8 Common Causes of Hairfall & Their Solutions

Have you been noticing too much hair on your comb or waking up to strands on your pillowcase recently? Well, you don't need to panic!  It is common to lose a hundred strands per day as a part of your hair growth cycle.  When you shed a few hairs, new hairs will automatically grow to replace them.  However, if no new hair strands grow, then you must immediately start searching for the reasons for hair loss and get in touch wth your dermatologist. To know the most common causes and effective solutions, scroll down and get the details. 

How to Recognize Hair Fall?

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, troubles almost every individual at some point in life. In fact, the National Council on Aging reports that around 85% of men and 33% of women will at some time face hair loss globally. Now, before you learn the  causes of hair thinning, here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• Radial Hair Thinning: A common pattern of hair thinning that resembles the letter M on the men’s receding hairline, while appearing on the widening of the parting line in women, through the forehead. 
• Circular or Patchy Bald Spots (Alopecia Areata): Circular, coin-sized bald spots with a smooth, shiny skin appearance on the scalp, which also appear on the beard, eyebrow, and even on other body parts.
• Sudden Hair Loss (Acute Telogen Effluvium):  A sudden shift of hair from growing to falling phase due to shock or trauma (mental or physical), resulting in loss of massive hair follicles.
• Hair Loss in Body: Your body can struggle with hair loss, too, which usually happens due to treatments like chemotherapy for cancer. 

8 Common Causes of Hairfall and Their Solutions

Hair loss occurs when its natural growth cycle is disrupted. It causes hair follicles to weaken, a process that prevents the production of new hairs. While the condition is prevalent, to control hair fall, you must first know the causes that trigger it. Here we have compiled common reasons why your precious hair might be disappearing, from genetics to hormonal changes and everything in between: 

1. Genetics

If your parents or close family members have a history of baldness or hair loss, then you are more likely to experience the same at some point. It is due to genetics, known as androgenetic alopecia, where the traits and characteristics are passed down from your family. 

Solutions: Now, how to stop hair fall naturally that lies in your genes? If you are in the initial stage, you can treat the condition with FDA-approved medicines after consulting a dermatologist. In the later stage, you can opt for hair transplant surgery.

2. Age

Almost every individual, both men and women, will notice hair loss as they age. With age, cells die off more quickly than they regenerate. This is why people suffer from weaker bones, thinner skin, which is similar to hair loss. As you age, your scalp produces less oil, which makes the hair weak and brittle.

Solutions: Similar to genetics, consult with your healthcare professional to treat the age-related hair loss in its initial stage. Also, engage in regular exercises and routine checkups to ensure your overall well-being. 

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your hair strands. Hormone-related conditions like menopause, childbirth, pregnancy, and PCOS can trigger hair loss. For instance, if you are pregnant, then you have high levels of estrogen. However, after three to four months of delivery, the dip in the estrogen level will be one of the biggest reasons for hair loss post-pregnancy. 

Solutions: Your doctor might prescribe medications to maintain the hormone level based on your condition or supplements to improve your hair health. If the medicine doesn't work, then they might recommend surgery to slow down or stop the hair loss.

4. Stress

Stress, bad for your mental health, can also be detrimental to your hair. Telogen effluvium, a stress response, begins with excess hair shedding 2-3 months after a stressful physical or emotional event. 

Solution: To combat hair fall due to stress, get adequate sleep every day and engage in deep breathing exercises and meditationBesides the hair fall treatment at home, make sure to consult with a specialist.

5. Nutritional Deficiency

In certain situations, hair fall may happen due to nutritional deficiencies. In fact, low levels of zinc, Vitamin D, and iron are linked to excessive hair shedding. Poor nutrition or a severely restrictive diet can lead to such a deficiency. 

Solution: Consult your doctor and take dietary supplements to correct the vitamin deficiencies after a blood test. Also, focus on a balanced diet composed of lean proteins, vitamins, and minerals, essential for hair growth. 

6. Medications

If you are taking certain medications, then you might experience sudden hair loss as a side effect. While it doesn't happen with everyone, some medications that might induce hair loss include cholesterol-lowering medications, blood pressure medications, antacids, and steroids.

Solution: Consult your healthcare professional right away if you notice excessive hair fall to get alternative medicine and stop the prior medication safely. 

7. Scalp Condition

Scalp conditions like dandruff and scalp psoriasis can lead to hair fall. It happens when bacteria, yeast, or fungi overgrow and invade your hair follicles. You might notice small bumps, redness, and scaling, and at times your scalp will feel itchy. 

Solution: Seek professional support to get the right shampoos and maintain good scalp hygiene to retain the natural oil content that supports the natural hair growth cycle.

8. Excessive Hairstyling

Some hairstyling products or practices can cause scarring hair fall known as traction alopecia. For instance, some shampoos contain chemical formaldehyde that has been linked to hair loss. Hair extension, heat styling, and even chemical hair treatments can also lead to hair fall.

Solution: Minimize or avoid indulging in excessive hair styling practices. Opt for a gentle hair care product instead of harsh sulfates. Apply a heat protectant spray before styling and allow your hair to rest for a while. 

Also Read: Home Remedies for thinning hair

How to Determine Your Hair Fall?

You can spot the common symptoms of hair fall in your day-to-day life. But how can you actually determine it? A simple test known as the Hair Pull Test helps to determine the actual hair fall.  Simply grab 20-40 hair strands for an inch above your scalp between your thumb and forefinger, hard enough. Then slide your fingers gently along your hair shaft to the tip. Now count the number of hair strands that fall out. If there are only around six strands, then the hair fall is quite normal. However, if it is greater than six, then you require medical attention. 

Tips to Prevent Hair Loss

Now that you are aware of the common causes and solutions to hair fall, here are some tips to rescue the glow and revive the growth cycle of your hair.

• Apply moisturizing conditioner to coat your strands, which reduces breakage and split ends.
• Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel to dry it more quickly with the lowest heat setting on the blow dryer.
• Avoid the habit of twisting your hair around your finger or pulling the strands, as it can weaken the fragile hair. 
• Take A Scalp Massage regularly to improve blood circulation to the scalp and hair. 
• Wear swimming caps in chlorinated pools and hats to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants
• Avoid Tying Your Hair Too tightly, as it can damage your hair follicles.
• Quit smoking, as it generates inflammatory mediators in the body that affect scalp health. 

Can Hair Loss Be A Sign of Something Serious?

Yes, hair loss can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical condition. While it's quite normal to lose some hair every day, if you have experienced sudden, excessive hair loss, then you should consult with your healthcare professional and address it immediately.  Some medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders, thyroid disorders, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can cause thinning hair. In rare cases, hair loss can also be a major symptom of a severe condition, such as cancer or lupus. 

Reclaim your Confidence with Professional Restoration Solutions!

Hair fall can be distressing, but when you are aware of the reason, you take control of your hair growth. Whatever the reason behind your hair loss, consult a professional dermatologist to determine the underlying root cause. Even when your hair loss is due to genetics, you can seek early treatment to stop or reverse it. 

At Apollo Spectra, we understand your hair is more than a bunch of fibrous strands; it is a symbol of your identity, confidence, and personal style. Our experts ensure to find the root cause of your hair fall and provide the right solutions to regain the healthy growth and shine.