Other Causes Of Hair Loss

Male and Female Pattern Baldness are just one type of hair loss that can affect men and women. While it is the most common type of hair loss, there are many other causes that will look to cover below.

Traction Alopecia

Trends in hairstyles are constantly changing, but some can be very harmful for your hair. The trauma to your hair caused by some styles can lead to permanent damage, known as Traction Alopecia. Hairstyles that cause your hair to be pulled very tightly, such as tight plaits or braiding, can cause long term damage that can sometimes only be repaired by a hair transplant surgery.

The over use of hair extensions can also cause Traction Alopecia due to the the stress caused by constantly pulling on your hair follicles. This cause of hair loss can be permanent, but cosmetics can work well to cover the hair loss.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Typically hair loss caused by emotional or physical stress will not be permanent. Once the cause of the stress has been eliminated, your hair will tend to grow back normally within in a few months. This type of hair loss is known as Telogen Effluvium, and is not permanent.

Hair Loss from Physical stress can be caused by things such as a surgery, recent accident or illness.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth is a common example of Physical Stress that can lead to temporary hair loss. Hair growth will resume normally as the body recovers from the physical stress of Pregnancy

Weight Loss

Sudden and large weight loss is another example of Physical Stress that can cause temporary hair loss. Dieting can also lead to temporary vitamin or mineral deficiencies that are necessary for healthy hair growth. When dieting, be careful to have include enough vegetables and sources of protein to maintain healthy hair loss. The stress caused by sudden weight loss will correct itself with time, and hair will regrow normally.

Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Some drugs that are used for chemotherapy work by attacking the cancer cells and disrupting their growth, but will also have the same effect on normal healthy cells within the body. These drugs prevent the healthy cells in your hair follicles from growing hairs.

With time hair growth will become normal again once the Chemotherapy treatment has stopped. However the hairs that grow back can become different in colour and/or texture.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is thought to be an autoimmune condition, where the body creates antibodies against your own hair causing hair loss. Your immune system sees the hair as a foreign body and targets your hair follicles by mistake.

Can lead to complete hair loss of the scalp (alopecia totalis) or complete loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis).

In many cases, the condition will correct itself in time, but can recur again later. Sometimes medical treatment, such as steroid injections, can help clear the condition and help hair start regrowing.