Hair loss can be a difficult thing to deal with. While it is not always indicative of a serious underlying issue, it can cause a tremendous amount of stress in the lives of those that suffer from it. The emotional problems that are associated with the stress of hair loss can have a serious physical impact on the body, and both doctors and scientists are beginning to understand the strength of this connection between mental, emotional and physical health. Basically, if hair loss is bothering someone it is not something to take lightly.

It is something that is important for people to take care of. Traditionally, it may be seen as an issue exclusively plaguing men; however, women also suffer from hair loss, though often for different reasons. Perhaps the first step to successfully dealing with the problem of hair loss is to try and identify what might be the root cause or causes of the hair loss. There may be a combination of factors at play and what causes hair loss for one person might not cause hair loss for somebody else. Here is a list of a few potential causes of hair loss.

Genetic Factors

Genetics and heredity are the most commonly cited factors of hair loss, both by medical professionals and by folk wisdom. Most medical professionals agree that genetics is the most common cause of hair loss. While a common belief is that men inherit their hair loss pattern from their mother’s side of the family, many medical professionals believe that male- or female-pattern hair loss can come from either parent or both parents. The technical term for this inherited hair loss is androgenetic alopecia. If you suspect the cause of your hair loss to be genetic you aren’t alone, as about half of all people suffer from this type of hair loss by the time they reach age 50.

Impact of Stress

Stress is not only a by-product of hair loss; it is a cause of hair loss as well. Mental, physical and emotional stress may contribute to hair loss that is usually temporary and associated with a particularly stressful event for your body, such as a surgery or illness. Hair loss resulting from this cause will probably grow back in a short amount of time.

Hair Products and Styling Effects

Hair products may be a cause of hair loss. Many people have negative reactions to dyes, gels and other styling products that cause temporary hair loss. Hair lost due to this factor, as with hair loss related to stress, will usually grow back. Certain hair styling, such as drawing your hair back too tightly in a ponytail or under a cap, or using a curling iron too frequently, may also contribute to hair loss for some people.

Other Contributing Factors

There are many other potential causes of hair loss, including age and nutrition. As individuals get older, the rate of hair growth naturally slows down, resulting in thinner hair and potential bald spots. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamins D and B12, can also lead to weakened hair follicles and subsequent hair loss. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can significantly impact hair health. Certain medical conditions like alopecia areata, autoimmune diseases, and scalp infections can trigger hair loss as well. Furthermore, medications for various health issues, such as those for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems, may have side effects that include hair shedding. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet, can also exacerbate the condition, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to maintaining hair health.

Schedule a Consultation at St. Louis Hair Restoration

If you’re concerned about hair loss and want to understand its underlying causes, contact us today to schedule your consultation with a St. Louis hair loss replacement specialist and take the first step toward finding effective solutions! For more information, please call 314-698-2038.