Why is my hair suddenly falling?

Most people, at some point, experience some kind of hair loss, they usually notice an increased amount of their own hair on the floor, the cushion, the bath drain or on the hairbrush. They may also notice that they have more overt scalp. This doesn’t mean you will go bald! There are many factors that influence hair-loss but these cases can just be a seasonal change or the regular cycle of your hair!

An average hair loss may be excessive as long as it is higher than the person’s own average. A number above everyone else’s average may be normal for you. Most hair strands fall while washing or combing your hair. If you usually wash your hair daily and skipped a day, during your next wash you will probably notice more hair falling, but don’t worry just yet! Think of it as a cumulative effect. The hair that falls while you are washing it, has already been released by the follicle, and doesn’t mean the fall is being caused by the wash.

Please take note that hair size does not influence the amount of hair you may lose. When assessing this situation, consider the number of hair and not the volume of hair that falls.

So what may be causing my hair loss?

This acute onset of hair loss is known as Telogen effluvium, and is related with the natural cycle of the hair in which there is a decrease in the number of hair strands in the growing phase and an increased number in the falling phase.

The common causes for this problem are usually one or more of the following factors:

• Heredity

  There are many theories that try to explain the phenomenon of hair loss caused by genetic factors. What is certain is that genetics actually influence the amount of hair you will lose in your lifetime. If other members of your family are prone to hair loss than it is likely that you will suffer from this problem also.

• Hormones

  Hormonal changes such as those occurring during menopause or due to hormonal disorders can cause your hair to fall. Many women feel an increase in hair loss about 3 months after giving birth. When there is an adjustment of the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, hair tends to fall and the cycle of hair growth begins again.

• Health

  The hair can be a mirror to our health. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, inflammation, changes in thyroid hormones, diabetes and fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss.

• Stress

  Hair loss due to stress can happen after a traumatic physical or emotional phase, as these events often cause hormonal changes. It is usually temporary.

• Diet

  An inadequate supply of protein and iron or poor nutrition can lead to hair loss. Constant diets or eating disorders, can be the cause of a nutritional deficit that ultimately results in hair loss.

• Medication

  Some medicines can cause hair loss. This can be reversed as soon as you stop taking the medicine. Some of the drugs that can cause hair loss include anti-coagulants, drugs used for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems, birth control pills and anti-depressants.

• Beauty treatments

  Inadequate hair care such as aggressive hair dyes, aggressive brushing techniques and high temperatures can cause hair breakage and weakening.

• Seasonal change

  With autumn approaching, it is common for people to notice an increase in hair loss, this is mainly due to the changes in humidity in the environment.

Check a few of our tips on how to prevent future hair loss here.