Many people experience some hair fall each day, but when the shedding becomes excessive, it can be worrying. Not only can it be a sign of an underlying health condition, but it can also impact self-esteem.
Those who are struggling with hair fall and hair loss may start to avoid social situations and feel self-conscious about their appearance. In severe cases, hair fall/loss can lead to anxiety and depression.
Remember that hair fall/loss is not your fault, it doesn’t determine your self-worth, and there is no shame in seeking medical help! With the right support, you can learn to love yourself, regardless of your hair status.
It’s also important to be aware of how hair fall works so that you can take better care of your strands!
While some causes of hair fall are well known, such as genetic balding or excessive styling, there are other less commonly known reasons for hair loss that you may not be aware of. Sometimes, the cause of hair fall is external and sometimes it’s internal.
So, are you wondering “Why am I losing hair for no reason?” Here are 6 hidden causes of hair loss and hair fall that you should be aware of:
1. Stress
One of the most common but often overlooked reasons for hair fall or hair loss is stress. When you’re under a lot of stress, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that can lead to hair loss. Cortisol levels are highest during times of acute stress, so if you’ve been going through a tough time recently, it could be the cause of your hair fall.
2. Diet
Your diet plays a role — and that too a major one — in hair fall. If you’re not getting enough protein, iron, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, or other essential nutrients, it can lead to hair fall and hair loss over time. Crash diets and fad diets can also lead to nutrient deficiencies that result in hair fall.
3. Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is another common but often overlooked cause of hair fall. If you’re not getting enough of certain hormones, or if your body is producing too much of certain hormones, it can lead to hair loss.
For example, an imbalance of the thyroid hormone is often known to lead to hair fall and particularly hair thinning. Studies have also shown that menopause is often accompanied by hair fall, hair thinning, and hair loss, due to a decline in estrogen levels and shrinking of hair follicles.
4. Medications
Certain medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect. In fact, there are two types of hair loss caused by medication — telogen effluvium (where hair comes out in clumps) and anagen effluvium (where there’s loss of hair from the follicles).
If you’re taking medication for a condition and start to notice hair fall, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication. Sometimes, it’s not possible to switch the medication (such as in the case of chemotherapy). In that case, speak to your doctor about how to best tackle hair fall and hair loss.
5. Scalp Conditions
Scalp conditions such as dandruff, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis can also lead to hair fall. These conditions make the scalp dry and irritated. Often, when people have such itchy scalp conditions, it is their scratching that damages the hair follicles and leads to hair fall.
If you have a scalp condition, it’s important to treat it early to prevent hair fall. In most cases, the hair fall is reversible.
6. Hard Water
Here’s a cause that most people don’t think about when pondering over sudden hair fall — hard water!
So, can hard water cause hair loss? Yes, hard water — indirectly — can lead to hair loss and hair fall.
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can build up on the scalp. This mineral buildup adds stress to the hair strands and prevents hair roots from receiving proper blood flow, nutrition, and moisture. In the long run, this may result in hair fall, split ends, hair loss, and dandruff.
If you live in an area with hard water, it’s important to use a clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup from your scalp or choose a water-softening shower head like the StoneStream EcoPower that will reduce the hardness of your water and make it healthier for your hair and scalp.
If you have been experiencing hair fall for a while, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist to find out the cause. They will be able to rule out any underlying health conditions and offer advice on how to manage hair fall/loss. Once the cause is determined, you can take steps to treat it and prevent further hair fall.
Taking care of your self-esteem is also important. This may involve seeking professional help if you are struggling to come to terms with your hair fall/loss.
Treating hair fall can be as simple as trying out supplements, switching out your old shower head for a water-softening one, or taking medication. However, with the right fix, you can stop hair fall and get your hair back to its healthy state
If you’re looking for a quick physical fix while you deal with the root cause of your hair fall, you can try out KeraFiber Hair Building Fibers which will instantly make your thinning hair look thick. A product like this is especially helpful if you have an important event to attend, such as a wedding or a business presentation, and are worried about how your hair looks due to all the hair fall.
Remember, most cases of hair fall are in fact reversible. Good luck!
