Maybe you’ve noticed a slight change in your hairline, more hair than usual coming out in your brush or shower, or even small areas where your scalp seems more visible. Hair loss can have many possible causes, including hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, medications, nutritional deficiencies and genetics. But everyday habits can also contribute to hair breakage and, in some cases, excessive shedding.
If you’re noticing changes in your hair, understanding the potential causes of hair loss is an important first step. Here are several common factors that are easy to overlook.
You’re under-conditioning your hair
Conditioner helps restore moisture, smooth the hair cuticle and reduce friction after shampooing. Without adequate conditioning, hair can become dry, brittle and more prone to breakage.
It’s important to distinguish between hair breakage and hair loss from the follicle. Conditioner won’t treat an underlying medical cause of hair loss, but it can help protect the hair shaft from unnecessary damage and breakage.
If you have fine hair, you don’t necessarily need to avoid conditioner altogether. Instead, apply it primarily to the mid-lengths and ends and adjust the amount based on how your hair responds.
Too much chemical processing
Frequent coloring, bleaching, relaxing and other chemical treatments can weaken the hair shaft. Over-processing can make the hair more fragile, increasing the likelihood of breakage and making thinning appear more noticeable.
If you color your hair regularly, spacing out chemical treatments and working with a professional who uses appropriate protective products can help minimize damage. Giving your hair time between treatments can also help preserve the strength and integrity of the hair shaft.
Tight hairstyles
We love an Ariana Grande-inspired high ponytail as much as the next person, but wearing tight hairstyles repeatedly can put significant tension on the hair.
Constant pulling from tight ponytails, buns, braids or extensions can contribute to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by repeated tension on the hair follicles. Early traction alopecia may be reversible, but continued tension can cause permanent follicular damage.
Choose looser hairstyles when possible, avoid consistently placing tension on the same area and give your hair a break from tight styles. If you notice thinning around your hairline or areas where your hairstyle repeatedly pulls, it’s worth discussing the change with a dermatologist.
You’re experiencing significant stress
Stress can affect the hair growth cycle. Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger a type of shedding called telogen effluvium, in which more hairs than usual enter the resting phase of the growth cycle.
This type of shedding often becomes noticeable several weeks to months after the stressful event rather than immediately. The good news is that telogen effluvium is often temporary once the underlying trigger has resolved, although it can take time for hair density to return.
If you’re experiencing persistent or significant shedding, a dermatologist can help determine whether stress is actually contributing or whether another cause needs to be investigated.
Your diet may be lacking key nutrients
Your hair needs adequate nutrition to grow normally. Significant calorie restriction, rapid weight loss, eating disorders, certain gastrointestinal conditions and weight loss surgery can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with hair shedding.
Low levels of nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, zinc and protein can sometimes contribute to hair loss, but supplementation isn’t appropriate for everyone. Taking unnecessary supplements can also have risks, so it’s better to identify a deficiency before starting high-dose supplementation.
If your hair loss began after a major change in diet or significant weight loss, talk with your healthcare provider or dermatologist about whether nutritional testing may be appropriate.
Too much heat
Your flat iron and curling wand may give you the style you’re looking for, but frequent exposure to high heat can damage the hair shaft. Heat damage can make strands dry, brittle and more likely to break.
Try using the lowest effective temperature, limit how often you use hot tools and apply an appropriate heat protectant before styling. Giving your hair occasional breaks from heat styling can also help reduce cumulative damage.
And when you’re in South Florida, there’s nothing wrong with embracing a little natural, beachy texture.
When Hair Loss May Need a Closer Look
Not all hair loss is caused by something you’re doing to your hair. Genetics, hormonal changes, autoimmune conditions, medications, nutritional deficiencies and other medical factors can all play a role.
If you’re noticing sudden shedding, bald patches, significant thinning or a change that doesn’t seem to be improving, it’s worth getting evaluated rather than assuming the problem is simply your hair-care routine.
Treating Hair Loss
Topical products such as the Supriya MD Hair Regrowth System may be part of a hair-care regimen, but identifying the underlying cause of hair loss is an important part of determining the appropriate treatment.
If you’re concerned about hair loss or thinning, contact Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology to schedule a consultation and discuss your symptoms and treatment options.
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