Hair Loss Causes in Men and Women

Updated on 25 Jan 2011,
Published on 25 Jan 2011

Hair Loss is a common hair problem but against one's prestige. It not only mars your personality but also makes you less confident as a person. At times, it becomes almost impossible to handle the fun others make of your appearance. Here are a few reasons that why does excessive hair loss occur and what are its effects. These can be really beneficial to make you aware the real cause of your problem.

Causes of Hair Loss

Aging : With growing age, the rate of hair loss is likely to increase. You cannot afford to stop aging and maturing of hormones. Moreover, in older age, hair becomes gray n thinner giving a shadow of hair loss.

Genetics : It is more likely that if any of your parents or relatives is bald, then you are more likely to get this disorder. This can be from any side of genetics, either maternal or paternal.

Skin disorder : Certain skin problems such as a poor scalp membrane can cause hair damage. But the sooner we treat the skin, the better our hair regrows.

Drugs : Many drugs do not suit your element and thus cause side effects resulting in severe hair loss.

Stress : Physical or mental stress causes temporary hair loss. This is due to the early entry of hair follicle into telogen phase, and hence hindering the hair growth and increasing hair shedding rate. Usually, the hair loss recovers when the stressful period is over.

There are different factors that raise the condition of hair loss in men, women, women over 40, teens and children. Lets take each case separately.

Causes of Hair Loss

In Men : The main reason of this problem in men is androgentic alopecia, also termed as “male pattern” and “common baldness”. It is caused by the effects of male hormone, dehydrotestosterone(DHT) on genetically scalp hair follicles. It generally comes from their mother's family. Also, there are certain other factors responsible for this disorder such as- age, illness, strain, dietary habits, mental and physical health.

In Women : Since the body of women works in a different way than men, so, the reason of hair loss in them is also different in many ways. Women experience this condition in these situations- childbirth, mensuration cycle, miscarriage, abortion, breast feeding, menopause, head massages, and hair oiling, brushing, straightening, tightening, twisting etc. There are other common reasons also such as - hormonal changes, genetic, aging, stress, poor hygiene.

In Women Over 40 : The main cause of this problem in them is low thyroid function, resulting in compromised protein levels. Another one is hormonal imbalance, especially testosterone production. This leads to the formation of dehydrotestosterone(DHT) which is common in men also. Stress and strain are another major factors in this age group of women as they have the responsibility of household, work and children.

In Teens : They undergo major internal and external body changes. Lots of hormones change in them. As as a result, their health issues get affected to a large level. These days teens are more prone to social stress- to do well and establish themselves. It is this level of stress that causes hair loss at a premature age. Many hair styling methods also affect hair damage such as hair coloring and using straighteners or curlers.

In Children : Hair pulling and stroking is a habit in toddlers and infants that causes hair loss. Other than this, it can be a genetic reason. Poor dietary habits or malnutrition also increases hair shedding. Ringworm of the scalp can also be a cause. Weak immune system and obesity are another reasons for the fatality of hair health.

To follow a good diet is a must to avoid hair fall. Regular exercise and Yoga can be beneficial. Try to stay away from stressful environment. Eat more protein-rich food like eggs. Avoid using chemical hair products. Instead of them, go for herbal or natural items.