What causes hair thinning and hair loss?
Whilst dermatology and hair might seem worlds apart, since the scalp is an extension of the skin, hair loss and hair thinning are common issues I see almost daily in my clinic.
Many people will experience hair loss at some point in their lives – and for most, it can be distressing and have a significant impact on self-confidence.
In today’s journal, I will share all you need to know about hair loss.
What Causes Hair Thinning and Hair Loss?
The reasons for thinning hair are numerous, and as such, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis before proceeding with any treatment. I have laid out the major causes below:
Genetics: If you have a family history of hair loss or balding, you may be more likely to experience hair thinning.
Hormones: Hair loss can occur due to changes in hormones, for instance during pregnancy and menopause.
Thyroid: Thyroid conditions can cause hair loss if they are severe and go untreated, as hormone imbalances can impede the development of the hair at the root.
Stress: There are two main types of stress-related hair loss: telogen effluvium pushes hair follicles into resting phase causing sudden loss, while the sudden and widespread loss of hair called alopecia areata can be prompted by severe stress.
Medical Conditions: Medical conditions have been linked to certain types of hair loss. As well as severe stress, alopecia areata is often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and lupus.
Medication: Medications that treat depression, heart disease, and high blood pressure can prompt hair loss, as can the contraceptive pill.
Infections: Ringworm, a common fungal infection, can cause your scalp to become scaly and your hair to fall out, usually in patches. This fungal infection is easily treated with anti-fungal medication, which will stop the loss of hair.
Signs of Hair Thinning
Generally, hair loss happens very gradually. Over time, you might see thinning of the hair on your head (e.g. a thinner ponytail), visible bald spots, a receding hairline, or a widening of the part.
Occasionally, the hair loss is more sudden: clumps of hair may fall out as you brush or shower, or you might notice sudden bald patches on your head.
You may also experience other symptoms, such as a dry or scaly scalp, sores, redness or intense burning or stinging before hair loss. These are often an indication of more severe hair issue such as alopecia areata, psoriasis or a fungal infection. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek advice from your doctor or dermatologist.
Common Questions On Hair Thinning
I’ve rounded up common questions I hear in my clinic relating to hair thinning:
Can wearing a hat cause hair thinning? There is no scientific evidence that suggests wearing a hat can cause hair loss. WIth that said, if you are wearing a tight hairstyle regularly for long periods, this can cause traction alopecia – a type of hair loss that is associated with excessive tension on the scalp.
Can lack of iron cause hair thinning? In short – yes. A lack of iron can cause excessive hair shedding, and it’s common for those with an iron deficiency to find their hair will not grow past a certain length.
Can a B12 deficiency cause hair thinning? Since B12 is vital for hair health, a lack of this vitamin will see an increase in hair shedding.
Can hair dye cause thinning hair? Whilst dye will not affect the hair follicle at the scalp, or slow down your hair growth, it can cause damage through application or frequent use, and you may see increased shedding.
Are the menopause and thinning hair related? The combination of thinning hair and menopause is very common – generally due to the change in hormones, but also occasionally induced by stress, underlying health conditionals or nutritional deficiencies.
How To Stop Hair Thinning
If you’re experiencing gradual hair loss, it’s best to start simple with treatment.
Handle With Care: Ensure you are using gentle styling products, and ideally massaging them into your scalp with a scalp massager.
Gently Does It: Avoid tight hairstyles and detangle your hair slowly with a comb. Limiting the use of heat tools – especially on wet hair – will also help.
Dose Up Vitamin D: Making sure you have enough Vitamin D (especially in the winter months) is imperative. If the body doesn’t have enough vitamin D, hair follicles struggle to support the natural cycle of hair growth, in turn resulting in shedding and hair loss.
Healthy Life, Healthy Hair: Lifestyle has an impact too: hydration, a balanced diet and reducing stress will all help your hair. Make sure you are consuming adequate protein too: a lack of protein in your diet can damage healthy hair and inhibit your body’s ability to build new hair follicles.
For those with more severe hair loss, I would visit your dermatologist, to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Your appointment might include the below:
An In-Depth Discussion: Covering overall health, current or recent medication and any family history of hair loss.
Surrounding Symptoms: It’s important to do a full check up: the health of nails and scalp might provide clues to a diagnosis, and the pattern of hair loss can also be indicative of the root cause.
Testing: In some cases I’ll ask for blood tests and or a scalp biopsy to be undertaken. These help check for medical conditions that might cause hair to fall out.
Tailored Treatment: There are a range of treatments that can either help hair regrow more quickly or slow future hair loss. These treatments can include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
For more scalp and skin insights, check out my journal.
