One of the first things people notice about you is your hair. That’s why hair loss is a big issue; it hits close to home for millions worldwide.

Do you need help understanding premature hair loss? This article will explain ten possible reasons and their potential solutions. Read on!

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) imbalances could cause androgenic alopecia in male and female pattern hair loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and menopause may also contribute to thinning hair in women. Thyroid disorders are a possible culprit as well.

Your doctor can diagnose hormone-related hair loss and plan a treatment. Medications such as minoxidil or finasteride might help your hair grow back naturally.

Some patients experience enough loss to need a hair transplant to restore their crowning glory! Hair restoration experts can now provide very natural-looking hair restoration services. However, you must check their reputation and find someone experienced. A reputable specialist offering hair transplants in NYC or nearby should be able to restore your hair through safe methods, such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplant (FUT).

2. Stress and Anxiety

Mental conditions like chronic stress and anxiety could speed up hair loss. Ever notice more falling during stressful times? That’s telogen effluvium – where stress pushes too much into its resting phase at once.

A study on mice revealed that removing stress hormones shortens the follicles’ resting phase, continuously regenerating even in older mice. It exhibits the role stress plays in impeding your regular growth cycle. (1)

Meditation or therapy can help you stay stress-free. Plus, getting extra sleep does wonders for overall health.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Diet is critical to understanding premature hair loss. Hair needs protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D to stay strong and grow well. When the body lacks these nutrients, it starts to show through hair thinning.

A nutritionist can help plan meals with lean proteins, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

4. Scalp Infections

Sometimes, your hair loss is due to fungal infections or seborrheic dermatitis. Severe inflammation from scalp conditions could damage your hair follicles. Autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata may also trigger premature hair loss.

Scalp feeling off? A dermatologist can spot and treat any infections causing problems. They’ll prescribe antifungal medications or topical corticosteroids for scalp infections. For autoimmune-related hair loss, an immune system specialist can explore treatment options.

5. Tight Hairstyles and Hair Treatments

Styles like braids and extensions pull on hair follicles, causing traction alopecia. Meanwhile, excessive heat or chemicals can damage hair over time.

Go for looser styles that won’t strain your scalp. Limit heat styling and avoid chemical treatments when possible. Your hair will be healthier after you switch to mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.

6. Medications and Medical Treatments

Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners, list hair loss as a side effect. Hair loss can also sneak up on you when managing thyroid issues or autoimmune conditions.

If you’re concerned about rapid hair loss, consult a healthcare professional. They help identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to it and discuss potential treatment options.

7. Aging

Follicles gradually weaken as people age, resulting in thinning. This process may begin sooner for some, especially if premature aging factors come into play. In fact, 50% of women over age 50 experience female pattern loss. (2)

Growing older naturally changes your tresses. Treating them gently helps keep them looking their best. Consider going to a doctor to discuss medication or even transplantation for severe loss.

8. Genetics

Understanding premature loss could lead you to find out if it runs in the family. You may notice it earlier and in similar patterns.

Genes play their part, but you’ve got solutions. Good nutrition and keeping stress in check can boost overall health. Transplants could also slow the rate of loss. Studies report that 90% of recipients experience good coverage one year after surgery. (3)

9. Environmental Factors

Environmental stressors like pollution, harsh weather, and sun exposure weaken hair strands. Chlorine and salt water strip moisture, increasing breakage.

Protect your hair with a hat or UV-protective products. After swimming, rinse thoroughly to remove chlorine.

10. Underlying Medical Conditions

Medical conditions like iron deficiency anemia, lupus, and diabetes can speed up loss by impacting scalp health and nutrient absorption.

Tackling underlying health issues is your first step in managing loss. Better overall health often means better growth, too.

Care For Your Premature Hair Loss Today

Understanding loss requires knowing the possible causes. Quick action typically brings the best results for health.

Your healthcare provider can create a targeted plan to slow or reverse it. A transplant specialist could also help through surgical means. Just take your time looking for the ideal solution to restore fullness.

References

1. “How chronic stress leads to hair loss,” Source: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2021/03/researchers-discover-how-chronic-stress-leads-to-hair-loss/

2. “How Much Hair Loss Is Normal for Women?” Source: https://time.com/6997830/how-much-hair-loss-is-normal-women-aging/

3. “As hair transplants become big business, here’s what you need to know about the risks,” Source: https://theconversation.com/as-hair-transplants-become-big-business-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-risks-237365