Why do you lose hair?

There are several reasons for hair loss. Here are some of the most common and major causes of hair loss.
Genetic Hair loss can run in families and you may inherit the trend of losing your hair early. This kind of hair loss is unavoidable and you may not have any control over it. However seeking professional advice can slow down the process a little.

Hormonal changes : Hormonal changes that occur due to pregnancy, child birth, birth control pills, Menopause or abnormal activity of Thyroid gland can all lead to hair loss. Treating hormonal imbalances may be effective in controlling hair loss.

Illness : Certain health conditions like diabetes, lupus and cancer can affect the normal functioning of the body, which may lead to hair loss.

Medication : Certain drugs used to treat arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, gout and heart diseases can cause hair loss.

Poor diet : Deficiency of protein and iron can also lead to hair loss. Consult your doctor about iron deficiency test and for appropriate treatment.

Stress: Hair loss can occur due to stress. Learning to deal with stress and practicing relaxation techniques can be helpful.

Lack of sleep : Inadequate sleep leads to health problems which may indirectly result in hair thinning and hair loss. Having healthy sleeping habits can reduce hair fall gradually.

Alopecia areata : This is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair loss and re-growth of hair continuously.

Cicatricial alopecia : This condition is characterized by inflammation and scarring of follicles leading to permanent hair loss.

Traction alopecia : This condition is caused due to excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull hair too tightly. This can be prevented by avoiding certain hairstyles.

Hair treatments : Various chemicals used in bleaching, dying, straightening and perming can be harmful to hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Hair fall can also be caused due to over styling and excessive brushing.

Scalp infection :Fungal infection like Ringworm can invade the hair follicles leading tohair loss. In this condition, hair grows normally once the infection istreated.

Trichotillomania : Inthis condition, the patients have a mental illness of having anirresistible urge to pull out their hair leaving patch of bald spots.

Some of the above conditions can be prevented and/or are treatable. If you experience any of the above hair problems, consult your doctor.

Tips to prevent hair loss

– Proper washing, brushing and frequent trimming of hair is important
– Have a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins and minerals
– Relieve yourself of stress
– Quit smoking, avoid Caffeine and carbonated sodas.
– Do not brush or comb hair frequently.
– Do not use very hot water to wash your hair.
– Message scalp gently and regularly
– Have adequate rest and sleep.
– Protect hair from sun, chlorine and salt water
– Do not sleep with your hair in a ponytail or done in a braid
– Try using wide toothed combs.
– When you try to loosen the tangles of hair, start from the tips of the hair towards the roots
– Use of silk pillowcases will prevent your hair from being caught and broken

So, how can you prevent hair loss?

As there are various reasons for hair loss, the preventive methods also differ. Here are a few measures that will help in preventing or minimizing hair loss.

– Handle your hair gently and avoid blow drying hair. Whenever possible air dry your hair.
– A healthy balanced diet is very essential for hair health.
– Avoid hair styles that pull hair, like braids and high ponytails.
– Avoid twisting, rubbing and pulling hair.
– Talk to an expert about hair products and hair styles that may minimize hair loss.
– Consult your doctor immediately in case of severe hair loss.

Key points

– It is quite normal to lose 100 strands of hair each day.
– Certain health conditions like diabetes, lupus and cancer can affect the normal functioning of the body, which may lead to hair loss.
– Deficiency of protein and iron can also lead to hair loss.
– Inadequate sleep leads to health problems which may indirectly result in hair thinning and hair loss.
– Handle your hair gently and avoid blow drying hair.
– A healthy balanced diet is very essential for healthy hair.
– Consult your doctor immediately in case of severe hair loss.

Information Courtesy “http://www.indianwomenshealth.com/”