One of the most common causes of hair fall is dandruff. It’s easily treated with dandruff shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione and exfoliating ingredients. You can purchase cheap shampoos like Head & Shoulders Classic or more expensive brands like Oribe Serene Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. However, it’s important to use a consistent shampoo and conditioner, says Dr. Fusco, and to find a brand you like.
Stress
Stress is a common cause of hair loss, but it can treat it. You can try to manage your stress by keeping a diary or writing down stressful events. If your stress is chronic, you can also consider using prescription medication. These medications can help you regrow your lost hair. Some also have anti-depressants, which can help you manage your stress.
The stress hormone cortisol is linked to hair loss. This stress hormone affects the hair follicles by blocking them from growing. When people experience high levels of this hormone, their hair stops growing. The process of resting can take as long as three months. This can be a difficult process.
Researchers from Harvard University have discovered that chronic stress impairs the stem cells found in hair follicles. This depletion results in premature graying of hair. Fortunately, this type of hair loss is reversible. So, by managing your stress levels, you can increase the life span of your hair.
Genetic Predisposition
One way to determine whether you have a genetic predisposition to hair fall is to test your hair-loss risk at multiple loci. This genetic test, called a PGRS, is based on the location of SNPs and helps identify balding risk genes. Hair-loss risk genes are linked to several traits, including male lifespan and cancer risk.
While non-genetic factors cause some hair loss, 80 percent of baldness is caused by genetics. The genes determine how the follicles respond to androgens, which lead to hair loss. Some men with a genetic predisposition may start balding during their teenage years, while others may not begin to lose hair until they are in their late fifties. By age 70, fewer than fifteen percent of men exhibit no or only mild baldness.
Infections
Hair loss is a sign that an infection has entered the scalp. These infections often cause itching and redness and produce pus-filled bumps on the scalp. They can also be contagious and spread from person to person, so avoiding contact with infected people is vital. A doctor may recommend treatment with antibiotics or antifungal medication during an infection. If left untreated, these infections can lead to permanent scarring.
A fungal infection like ringworm can cause hair loss in patches. These fungi can attack any body area, but they are most common on the scalp. The infection can make the hair shafts weak and break off at the scalp’s surface. Children are particularly susceptible to ringworm, a fungus that can infect the scalp.
