Causes of Hair Loss: What You Can Do About It

Hair loss can take different forms. Often, you realize the importance of your own hair only when sudden hair loss occurs. This condition is referred to as Alopecia, and there are now remedies available for it. This article can serve as your initial guide, but you should seek medical treatment afterward.

Recognizing Hair Loss

Every person loses between 60 and 100 hairs daily, which is considered completely normal. If you believe you're losing more hair than that, you might be experiencing hair loss. You often notice this when your hairbrush is full after just a few strokes and needs to be cleaned. Over time, your scalp hair becomes thinner due to insufficient new hair growth. 

While men often develop "receding hairlines" that can progress to baldness, women typically notice hair loss at the crown. The most common type of hair loss is alopecia areata, which is characterized by the formation of a hairless circle. Otherwise, diffuse hair loss is usually present.

Possible Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can have numerous causes. Firstly, we'd like to mention that human hair loss can vary with the seasonal cycle. So, if you notice increased hair loss in autumn, it may not necessarily indicate alopecia.

Apart from that, hair loss is often attributed to genetic factors. So, it's worth taking a look at your family history to see if hair loss is common. This might be the cause of your hair loss.

Hormonal changes, especially in women during menopause or after stopping birth control pills, can cause hair loss. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are two other critical periods when increased hair loss can occur. 

An improper diet, medications, and environmental toxins can also contribute to increased hair loss. If you're taking medications, you can consult your doctor. They can suggest alternatives that won't affect your hair. If your diet is the issue, a nutritionist or doctor can identify the weaknesses.

Improper hair care can also lead to hair loss. Specifically, using overly aggressive shampoos and styling products can contribute. Often, it's the chemical components that are the problem, so switching to natural cosmetics may be beneficial. Additionally, constantly wearing tight ponytails can cause hair loss over time due to excessive strain on the hair roots. In summary, here are the possible forms of hair loss:

• Androgenetic Alopecia (Hormonal Hair Loss)
• Alopecia Areata (Circular Hair Loss)
• Telogen Effluvium (Temporary Hair Loss)
• Traction Alopecia (e.g., from tight ponytails)
• Anagen Effluvium (e.g., from chemotherapy)
• Scarring Alopecia (due to infections or inflammation)

Determining a definitive cause is often unfortunately not possible. Moreover, the interplay of several factors can trigger hair loss. In any case, a visit to the doctor is recommended.

Conventional Treatments for Hair Loss

Those experiencing hair loss are increasingly turning to natural cosmetics to combat hair loss gently. However, natural remedies are not part of conventional treatments.

First and foremost, a doctor will try to identify the cause. If certain nutrient deficiencies are contributing to hair loss, they should be addressed. If medications are causing hair loss, they may need to be changed.

Medication-based treatment typically involves Minoxidil, which lowers blood pressure and may help stimulate new hair growth in cases of hereditary hair loss. Corticosteroids are occasionally applied to the affected area in cases of circular hair loss.

For women, anti-androgens may help with hormonal hair loss, such as in cases of PCOS. These block the effect of male hormones on hair follicles, potentially promoting hair growth.

Estradiol for hair loss may also be beneficial for women; this should be discussed with a doctor. Vitamin D, Zinc for hair loss, and Progesterone could also be options. Consult a doctor to potentially address sudden hair loss in women.

Hair transplantation is becoming more common on the internet. Hair is usually transplanted from the back of the head to bald spots.

Treatment with Natural Products

Switching from harsh chemical hair care products to natural cosmetics can often be beneficial. The natural ingredients can be gentler on the scalp, potentially helping to reduce hair loss. However, scientific research on this is lacking.

A study by the research team led by Dr. Jérémy Chéret [1] examined the effects of sandalwood oil or its fragrant compounds on hair loss. Evidence has suggested that hair lifespan could be prolonged by using sandalwood oil. As a result, sandalwood oil is recommended for hair loss in natural cosmetics, though further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Another natural ingredient that could be effective is millet extract with miliacin [2]. This could stimulate cell growth in hair follicles and thus prevent hair loss. Ideally, discuss this option with a doctor or a naturopath. 

Burdock root extract may also help with hair loss. Discuss this option with your doctor as there is very little research available.

Rosemary oil is also frequently promoted as a natural remedy for hair loss. Research provides some indications for this [3], but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Thus, rosemary oil is often used as a complementary therapy.

Nutrition Key Point

An increasing number of supplements for hair loss are available. However, their efficacy is not proven, so you may want to save your money. If your doctor attributes hair loss to a nutritional deficiency, they will prescribe specific supplements based on your needs. Taking expensive supplements for hair loss without such a reason is unnecessary. Statements like "Vitamin B12 will make your hair grow back." are simply not accurate. 

Balanced nutrition could, however, help mitigate hair loss. If you have been following a relatively monotonous diet, adding more variety to your plate could be beneficial.

Causes of Hair Loss: Frequently Asked Questions

Hair Loss: What Vitamins are Missing?

Biotin is a vitamin that the human body needs for producing keratin. Keratin, in turn, is the substance from which hair is made. That's why biotin is often added to supplements for hair loss. Additionally, if there is a deficiency in biotin, it often indicates a lack of other B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. A doctor can diagnose such a deficiency.

What Does the Body Lack in Hair Loss?

Numerous factors can trigger hair loss. Most commonly, it is due to genetic factors. If you notice hair loss, it's important to consult a doctor. In modern medicine, we have access to several diagnostic methods that could help identify the true cause.