Let’s Talk About Why You’re Losing Hair

Whether you’re only just starting to see thinning across the scalp, or its been something you have struggled with for a while, losing hair can be a challenging time.

Usually a symptom of an underlying problem, hair loss can not only affect our confidence in our health but also in our appearance.

Getting to the root of the problem can help to find a solution, however, so here, we’re exploring just why you might be experiencing hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

Typically seen in men and women who have undergone stress, hormonal changes and similar, telogen effluvium is characterised in accelerated hair loss across the scalp, usually seen more noticeably when washing your hair, styling or brushing.

The hair loss usually comes about due to an accelerated growth cycle, seeing more hairs reach the end of the cycle at the same time and fall out to make room for new hair to grow.

While the hair will grow back, it can still be alarming to see thinning hair.

Alopecia

Alopecia is a condition in which the immune system begins to attack the hair follicles, resulting in sudden hair loss.

This can happen in small patches (Alopecia Areata), across the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) and in some cases, across the entire body (alopecia universalis).

It is typically treated by a form of steroids, though this will depend on your particular case.

Genetics

Hereditary hair loss, also known as pattern baldness, is a genetic condition that is often reported to be one of the leading causes of hair loss in men and women as they age.

Men often experience this kind of hair loss starting from the temples, spreading back in a relatively predictable pattern.

Women are more likely to see the hair loss begin at the top of their head at their parting, spreading out, or diffused throughout the hair.

Thyroid Issues

If you have problems with your thyroid, you might already be aware that this could be the cause of your hair loss.

Underactive thyroids (hypothyroidism) can cause brittle hair and nails, as well as a number of other symptoms like difficulty concentrating, depression, weight gain, fatigue and more.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms along with your hair loss and aren’t sure whether it’s your thyroid, take a visit to your GP.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A lack of key nutrients in our diet can also have a drastic effect on the health and strength of our hair.

A lack of iron, in particular, can lead to hair loss; iron ensures that your blood has enough red blood cells to carry much-needed oxygen to the different parts of your body.

With iron deficiency, your hair follicles won’t be getting enough oxygen and so your hair may begin to grow weaker or fall out. Introducing more iron-rich foods into your diet may help, such as pork, beef, greens, fish, beans and fortified cereals.

You can also take iron supplements, but it’s important to speak to your GP before introducing this regularly.

While there is no one cause or solution for hair loss, hopefully, we’ve given you a better idea of just why you might be seeing more loss than usual.

f you’re in doubt, speak to your GP or a dermatologist, both of whom can guide you towards just what you can do to improve the strength and health of your scalp, hair follicles and hair shaft as a unit.

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