Hair loss, common in both men and women, is caused by a variety of factors. Many individuals ask what can cause hair loss and the answer is not as cut and dry as one might think. There are a number of diseases that have been indicated as the cause of hair loss, but it can also be caused by your physical environment. Different types of lighting, medications, hair care products, and physical injury can all contribute to hair loss.
So what causes hair loss? Let's start by looking at hormones. The level of testosterone in the body has a direct impact on whether or not an individual will lose his hair; therefore, men as early as age twenty are more likely to go bald than women. This does not exempt women from baldness due to testosterone levels, but only lessens the chances.
What is the cause of hair loss in women, you ask? Believe it or not, women tend to suffer from hair loss caused by pregnancy, breastfeeding, and post partum hormonal changes. There are a number of medications that cause hair loss. Stress causes hair loss in both men and women. Even hats cause hair loss as they irritate the scalp and hair follicles.
Hair loss, in some cases, is genetically pre-determined and tends to run on the mother's side of the family. The level of hormones you will have as you age is partially determined by genetics, so you may be able to determine whether or not you will have a hair loss problem later in life by looking at the history of your parents or grandparents.
Even if genetics indicate you will lose your hair, you will not know whether or not you will experience symptoms at the same age or at the same rate. Everyone's hair growth patterns are different. Thankfully, there are preventative measures you can take to prevent hair loss, including hair care products, medications, and even massage therapy.
Over-shampooing, excessive blow-drying, and chemicals from perms are especially damaging to the hair. The harsh environments and chemicals will dry your hair, slowing growth and starting the hair loss problem. If the genetic probability of your losing your hair is already high, you'll want to be especially careful about protecting your hair in an effort not to expedite the process.
In some instances, genetics and environmental abuse are not the cause. Some people experience hair loss during or after long-term illnesses. Others experience hair loss as a result of long term medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Both men and women can experience hair loss due to stress. Stress can be caused by physical or emotional triggers. Even medications cause hair loss, especially those used in chemotherapy treatments. In these special circumstances, care should be taken to choose hair care products that will aid in fostering hair growth instead of promoting it.