Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, often related to genetics, health conditions, medications, and lifestyle. Here are the main causes of hair fall:
- Genetics and Hormonal Factors :
- Androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) is the most common cause, influenced by heredity and hormones like dihydrotestosterone. It affects both men (male pattern baldness) and women (female pattern baldness).
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems can also cause hair loss.
- Autoimmune Conditions :
- Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy or total hair loss.
- Infections and Scalp Conditions :
- Fungal infections like ringworm (tinea capitis) and bacterial infections can cause hair loss.
- Scarring alopecia includes conditions where hair follicle cells are permanently damaged by inflammation or autoimmune disorders.
- Medications and Medical Treatments :
- Certain drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and birth control pills can cause hair loss as a side effect.
- Chemotherapy often results in rapid hair loss (anagen effluvium).
- Physical and Emotional Stress :
- Major physical or emotional stress, including surgery, illness, or sudden weight loss, can lead to temporary hair shedding (telogen effluvium).
- Nutritional Deficiencies :
- Lack of essential nutrients, especially protein and vitamins like iron, can cause hair to fall out.
- Hairstyles and Hair Treatments :
- Tight hairstyles such as ponytails and braids can cause traction alopecia, damaging hair follicles.
- Excessive hairstyling and treatments like hot-oils and perms may also contribute.
- Other Medical Conditions :
- Thyroid disease, lupus, syphilis, and tumors on the scalp can result in localized or diffuse hair loss.
In summary, hair fall results from genetics, autoimmune responses, infections, medications, hormonal changes, stress, poor nutrition, and physical damage to hair follicles.
