Hair Fall: Conditions and Causes Explained

It is normal for a person to shed a few hair strands. However, if you notice that you lose a significant amount of hair compared to normal, then you should do something about it. Not only do men experience baldness, but women also get them. Do note that male and female pattern baldness have different signs. Here are some types and possible causes of hair fall.

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Types of hair fall condition

Androgenic alopecia

The term used to describe male or female pattern baldness is androgenic alopecia. Most of the time, this is hereditary. Males lose hair from the crown and temples of the head. Females usually get thinner hair all over the head. 

Telogen effluvium

It is a condition that causes more hair to fall out. The hair remains in the telogen phase of the growth cycle, which is a natural shedding phase. Usually, it is a temporary condition and resolves over time. If you are experiencing telogen effluvium, you should see a doctor and find out its cause. Sometimes, it could be due to severe stress, childbirth, surgery, thyroid problems, rapid weight loss, and certain medications. 

Anagen effluvium

Same as telogen effluvium, this condition causes hair fall. However, the hair fall would be in large amounts and at a fast rate. The hair is in the anagen or growth phase of the hair cycle. Apart from the hair on the head, eyebrows and eyelashes also fall out. Chemotherapy, radiation, fungal infections, and autoimmune diseases cause this type of hair fall.

Alopecia areata 

An autoimmune condition called alopecia areata causes sudden hair fall. In this condition, the immune system attacks hair follicles affecting the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. You should see a doctor if you have this type of hair fall. 

Traction alopecia

Pulling hair too tight could cause hair loss known as traction alopecia. Tight buns, ponytails, cornrows, braids, and extensions are hairstyles associated with this condition. People who have this condition might have bald spots and thinning of the hair. 

Causes of hair fall

Pregnancy

A decrease in estrogen levels causes hair fall in women, which usually happens shortly after giving birth. Hair loss is a temporary condition and often goes away a year or sooner after childbirth. 

Read also: 8 Helpful Ways to Minimize Postpartum Hair Loss

Nutritional deficiency

Diets that are too low in nutrients could cause hair fall. You might experience hair shedding when you are eating a small amount of protein and vitamins like iron. Have a blood test to see if you have nutritional deficiencies. You may ask your doctor to prescribe you supplements to make up for the vitamin that could be missing in your diet. 

Medications 

Some medications cause hair to fall out as its side effects. Examples of these medications are Accutane, blood thinners like warfarin, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and lipid drugs. If you are experiencing hair loss due to these medications, talk to your doctor. The doctor might lower the dose of the medicines or prescribe a different medicine for you. 

Birth control pills

People who are taking birth control pills may experience hair shedding. Several weeks or months after stopping pill intake, some people experience hair loss. If you are taking birth control pills, choose the one with the lowest androgen index. It could help prevent hair fall. 

Ringworm

A fungal infection called ringworm could cause you to lose hair. Tinea capitis, or ringworm on the scalp, could cause temporary baldness in some areas on the head. 

Signs that you have to look out for are the following:

A small spot that gets bigger into bald patches

Itchy red patches on the skin

Oozing blisters on the scalp

Brittle hair

Ring-like patches with a red outer layer