Reasons for Hair Loss or Breakage
- Chemical treatments such as coloring, relaxers, and perms can weaken the protective outer layer of the hair. Shampoos containing sulfates and frequent use of heat for styling can increase this damage, resulting in both breakage and hair loss.
- Certain vitamins and minerals are needed to promote hair growth and health. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as zinc and B-12 can result in hair loss.
- Telogen effluvium is the medical name for hair loss caused by stress. This type of hair loss typically affects women and can be caused by both physical and emotional stress.
- Hair loss can also be caused by disease. Some conditions, such as permanent-pattern balding (androgenetic alopecia), are hereditary. In conditions such as lupus or diabetes, hair loss can be an early symptom of the disease.
- Reducing the use of harsh chemicals and heat, taking vitamins, and learning ways to deal with stress are easy behavioral changes that can often stop or at least reduce hair loss. Medicines such as minoxidil and finasteride can also be prescribed by a doctor to halt hair loss. Extreme cases of hair loss should be reviewed with your doctor.
