Many different things can cause you to lose your hair, but the most common causes include age or hereditary conditions like male-pattern baldness. Certain medications, diseases, emotional or physical shock, hormonal changes, or poor diet can also cause your hair to fall out. If you have unexplained hair loss, you should visit your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Alopecia
Different forms of alopecia can cause hair loss. Androgenetic alopecia causes male- or female-pattern baldness the Mayo Clinic says. This type of hair loss is hereditary, explains the University of Michigan Health System. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that may also be inherited. Unlike with androgenetic alopecia which causes permanent hair loss, people with alopecia areata can re-grow their hair, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Hair & Scalp Damage
You may experience hair loss if you use dyes, curling irons or other harsh chemicals and treatments on your hair. You can also lose your hair by constantly wearing hairstyles that pull on your hair tightly, such as ponytails or braids, says the University of Michigan Health System. This cause of hair loss is called "traction alopecia," and you'll typically regrow any lost hair after stopping the harsh hairstyling, the Mayo Clinic notes. However, if your scalp becomes scarred or suffers severe damage, you may experience permanent hair loss.
Emotional or Physical Stress
Significant emotional or physical stress or shock can cause a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This can include severe emotional shock or physical stress from illnesses, injuries, surgery or even high fevers, says the University of Michigan Health System. The physical or emotional stress can cause your hair cycle to change and your hair to fall out, the Mayo Clinic explains.
Chemotherapy and Other Medications
Hair loss is extremely common during chemotherapy cancer treatments, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Hair will usually grow back after chemotherapy or radiation treatments are finished, the Mayo Clinic says. Some medications for treating hypertension, heart conditions, depression, gout and arthritis may also cause hair loss.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Although less common than other causes, hair loss can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. If your diet lacks enough iron or protein, you could have hair loss, says the University of Michigan Health System. You may experience diet-related hair loss if you have an eating disorder like anorexia, have an illness that causes nutritional issues, or partake in a "fad" or "crash" diet to lose weight, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Diseases & Infections
If you have diseases like lupus or diabetes, you may experience hair loss, the Mayo Clinic says. Scalp infections--particularly ringworm--can also cause hair loss, notes the University of Michigan Health System. Hair loss from ringworm is usually temporary and hair will grow back after the infection is treated with an antifungal medication.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also lead to hair loss. Some diseases that affect your hormone levels, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can cause hair loss, says the University of Michigan Health System. Also, hair loss can occur from hormonal changes due to menopause, as well as after pregnancy and childbirth or after stopping birth control, the Mayo Clinic adds. Hair loss is most common during the three months after the hormonal change, but your hair will grow back when the hormonal imbalance is corrected.
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