Common Causes of Hair Loss

Baldness. Hair loss. These terms can send shivers down a person’s spine. Whether the gradual loss of hair over time or a sudden thinning or loss, this condition can be quite unsettling. This is just as true for men as it is for women, who normally wouldn’t expect to suffer hair loss. Here, we discuss some of the common reasons thy balding may occur.

What’s Normal?

The first question someone may ask themselves if they notice a change in the density of their hair is whether or not what they are experiencing is normal. To be honest, if you are losing enough hair for your appearance to change, you are losing too much. We typically do not shed more than 100 strands of hair a day. We can usually safely do this without the appearance of thinning because new hairs are continually growing to take the place of those that are shed. The reason why thinning occurs is that the growth and shedding cycle gets disrupted, or the hair follicle becomes disabled and is overtaken by scar tissue. The question is, what is behind this disruption?

Why Hair Loss May Occur

Medical Conditions

Disease or illness is one reason for hair loss:

• Thyroid disease or anemia.
• Illness such as severe infection or even the flu.
• Disease treatments such as chemotherapy.
• Ringworm.

Stress and Hormones

• Motherhood (hair loss after childbirth), related to a decrease in estrogen.
• Menopause, also related to estrogen fluctuations.
• Extreme stress related to trauma or a chronic situation.

Nutrition

• Too little protein.
• Too little iron.
• Too much vitamin A.
• Overall lack of nutrition related to eating disorders.
• Weight loss of more than 15 pounds.

Grooming

• Excessive brushing.
• Brushing hair when wet.
• Extremely tight braiding.
• Frequent hot styling or bleaching.

Fortunately, many of the reasons why hair loss may occur are reversible. For example, dietary improvements can enhance nutrient uptake and support bodily functions, including hair growth. Hair loss related to grooming, as well, usually involves hair breakage rather than impairment of the hair follicles.

It is important to identify why hair loss is happening so appropriate treatment can be conducted. We are proud to offer surgical and non-surgical remedies for hair loss in our comfortable New Jersey office. For more information, call 201-350-5300.