Our hair is our crown and glory, and losing is can be devastating! It can happen little by little or all of a sudden. Either way the impact can take its toll and leave us feeling comfortable, unattractive, and even insecure. However, acting quickly to find out why our hair is falling out can mean short term or permanent hair loss. Here are some reasons your hair may be shedding to help you stop it in its track and bring you some peace of mind!
1. Too Much Manipulation
Manipulation is necessary to properly care for your hair. However, over manipulation can cause hair breakage. Low manipulation and comfortable protective styles allow your hair to grow and thrive. Constant manipulation and styling will unnecessarily cause hair fall.
2. Hair is Dry and Brittle
Extremely dry brittle hair is one of the causes of hair breakage. Dry hair may be brought on my dry weather, low humidity, or too hot conditions. I can also be caused by lack of proper hair care, like not regularly conditioning, not understand your porosity level, or chemical and heat damage. The list can go on and on. Check out our blog on 5 Ways to Keep Your Hair Mositurized.
3. Stress
Yes, stress can be the reason your hair is falling out by the hand full! Significant stress causes your hair follicles to go into a resting phase which can lead to hair falling out suddenly with simple manipulation. This kind of hair loss doesn't have to be permanent. If you get stress under control your hair will typically grow back.
4. Alopecia Areata
This autoimmune condition is when your body's immune system attacks healthy hair follicles. Its usually caused by genetics, stress, or normal imbalances.
It can be identified by the smooth round bald patches throughout the scalp. This condition requires consulting with a dermatologist to diagnose.
5. Traction Alopecia
Now this one is the most common! We love our hair extensions and weaves, but sometimes, they lead to issues of baldness. It usually happens overtime with constant tension from braids, ponytails, weaves, and tight styles. Its very common amongst the natural hair community and can be permanent if the follicle is severely damaged.
6. Postpartum
Estrogen levels increase tremendously during pregnancy, and keeps hair in a growing phase preventing hair shedding. But, after giving birth, usually around 3 months, when hormone levels decrease drastically, hair begins to shed. This shedding can be alarming to most women!
Don't fret! This is a perfectly normal process that some women go through, and it will grow back. It's the price some of us women have to pay to hold our bundles of joy!
7. Time For A Trim
Sometimes the fix is very simple and don't require much effort to get under control. Splitting ends will run up the hair shaft and cause it chip off little by little. This is a normal process, but can become a huge problem if not maintained. Its a little less obvious because its not all of a sudden. But over time your hair will loss length. In drastic cases, a cut may be necessary. Check out our blog on 4 Signs You May Need a Trim.
8. Medication
Many different types of drugs are thought to be the cause of hair loss. Blood pressure meds, cholesterol lowering medications, and steroids are a few that have been linked to hair loss. This hair loss may be restored once the medications are no longer needed. But I believe in doing whats necessary for your overall health and working towards no longer needed meds. Do not stop necessary meds in order to stop hair loss!
Understanding the causes of hair loss is critical in knowing where to go for help. There are factors that are in our control and some that aren't. Know that its a common condition for so many people and that you are not alone! It may be a process to growing your hair back, but understanding the cause is key!
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