Monday, May 6, 2024

Why is my hair falling out? 10 causes of hair loss

why does my hair fall out so much

It could happen during your morning shower, while you’re blowing it dry, or when you give it a quick brush—and that’s totally normal. But when you start to notice an excessive amount of hair thinning, bald patches, or your hairline starts to recede in places it didn’t before, you may start to wonder what’s up. “If you feel like you’re losing an excessive amount of hair, talk to your doctor. More than half of all women experience noticeable hair loss over time. Start with a small area of clean, dry hair, and run your fingers through it, tugging gently once you get to the ends of your hair strands. If more than two or three hairs are left in your hand after each tug, you may be experiencing telogen or anagen effluvium.

Life cycle of hair

“Our body needs certain vitamins and nutrients to build hair,” notes Dr. Khetarpal. Your shorter hairs — like eyelashes, arm and leg hair, and eyebrows —have a short anagen phase (about one month). If a person has this condition, they should contact a doctor. A doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to the scalp or prescribe other medication to help the hair grow back. Hair loss can occur if you wear pigtails, braids or cornrows, or use tight hair rollers.

why does my hair fall out so much

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Getting enough protein in your diet is essential as it provides the building blocks for proper hair growth; meat, tofu, eggs, beans, grains, nuts, and fish are all good protein sources. Some studies suggest that telogen effluvium can also be connected to low levels of iron, so include iron-rich foods like leafy vegetables, lentils and liver where you can. If you like the idea of adding supplements to your routine, there are some which are specifically formulated to contain ingredients that increase hair thickness and health.

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It’s also the most common cause of hair loss, affecting up to 50% of people. There are several types of hair loss, some are common and some are rarer, and each with different underlying causes. While it’s more prevalent in older adults, anyone can experience it, including children. Talk with your doctor about your concerns and the potential causes for your hair loss. “It’s important to have a discussion with your doctor to find the right treatment,” says Dr. Khetarpal. And in the case of alopecia, the sooner you start, the better.

Can you tell if you are losing too much hair?

This article looks at what happens when hair falls out excessively, why this can occur, and where to seek treatment. Additionally, avoid using appliances that overheat your hair. Set your hairdryer on cool and low settings and minimize your use of flat and curling irons (say, for special occasions). If you use hair gel or hair spray, don’t wait for it to dry before you comb through it, because the hair will harden and be more likely to break. Your doctor gently scrapes skin samples from your scalp and sends them to a lab for testing. Looking at your scalp lets your doctor check for any infections or swelling and see where your hair’s falling out.

It typically doesn't last more than six months, but if it does, it's considered chronic. If your hair just doesn't seem to look the same way that it used to when you style it, that too could be a sign that your hair might be thinning. If your straightened hair looks flat, your natural hair just doesn't have the life it used to, or your style won't hold, there might actually be a real reason for that.

What causes hair to fall out

A 2018 review suggests that a vitamin D deficiency may link to hair loss. The authors also suggest that to help prevent hair loss, people low in iron would benefit from iron supplementation and making sure they get enough vitamin C. If a person thinks that hair loss may be due to a medication, they can consult a doctor for an assessment. The doctor might reduce the dosage or switch the person to a different medication.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Giving birth, rapid weight loss, surgery and certain illnesses may cause more hair loss than usual, typically in the resting phase. Taking hormones can change hair growth all over your body. Masculinizing hormone therapy (taking testosterone) may cause hair loss within a year, and the effects aren't reversible if you stop hormone treatment. With this type of hair loss, your follicles gradually shrink and the growth cycle is shortened. If your hair starts to thin or fall out in clumps, call your healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can help you figure out what is causing hair loss and how to help treat the root issue.

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No more than 10 hairs per 100 strands being tugged should be coming out. But if your follicles become damaged, the hair loss may be permanent. See your dermatologist if you notice this type of hair loss. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chances for hair regrowth.

Someone with telogen effluvium can lose 300–500 hairs daily. Losing your hair can be a distressing experience, but you’re not alone. Androgenetic alopecia is a prevalent type of hair loss that affects 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States. The risk of getting androgenetic alopecia increases with age, but for some people, their hair loss will start as early as their teens. Even though the exact cause of androgenetic alopecia is unknown, genetics and environmental factors may contribute.

Sometimes it’s your styling routine that’s to blame when your hair starts to break or fall out. Using too much shampoo, brushing or combing your hair when it’s wet, rubbing hair dry with a towel, or brushing too hard or too often can all strain your strands and make them break. Two big causes of breakage include braids that are too tight and weaves that weigh down the hair. Not only can starting hormonal birth control kick off hair loss, so can quitting. You’ll probably notice a change several weeks or months after you stop. Take another look at the side effects of the drugs you’re taking -- hair loss may be on the list.

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Why is my hair falling out? 10 causes of hair loss

Table Of Content Life cycle of hair Follow Mayo Clinic Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! What causes hair to fall out W...