless patches on the scalp. However, in some instances the hair may become thinner without noticeable patches of baldness. Or it may grow and break off, leaving behind short stubs of hair.

The best way to see if you are experiencing alopecia areata is to have your scalp professionally analyzed. The analyst will ask you questions about your hair loss, analyze the pattern of your hair loss, and examine your scalp. Once analyzed, the specialist will help you determine the next best step for treatment or even provide options such as all-natural wigs if the hair loss is permanent.

Scalp Conditions

There are several scalp conditions that can lead to hair loss and each affect everyone differently. Some may cause the hair to thin while others can lead to bald spots. Scalp conditions cause inflammation of the hair follicles, which causes the hair to fall out. While most scalp conditions are temporary, some severe forms can lead to permanent damage and hair loss. According to Livestrong, here some common types of scalp conditions:

• Tinea Capitis
• Lichen Planus
• Psoriasis of the Scalp
• Lichen Simplex
• Folliculitis

Hairstyling and Coloring

This type of hair loss typically applies more to women but excessive hair styling and coloring can also affect men. Firstly, applying heat on a regular basis such as blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons can severely damage the hair. 

Therefore, intense heat used on a daily basis can lead to damaged, fried-looking hair that will ultimately cause hair loss. Additionally, when the hair is over chemically saturated from constant coloring or bleaching, the hair is weakened and easily breaks off at the shaft or root leading to temporary hair loss. The good news is that once the chemical reaction stops, the roots can begin growing again. However, if you were to continue coloring your hair or not seek hair restoration treatment, the damage will continue to worsen.

Lastly, a hair styling such as tight braids or having hair tightly pulled back can lead to hair loss. For this reason, you’ll experience gradual hair loss, mostly at the hairline, from chronic pulling of the hair, which is also medically known as traction alopecia (source).

InVisions | CT Hair Loss Solutions

At InVisions of Connecticut we are very proud to provide each of our clients with the latest advances in technology for clinically proven hair loss, prevention and restoration solutions.

InVisions of Connecticut is a recognized leader in multi-therapeutic hair loss treatments, hair restoration and hair replacement for men and women suffering from Alopecia, balding and thinning hair.

Do you suffer from hair loss or thinning hair? Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, both genetic and medical. Our quick and easy online hair restoration test only takes a few moments and gives our specialists enough information to begin to assess whether non-surgical hair replacement or hair loss treatments may be right for you.