If you are experiencing hair loss or more hair fall than normal, you might find some comfort to learn that this is a common hair concern that affects all genders and at least half the population at some point in their life.1 Reasons for hair loss can vary between individuals but is most often dictated by factors like age, genetics, medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle changes or hair care habits. Continue reading as we uncover the common causes of hair fall.
Androgenetic alopecia
While some hair loss causes can be attributed to an event that places stress on the hair follicles or triggers hormonal irregularities, androgenetic alopecia or ‘pattern baldness’ is progressive hair loss that is genetically pre-determined.1 Androgenetic alopecia is triggered by the body’s response to androgens which leads to shrinking and thinning of the hair follicles over time.1
This progressive hair loss in women and men can look a little different. For men, this is the most common cause of hair loss2 and tends to affect the crown, temples and the mid-frontal area of the scalp first.2 In women, this diffuse hair thinning causes the central part to widen, though thinning may also be noticeable at the crown of the head.
Telogen effluvium
This occurs when hairs prematurely enter the telogen or ‘resting’ phase: a three-month period before the hair sheds. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss, rather than a hair loss cause – and it can be triggered by a number of factors.7 Hair fall typically happens 3 months after the triggering event, and it can be either acute (under 6 months) or chronic (over 6 months). The good news is that excess hair shedding often stops as the trigger has been identified and managed.
Alopecia areata
Although rarer than androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata still affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide4. This is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy hair follicles4 and results in varying degrees of hair loss. For most who experience alopecia areata, hair loss can look like coin-shaped patches on the scalp, for others, it may be total scalp hair loss.4 A lot is still unknown about this condition, though 80% of affected individuals first exhibit signs before 40 years old.4 Hair regrowth is unpredictable and complete hair loss can be permanent. If you notice signs of alopecia areata, we recommend that you consult a qualified medical professional to discuss your options.
Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by continuous pulling or tension of the hair at the root. This can happen from years of tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, cornrows and weaves, as well as hair extensions. If ignored, this condition may lead to some permanent hair loss. However, if noticed in its early stages, this can be reversed or managed with soft, loose hairstyles.
Anagen effluvium
Sometimes the reasons for hair loss are triggered by medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy that impair the health of the hair follicle. These treatments are toxic to hair follicles and cause sudden, rapid hair loss in the anagen phase (the normal growth phase).6 In this instance, hair typically starts to grow back in a couple of months once treatment has ceased.
Telogen effluvium
This occurs when hairs prematurely enter the telogen or ‘resting’ phase: a three-month period before the hair sheds. Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss, rather than a hair loss cause – and it can be triggered by a number of factors.7 Hair fall typically happens 3 months after the triggering event, and it can be either acute (under 6 months) or chronic (over 6 months). The good news is that excess hair shedding often stops as the trigger has been identified and managed.
