As human beings, we are naturally obsessed about our hair and tend to freak out when something messes up our hair. Thinning hair and hair loss are common in both men and women. The reasons may range from simple and temporary to more complicated health conditions. Depending on the cause, there are several available ways for hair loss treatment.
In the beginning, the only available methods of hair loss treatment included questionable sprays and soaps. Along the way, major advancements have been made resulting in cutting-edge hair loss treatments such as hair transplant surgeries, prescription medication, and shampoos.
Causes of Hair Loss
Here are some of the reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss:
- Genetics
Male pattern baldness (MPB) and Female pattern baldness (FPB) are some of the causes of hair loss in men and women. These conditions are also referred to as androgenic or androgenetic alopecia. In men, the hair recedes from front and top of the scalp leaving an M-shaped hairline. Genetics show that MPB stems from the androgen receptor gene which is located in the X chromosome which we inherit from our moms.
MPB causes the hair’s growth cycle to get short and weak, and the follicles to get smaller. With time, the growth cycle ends and there’s no new hair to replace it; this results in baldness.
- Pregnancy
Pregnancyrelated hair loss is more profound after childbirth than it actually is during pregnancy.
Solution: This is normal so just give your hair a couple of months and it’ll grow back
- Physical and Emotional Stress
Any kind of stress is likely to cause hair loss by shocking the hair cycle and causing more hair to shed. If, for example, you’re involved in a car accident, surgery, or severe illness, you may notice hair loss approximately 3 to 6 months after the trauma.
Even though emotional stress is not as likely to cause hair loss, it may happen. In the event of the death of a loved one or divorce, you may notice some hair loss.
Solution: The hair resumes normal growth after you’ve made full recovery. It’s also advisable that you take steps to help you reduce the stress such as talking to a therapist.
- Chemotherapy
Most of the drugs used to treat cancer cause hair to fall out. Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cancer cells as well as those cells involved in hair growth.
Solution: After the chemotherapy stops, your hair will grow back. You might, however, notice that the hair will grow back in a different texture or color.
- Extreme Styling
Vigorous styling can, over the years, result in your hair falling out. Practices such as fixing tight braids, cornrows, and weaves, using high heat and harsh chemicals affect the hair root. It may cause the hair not to grow back again.
Solution: Avoid any hair treatment methods that may be too harsh.