Hair loss, also called alopecia, is a common disorder among men and women and is caused by a number of factors. Thinning and breaking hair often is the result of an underlying medical condition that responds to treatment or it may be hereditary. Thinning and breaking hair also may be related to diet or damaging hair-styling techniques and products.
Medical Causes
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, once an underlying medical condition is treated, hair often grows back thick and strong. Thinning hair may result from an infection or exposure to medications such as chemotherapy drugs. Autoimmune diseases may cause thinning, breaking hair. Hormonal imbalances such as hirsutism or hypothyroidism also can cause thin, brittle hair.
Psychological Basis
Hair loss and thin, brittle hair often occurs as a result of stress, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Stress may be related to a physical trauma such as surgery or an accident. Anxiety, compulsive obsessive disorder and psychosis also can lead to hair loss. Hair loss and thin hair that breaks easily also is a result malnutrition, which can result from an eating disorder such as anorexia or poor nutrition for any reason.
Products
Hair care products and styling techniques can damage the hair and cause it to appear thinner or break and fall out. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, heavy conditioning shampoos can weigh hair down and cause it to look limp and thin. Volumizing shampoos that contain protein more effectively make hair look fuller. Combing, blow-drying or rigorously towel-drying hair when it's wet all are damaging to sensitive hair shafts. Chemicals in hair color and permanents can cause hair to break off.
Styling
Hairstyles that require you to pull the hair back in braids, cornrows or ponytails tug at the tender roots of the hair and can cause it to break and pull out. Tight, pulled-back hairstyles place uncommon stress on the hair and can lead to permanent bald spots. Styles that require you to subject your hair to flat irons or curling irons should be avoided, reports the American Academy of Dermatology, because they can damage hair beyond repair.
Treatments
In addition to using the right kinds of shampoos and conditioners for your hair type and eating a balanced diet, there are a few medications on the market that are used to treat hair loss. Products containing minoxidil are applied directly to the scalp and may help regrow new hair. Finasteride is a prescription taken orally by men to increase hair growth. Hair transplants and wigs and hairpieces are other options you may choose to cover up bald spots.
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