Hair loss can be caused by many factors.  The most common are:

Genetics – Medically known as androgentic alopecia, our dna often determines whether and at what age we experience hair loss.

Alopecia Areata – Thought to be an auto-immune disorder, alopecia can cause hair loss ranging from small patchy areas to complete baldness

Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy, post-partum and menopause can cause hormonal shifts that can cause hair loss

Thyroid Disorder – Changes in thyroid function, as well as thyroid medications can trigger hair loss.

Auto-Immune Disorders – Many autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can include hair loss as a symptom

Trichotillimania – Some individuals experience compulsive hair-pulling.  While comon in teenage girls, trichotillimania can affect anyone at any age.

Nutritional Deficiencies – a lack of necessary vitamins and minerals can cause hair loss. Hair loss can be a side effect of bariatric surgeries or significant weight loss.

Chemotherapy – many cancer treatments attack the hair follicle causing temporary baldness.

Hair Damage – Chemicals from coloring or perming may cause hair loss. Tight hairstyles such as buns and braids can cause traction alopecia.  

Medications – Many medications, including those for  depression and anxiety, high blood pressure, arthritis and heart problems, have hair loss as a potential side effect.

Stress or trauma – When our system experiences a major shock – physical or emotional – hair loss can follow.  Known as telogen effluvium, this type of hair loss usually happens about 6 weeks after the triggering event.  This is the cause of “Covid Hair Loss”, but can occur after any major illness, surgery, or emotional trauma such as the death of a loved one.

Environment and Lifestyle – Smoking, pollution, poor diet, using the wrong haircare routine – many other factors can lead to hair loss.

To find out the cause of your hair loss, you may choose to visit a doctor or a trichologist.