Why is my hair falling out?
Wondering why you might be losing your hair?
When it comes to receding hairlines, men tend to be the focus, opens in a new tab. With one in two Australian men over 40 experiencing male pattern baldness, opens in a new tab, this seems reasonable. However, almost half of all Australian women also experience moderate to severe hair loss, opens in a new tab in their lifetime. Meaning that losing locks can happen to anyone.
Our hair is our crowning glory, so when it starts to fall out, it can be concerning and even frightening. But, there are things you can do to help maintain better hair and scalp health to avoid or slow the onset of hair loss.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss is a common condition that shows up in many ways; from subtle thinning to complete baldness. Knowing your type of hair loss can ensure you’re getting the appropriate treatment and care, and not making your symptoms worse.
“The most common causes of hair loss are genetics, hormones, illness, physical tension on hairs, mental health conditions, medications and infections of the scalp,” says hub.health, opens in a new tab’s Dr Cedric Ng Liet Hing.
Hereditary pattern baldness
Hereditary pattern baldness, opens in a new tab is very common. It's influenced by genetics, hormones and age. In men, it often appears as a receding hairline or thinning on the crown. In women, opens in a new tab, it can cause overall thinning of the hair on the top of the scalp.
“Hair loss due to genetic factors is called androgenetic alopecia, opens in a new tab and is commonly inherited from either parent,” says Dr Cedric. “Although genetic hair loss is complex, certain genes lead to increased reactivity to androgens (a hormone) within the hair cells, creating hair loss.”
Alopecia
Alopecia areata, opens in a new tab is an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy hair loss. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles.
Traumatic or traction alopecia, opens in a new tab is caused by harsh hair treatments or styling practices, opens in a new tab such as tight braiding, the use of high heat, and chemical processes like bleaching or perming.
Medical and skin conditions
“Some of the most common medical conditions that can cause hair loss are thyroid disease, opens in a new tab, autoimmune disorders, opens in a new tab and scalp infections such as tinea and folliculitis, opens in a new tab,” says Dr Cedric. “These conditions may require medical intervention to treat the underlying cause rather than just the hair loss itself which is a symptom.
“There are also psychological conditions like trichotillomania, opens in a new tab where compulsive hair pulling and twisting can cause bald spots.
Medications
Certain medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect.
“The most notable are chemotherapy drugs, opens in a new tab used in cancer treatment,” explains Dr Cedric, “but there are other medications that can lead to hair loss including: the oral contraceptive pill, accutane, anticoagulants, anti-epileptic medications and antidepressants,” he adds.
Hair loss prevention
Just as there is no one cause of hair loss, there is no single way to prevent it.
"Preventing hair loss starts with a healthy lifestyle," says Dr. Cedric. "A balanced diet, reduced stress, and regular exercise are all beneficial not just for your overall health, but for maintaining a healthy head of hair. Nutritional deficiencies, especially in iron, B12, folate, and vitamin D, can lead to global hair thinning, also known as telogen effluvium, particularly when combined with increased stress."
"Regular exercise, opens in a new tab plays a crucial role here too. It helps reduce stress hormones and boosts overall circulation, which can improve hair health.” On top of these habits, taking care of your hair and scalp is just as important. Dr Cedric suggests avoiding practices that pull or damage your hair, including:
Using wide-tooth comb to detangle hair
Avoiding tight hairstyles such as ponytails and braids
Minimising use of heat with blower dryers or chemical hair treatments
Regular use of a mild shampoo whilst avoiding overly frequent hair washing which can strip the natural oils from the scalp.
“The idea is to take proactive steps to maintain your hair health and restore your natural hairline if it is receding. The earlier you start the better,” Dr Cedric advises.
Hair loss treatments
There are a range of remedies on the market, including everything from natural formulas all the way through to medicated formulas, opens in a new tab and even surgical treatments, that can help promote hair growth.
Natural hair growth remedies
"Many natural remedies for hair loss are unproven and lack solid scientific evidence," Dr Cedric advises.
"Take lemon juice, for example. It can help cleanse the scalp by removing buildup, but it may also cause dryness and irritation and doesn't prevent hair loss. Similarly, apple cider vinegar might improve scalp health and hair appearance by balancing pH levels, but there's no proof it promotes hair growth.”
If you’re worried about hair loss or trying to promote hair growth, speak with your medical professional who can provide guidance on the best treatment for you. nib members can get started with a consultation through our partner hub.health, opens in a new tab.
Nutritional deficiencies, especially in iron, B12, folate, and vitamin D, can lead to global hair thinning, particularly when combined with increased stress.
Formulated hair growth products
“Formulated hair loss products are effective at slowing down the rate of hair loss,” says Dr Cedric. “Hair regrowth may occur in up to 40% of cases, but the treatment needs to be continued lifelong.”
These products include minoxidil, opens in a new tab (Rogaine), which is an over-the-counter treatment for hair loss and various shampoos and serums containing ingredients like biotin, opens in a new tab.
When it comes to hair loss treatments, patience pays off Dr Cedric explains.
“Hair loss treatments usually take time to show results. It often takes several months of consistent use before you start seeing any noticeable improvement. Sticking with your treatment plan, opens in a new tab and giving it time to work is the key to achieving the best results.”
When should I use hair loss treatments?
Hair loss treatments aren’t just for severe cases. In fact, starting treatment at the first signs of thinning or shedding can be more effective.
“Most treatments can help slow down hair loss and stimulate new growth while you’re using them,” Dr Cedric explains.
"However, they typically don’t cure baldness permanently. For longer-lasting results, you might consider speaking with a dermatologist or trichologist who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs. These may include prescription medications, hair transplant surgery or even laser therapy.”, opens in a new tab
“Even if you do go down this road, keeping your existing hair healthy is still important,” he reminds us.
Looking for support with hair loss treatment?
As your health and wellbeing partner, we’ve partnered with hub.health, opens in a new tab to provide members with a discreet and convenient way to access hair loss treatment from the comfort of your home. Find out more about hub.health hair treatment, opens in a new tab.
Please note: The tips throughout this article serve as broad information and should not replace any advice you have been given by your medical practitioner.
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