While there is no sure-fire way to know for sure whether you will experience hair loss at some point in the future, there are indicators that it could be on the horizon. Let's take a look at 3 factors that lend themselves to a higher-risk of hair loss.
Prolonged and Excessive Stress
Although stress doesn't directly cause hair loss, it does play a factor. There are two types of stress-induced hair loss.
- Telogen effluvium
- Alopecia areata
Telogen Effluvium
This type of hair loss is caused by an excessive amount of physical or emotional stress. This is typically due to an injury, illness, surgery, or traumatic life event. Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition in which the hair follicles are dormant for 2 to 3 months and then fall out. It typically takes about 6 to 9 months for the hair to grow back. This stress-induced condition most commonly occurs on the top of the head.
Alopecia Areata
The second type of hair loss due to stress is called alopecia areata and is caused by white blood cells attacking the hair follicles. Hair falls out within weeks. Typically hair loss occurs in patches and can not only happen on the head but all over the body. It is possible for the hair to grow back on its own, but in certain cases, individuals need the help of experienced hair loss specialists who specialize in the treatment of alopecia areata.
Take a Close Look at Your Diet
If you're not getting all of the nutrients you need, lack of hair growth and hair loss is one of the first things to occur. When essential nutrients are in short supply, your body prioritizes processes necessary for survival over elective ones such as reproduction and hair growth. In addition to vitamins and minerals, protein is more of the most important nutrients needed for proper hair growth and maintenance. A protein-deficient diet that lasts 2 to 3 months can cause significant hair loss. This is typically temporary with normal hair growth resuming after you begin consuming a balanced diet again.
Does There Seem to Be A History of Hair Loss in Your Family?
Take a look at your family members. Does there seem to be a trend of balding or hair thinning through the generations? This includes both men and women. While it is commonly known that many men experience balding, women can experience hair thinning and loss as well as they age. If a significant number of your family experiences hair loss, there is an excellent chance that there is a hereditary component and you may have the gene as well.
Medications and Treatments
Certain medications and treatments have hair loss as a side-effect. For instance, chemotherapy, the most common treatment for cancer is well-known for causing hair loss as a side effect. Medications to lower cholesterol and blood thinners are just a few of the medications that have the potential to result in hair loss. Once treatments are finished, hair growth should resume to normal.
Hair Loss Solutions for Everyone
Just because hair loss due to stress tends to be temporary doesn't mean you have to wait until your natural hair grows back to enjoy a full head of hair. LH Hair offers a variety of solutions to give you a full head of hair no matter what the cause of hair loss may be. Our hair loss specialists will conduct a thorough hair and scalp analysis and walk you through your options. Schedule your appointment today and begin your journey to looking and feeling your best.
