11 Major causes of hairfall and how to stop them 

Hi everyone 

Today we’ll be discussing the several reasons why you could be experiencing increased hair loss and the different ways of how to stop hair fall from these causes. Even though it is common to shed some amount of hair every day, it becomes a cause for concern when large amounts of hair start to shed. If left unchecked, it may lead to receding hairlines, bald patches and complete baldness altogether. Fortunately, several ways will help you take care of our hair and prevent them from happening. 

Let’s begin. 

1. Genetics 

One of the most common causes of hairfall is Androgenetic alopecia- the medical name for permanent hair loss in both men and women due to genetic factors. This condition is hereditary, commonly known as male pattern baldness in men and female pattern baldness in women. Affected individuals have a genetic predisposition to excessive sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens (male hormones). After the age of 20, this sensitivity leads to follicular shrinkage, which decreases hair life. 

Things you can do: 
Even though little you can do to cure the genetic factor, there are a few things that might help you manage it better.
 
a) A prescription of drugs like minoxidil, finasteride help reduce the sensitivity of the hair follicles to androgens. You can ask your doctor more about these drugs.

b) Include more DHT blocking foods in your diet. These are foods that help in blocking the production and accumulation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) naturally. This, in turn, reduces its effect on the hair follicles. Some examples are green tea, coconut oil, onions, turmeric and pumpkin seeds. 

2. Major life event 

A significant life event like childbirth, accident, major surgery or trauma can trigger short-term hair loss called Telogen effluvium. It typically happens approximately three months after the event. 

Things you can do: 
If you’re going through such a phase, know that no specific treatment is required because it is a temporary phase. As soon as the affected hair shed, new hair will grow out, and you’ll have your glorious mane back. That being said, going the extra mile and taking extra care of your nutrition and other factors during this phase will make your new hair grow even faster and healthier. 

3. Stress 

Like acute stress, chronic stress in our day-to-day lives decreases hair follicles’ ability to grow and maintain healthy hair.  

Things you can do: 
The good news is that the hairfall in such cases is entirely reversible! Hairfall reduces, and hair grows back once your stress levels are managed. Try the following stress-reducing therapies at home: 
a) Warm oil head massage  
b) Yoga 
c) Meditation 
d)Stress-reducing herbs and adaptogens such as ashwagandha, chamomile, and lavender oil. 

4. Diet 

When looking for ways on how to stop hair fall, the diet is something that cannot be discounted. A diet, both deficient or rich in specific vitamins, minerals and trace elements may be responsible for causing hair loss. 
A diet lacking in protein, biotin, omega three fatty acids, vitamin B3 and vitamin C, zinc and iron may affect your body’s ability to grow and maintain healthy and strong hair.  
Similarly, a diet over certain nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium may also result in hair loss. 

Things you can do: 
a) Eat a well-balanced diet rich in omega-three fatty acids, adequate-protein, fresh fruits and vegetables.  
b) Get your blood test done to know which deficiency might be causing your hair to fall.  
c) Supplement if necessary for the vitamins and minerals lacking in your diet. When doing so, as with all medicines, always consult your physician first. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dose. 

5. Excessive dryness/moisture loss 

Dry hair breaks more efficiently, which can lead to hair fall. Using too many harsh shampoos, frequent washing, outside weather, dehydration, and low humidity may contribute to dry and brittle hair. 

Things you can do: 
a) Use a weekly DIY hot towel treatment. They work wonders! 
b) Go for regular trims, at least once every three months. 
c) Avoid frequent hair washing. 
d) Take a cold rinse at the end of each hair wash to lock in the cuticles and prevent moisture loss. 
e) Deep condition your hair every week.  

6. Underlying medical conditions 

When trying to figure out how to stop hair fall, you cannot ignore certain medical conditions that may lend a massive contribution to hair loss. These include hormonal imbalances, PCOS, thyroid diseases, depression, insulin resistance and diabetes, birth control pills and menopause.  

Things you can do: 
Although a good hair care routine will always help, your hair fall might only see a massive reduction after the primary condition causing it has been controlled. Once that condition is under control, your hair fall will automatically reduce. 

7. Poor scalp health

Poor scalp health is also a significant contributor to hair fall. Dandruff and buildup of your hair care products can cause pores to clogs. Hair oils kept for more than 2-3 hours can also clog the pores. Hard water is also a contributor to increasing the deposits of salts on your scalp. All these factors clog your hair follicles, leaving them weakened and eventually cause hair to fall.  

Things you can do: 
a) Always apply conditioner at least 3 inches away from the roots of your hair. 
b) Use anti-build up shampoo once a week. 

You can also try an apple cider vinegar rinse which also works great to remove buildup! I love its results. You can read more about it here to talk about my experience with apple cider vinegar to clear scalp buildup. 

8. Chemicals 

Certain chemicals commonly found in hair care products are very harmful to the hair. Please pick up your most frequently used haircare products and check their ingredients. Do they have one or more of the following? 
– Alcohols (strip moisture away from the hair and make it brittle) – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Laureth Sulfate (break down the hair proteins and strip away the protective oils) 
– Sodium Chloride(degrades structure) 
– Artificial fragrance (contribute to hormonal imbalance) 
– Parabens (contribute to hormonal imbalance)  
– Propylene Glycol (skin irritant) 
– Diethanolamine (DEA) and Triethanolamine (TEA) (cause irritated, dry and brittle hair) 
– Silicones(cause severe dryness over some time) 
Not just these, chemicals in hair colours are known to be responsible for causing protein damage in the hair shaft and leading to brittle hair that falls. 

Things you can do: 
a) Avoid the chemicals mentioned above in your hair care products when possible.  
b) Always check the ingredient list of the haircare products you plan on buying. Invest in good quality hair care. Try good herbal options if available. 
c) Use natural ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, olive oil, coconut oil, aloe vera to renew and protect hair from damage. 

9. Lifestyle habits 

Certain lifestyle habits such as pulling hair, brushing wet hair and tight hairstyles can lead to more hair fall than usual. Also, leaving hair untied while sleeping may cause tangled and dry hair prone to breakage. 
Things you can do: 
a) Avoid wet hair brushing. If you need to, use a good wide-toothed comb. 
b) Invest in an excellent wooden hairbrush instead of cheap plastic ones. They are gentler on your hair and scalp. 
c) Neatly tie your hair before you sleep. Be careful not to tie them too tight. Satin pillowcases will also help reduce friction and decrease hair fall. 
d) Reduce the habit to tie hair tightly and use good quality hair ties and scrunchies that do not tug on your hair.  

10. Over-use of hair appliances 

Ever seen loads of hair fallen on the ground when using your hair straighteners? That is because over-use of hair appliances such as blow dryers, curlers and straighteners weakens the hair shaft’s integrity and leads to breakage. Not only this, the intense dry heat from these appliances strips the hair of its natural moisture and makes it brittle. 

Things you can do: 
a) Limit the use of hair appliances and prefer heat-free hairstyles. 
b) When using such appliances, always use a good quality heat protectant on your hair. 
c) Use good hair oils and always use a conditioner to undo the damage of the heat. 
d) Always follow-up with a good leave-in conditioner after using your hair appliances. 
e) Once in a while, use hair reconstruction treatments (current personal favourite is the Olaplex No.3) 

11. Poor circulation 

Adequate circulation is essential for scalp health. If the blood that carries all the nutrients cannot circulate well, the follicles are left undernourished. A less than adequate blood circulation to the scalp may hence, trigger hair loss in specific individuals.  

Things you can do: 
a) Warm oil massage is a great way to boost circulation in the scalp. However, do remember always to be gentle while massaging; otherwise, it may lead to more harm than good. 
b) Exercise is also a proven way not just to increase circulation in your scalp, but everywhere in the body. So include regular exercise in your daily routine to boost your hair health!

I hope this post was helpful for you to learn significant causes and how to stop hair fall. However, please note that if your hair continues to fall, consult your doctor and seek medical treatment if necessary.  

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