Causes of Hair Loss in males and females
No matter where you are in the process, hair fall is disheartening, be it seeing strands on your pillow or noticing thinning around your part line. Some even begin to look for options like Hair Transplant Treatment in Ahmedabad when normal shedding becomes something more problematic. But before you freak out or jump to any conclusions, it's best to get an idea of why hair loss occurs in the first place. Let’s discuss it in a simple, truthful and even marginally fun way.
What Exactly Counts as Hair Loss?
It is normal to shed about 50 to 100 strands a day. The issue arises after you exceed that number, when you begin to notice physical thinning, receding hairlines, bald spots or more than normal amounts of shedding while combing or washing. Hair loss doesn’t choose sides; it can affect both men and women, although the patterns may differ.
Knowledge of why hair loss happens is a good first step to treatment.
1. The Hereditary Factor
If you have ever looked at an uncle, grandparent or yourself in the mirror and thought, “ Is my hair going to look like that?” You’re not alone. Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause of balding, also called androgenetic alopecia.
How it appears :
We know that men typically see receding hairlines or balding around the crown.
In women, hair loss tends to be more widespread and diffuse across the scalp, particularly along the part line.
This type of hair loss is progressive, which means that it gets worse as time goes by. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the better it can be, man.
2. Emotional & Physical Stress
Ever had a tough month and suddenly it felt like your hair was throwing its bags over its shoulder? Stress induces a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes an abundance of hair to enter the resting phase at one time and fall out suddenly.
Some of the stressors that trigger hair loss are :
- Emotional stress (meltdowns, anxious mess, under pressure at work)
- Physical stress (fever, surgery, illness)
- Significant life events (pregnancy, infection, weight loss)
Here, we’ll examine this specific type of hair loss and explore how stress can contribute to hair loss. The type of hair loss that can occur due to chronic or prolonged stress is typically temporary and reversible once the underlying issue is addressed.
3. Your Hormones Are Running the Show, Imbalance Trouble
Hormones don’t just dictate mood; they’re also a big-time influencer for hair growth.
The hormonal causes of hair fall are :
- Thyroid disorders
- PCOS in women
- Pregnancy or postpartum changes
- Menopause
- Testosterone sensitivity in men
Disruptions in the hair cycle are one of the causes.
4. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your hair loves good nutrition, and it shows when you don’t fuel your body well.
Your hair craves healthy food and looks lacklustre when you don’t feed it nutritious meals.
Typical deficiency-related hair loss causes include :
- Low iron levels
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Lack of protein
- Low zinc
- Crash dieting or skipping meals
If your plate is looking a little lacklustre, it might be your hair that first raises its hand to complain.
5. Harsh Hair Products & Styling Habits
Heat styling, chemical processing, dyes and tight hairstyles — they can all silently ruin hair over time.
This includes :
- Straightening and curling tools
- Keratin or smoothing treatments
- Frequent coloring
- Tight ponytails, braids, buns
- Harsh shampoos full of sulfates
These practices have weakened the hair shaft and follicles, resulting in hair loss or traction alopecia.
6. When Health Affects Hair
Sometimes, hair loss can be your body’s way of waving a red flag.
Common medical causes :
- Autoimmune diseases (like alopecia areata)
- Diabetes
- Lupus
- Scalp infections
- Some medications (such as blood thinners, acne meds, and antidepressants)
Hair loss that occurs abruptly, accompanied by itching, bald patches, or pain, requires a medical examination.
7. Ageing… the Uninvited Guest
With age, the body naturally produces less hair, and hair also becomes smaller and loses its colour. This is true for men and women.
Why does age cause hair fall?
- Follicles shrink
- Growth cycle slows down
- Natural pigments fade
- Hair becomes fragile
It's a fact of life that we all get older; however, with no help from ourselves, hair can stay healthier for longer.
8. Scalp Issues That Trigger Hair Loss
A healthy scalp = healthy hair. Scalp care is even more important because the quality and health of your hair originates from there. But there are a number of scalp-related issues that can disrupt that balance.
Scalp troublemakers
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Fungal infections
- Excess oil production
Ignoring the health of your scalp can even lead to healthy hair falling prematurely.
Can Hair Loss Be Treated?
The correct treatment will vary based on the cause. On some occasions, an easy lifestyle shift is the ticket; at other times, medical intervention is necessary.
Common treatment options
- Medicines for hair growth (as advised by a specialist)
- Laser therapies
- Scalp treatments
- PRP therapy
- Nutritional supplements
And in the case of an advanced case, a hair transplant is a trustworthy option.
Early intervention makes a world of difference, especially for genetic or permanent hair-loss conditions.
Final Thoughts
Losing hair may sound daunting, but it’s often manageable when you know why it’s happening. The causes are stress, hormones, and genetics, among them, but everyone has a potential solution. If you are experiencing continuous hair fall, it’s getting thinner, or you feel that hair loss is hampering your confidence, then it’s a good idea to consult a qualified dermatologist at Dr Rafaliya's Skincare Clinic.
Given the proper care, your hair has a way of bouncing back, so be gentle with it, feed your body and take note of your scalp health. And just remember, you’re not alone; hair fall is something that even the best of us experience!
