Thinning and breaking are two processes that can damage your hair and lead to significant hair loss. In some cases, these processes result from temporary emotional or physical changes. In others, they result from grooming choices. However, they can also result from genetic factors and physical defects in the structure of your hair.
Androgenetic Alopecia
Thinning hair in women most typically results from the presence of androgenetic alopecia, or female-pattern baldness, according to the American Hair Loss Council. You will most likely develop this condition after you reach menopause, but it can affect women of any age. The American Hair Loss Association lists factors in the development of female-pattern baldness that include heredity and the effects of male sexual hormones called androgens. Unlike the classic horseshoe shape of male-pattern baldness, this female version produces a general thinning that begins at the crown of your head and radiates outward.
Telogen Effluvium
Thinning hair may also result from a condition called telogen effluvium, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In this condition, emotional or physical shock causes a large percentage of your hair to shift rapidly from its natural growth phase into the shedding phase, called telogen. Potential underlying causes of telogen effluvium include inadequate protein intake, use of birth control pills, thyroid disease, major surgery and severe infection. Typically, the shedding associated with the condition begins within 6 weeks to 3 months after the originating shock, the American Hair Loss Association explains, and your hair will probably return to normal if you don't experience further trauma. However, in some cases, telogen effluvium reoccurs in the absence of any known cause.
Hairstyles
If you wear hairstyles such as tight ponytails, cornrows, extensions or braids, you may develop hair breakage and loss from a condition called traction alopecia, the American Hair Loss Association notes. This condition occurs when these hairstyles traumatize your hair follicles over an extended period of time. You may also develop hair thinning or breaking if you overuse hair processing techniques such as dyeing, straightening, perming or bleach.
Genetic Disorders
In some cases, you may experience hair thinning as a result of a genetic disorder called monilethrix, which causes abnormal beading and weakening of your hair shafts, according to the American Hair Loss Association. You may also experience thinning or breaking hair as a result of a hair-shaft defect called loose anagen syndrome. In this condition, growing hair is literally loose in your scalp, and may fall out during common activities such as resting your head on a pillow. While the condition sometimes runs in family bloodlines, it also appears in isolated individuals.
Chemotherapy
If you undergo chemotherapy, side effects from treatment may cause a fracturing of your hair shafts, a condition called anagen effluvium, the American Hair Loss Association explains. This condition occurs when chemotherapy medications damage your hair during the rapid phase of growth called anagen. If you experience anagen effluvium, your damaged hair will fall out; in some case, hair loss can total 90 percent or higher.
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