5 Major CAUSES of Hair Loss

Why is my hair falling out?

Men are more likely to lose their hair than women, mostly due to male pattern baldness (more on that later).But thinning hair and hair loss are also common in women, and no less demoralizing. Reasons can range from the simple and temporary—a vitamin deficiency—to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.In many cases, there are ways to treat both male and female hair loss. It all depends on the cause. Here are some common and not-so-common reasons why you might be seeing less hair on your head.

Lack of protein

If you don't get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.This can happen about two to three months after a drop in protein in take, they say.What to do:There are many great sources of protein, including fish, meat, and eggs. If you don't eat meat or animal products, here are the14 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Protein Sources.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one example of the type of physical stress that can cause hair loss (that and hormones). Pregnancy-related hair loss is seen more commonly after your baby has been delivered rather than actually during pregnancy. What to do:
If you do experience hair loss, rest assured that your hair will grow back in a couple of months.

Dramatic weight loss

Sudden weight loss is a form of physical trauma that can result in thinning hair. This could happen even if the weight loss is ultimately good for you. It’s possible that the weight loss itself is stressing your body or that not eating right can result in vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Loss of hair along with noticeable weight loss may also be a sign of an eating disorder such asanorexiaor bulimia.
What to do:
"Sudden weight loss seems to shock the system and you’ll have a six-month period of hair loss and then it corrects itself,”

Vitamin B deficiency

Although relatively uncommon in the U.S., low levels of vitamin B are another correctible cause of hair loss.
What to do:
Like anemia, simple supplementation should help the problem. So can dietary changes. Find natural vitamin B in fish, meat, starchy vegetables, and non-citrus fruits. As always, eating a balanced diet plentiful in fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein and “good” fats such as avocadoand nuts will be good for your hair and your overall health.

Overstyling

Vigorous styling and hair treatments over the years can cause your hair to fall out. Examples of extreme styling include tight braids, hair weaves or corn rows as well as chemical relaxers to straighten your hair, hot-oil treatments or any kind of harsh chemical or high heat. Because these practices can actually affect the hair root, your hair might not grow back.What to do:In addition to avoiding these styles and treatments, theAmerican Academy of Dermatology
recommends using conditioner after every shampoo, letting your hair air dry, limiting the amount of time the curling iron comes in contact with your hair and using heat-driven products no more than once a week.