Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It is also known as male or female pattern baldness. This occurs when the growth phase of the hair slows down, leading to longer intervals between hair shedding and new hair growth. It is caused by a combination of factors including hormones, age and genetic predisposition. While commonly associated with men, women are not spared from losing their lustrous hair either.
Hair loss is a condition that can affect as many as 73% of Asian men and women, according to Annals of Dermatology in a journal article in 2012.
But what if genetics is not the root cause of your hair loss? Here are some of the other common causes that could potentially result in hair loss.
Anaemia
Hair loss caused by nutritional deficiency is uncommon amongst Singaporeans, but hair loss resulting from iron deficiency (anaemia) is a more prevalent cause of hair loss related to nutritional deficiencies. Fortunately, by replenishing your body's iron levels through diet, supplements, or a combination of both, you can effectively halt hair shedding and promote hair regrowth.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases, like hypothyroidism, occur when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism and a shortage can hinder hair growth. While spontaneous regrowth of hair is feasible, patients often experience cycles of hair loss followed by regrowth.
Extreme Stress
When you’re caught under extreme stress, you experience what is called acute telogen effluvium. This condition causes a significant number of hair strands (up to 70%) to enter a resting phase, resulting in excessive hair loss within three to six months after experiencing the stress. Fortunately, hair loss caused by severe psychological stress is typically temporary. By effectively managing your stress levels, you can anticipate a gradual regrowth of your hair.
Medical Conditions
Skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis can lead to an accumulation of skin cells and an increase in oil production on the scalp. This excessive oil can trap dirt and dandruff, resulting in the build-up of products that can block pores and hinder the growth of new hair.
Hair Care
Styling your hair with heat-based tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, or using chemical treatments like perms and hair dyes can weaken your hair, causing it to become brittle and prone to damage. This can result in a lack of shine, breakage, and ultimately lead to hair thinning and loss.Frequently wearing tight hairstyles like ponytails and braids can also cause problems. The forceful pulling of hair away from the scalp in these styles can lead to a condition called traction alopecia. If the hairstyle remains unchanged, it can lead to hair thinning and even bald spots.
In many cases, it is often feasible to reverse hair loss resulting from the aforementioned causes. However, since the root cause cannot be determined with certainty, it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional. They will perform tests to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatments to halt or minimise hair loss.
