Know the 5 Most Common Causes of Hair Fall

Normally, we lose 50 to 100 scalp hairs every day. But if you notice a lot of hair in your brush or
comb or in the drains of sinks and tubs, you may have a problem. A medical examination and
blood tests are usually needed to diagnose the cause. Some causes of patchy hair loss require
treatment, such as ringworm and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease).
Nervous habits like trichotillomania can lead to broken hairs of different lengths and create bald
spots.

1. Deficiency of Iron
Iron plays a vital role in bringing oxygen to your cells and it is especially important for the hair
follicles that promote hair growth. When your iron levels are low, it can cause you to experience
hair loss. The condition is known as iron deficiency anemia. Deficiency of iron can also affect the
texture of your hair, making it dry and brittle. Some groups of people are more likely to have low
iron, including women of childbearing age who have heavy periods and pregnant women who
lose blood during pregnancy.
Iron is found in many foods, including red meat, eggs, beans, and spinach. You can also find it in
many fortified foods. The best way to get iron in your diet is through a balanced meal. Eat plenty
of protein, leafy vegetables, and whole grains. You can also add foods rich in vitamin C, such as
oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and melons, to help your body absorb iron more efficiently.
If you think your hair loss is due to iron deficiency, consult a doctor. They will most likely order a
blood test to determine if your iron levels are low. If they are, your doctor may recommend taking
an iron supplement or changing your diet to include more iron-rich foods.
If you’re experiencing iron deficiency, your hair loss should improve after you get it treated. This
is because the condition doesn’t lead to permanent hair loss if treated quickly. However, it’s
important to note that if your hair loss is due to another medical condition, such as menopause or
pregnancy, this will need to be addressed first before your hair loss will stop. It’s always a good
idea to visit your healthcare provider for the best care possible.
2. Stress
Hair loss due to stress can be a huge cause of worry for people. This is because when you are
stressed, your body produces what’s known as the “fight or flight” hormones that alter various
different parts of your body including your scalp. This can cause your hair follicles to stop
growing and fall out in large clumps. This type of hair fall is often reversible, however, and if you
are experiencing this type of hair loss, it’s important to try and identify the source of the stress
and address it in order to start growing your hair back.
Few things are more jarring than waking up to find piles of hair in your shower drain or on your
hairbrush. While a little bit of shedding and clumping is normal, significant and prolonged periods
of anxiety can lead to this kind of hair fall. This is because when your body is in a state of high
levels of stress, cortisol disrupts the usual function of the hair cycle and stops new hair from
growing. This is why people with PTSD are so likely to have this type of hair fall as their condition
can leave their body stuck in this fight or flight mode permanently.
3. Diet

A healthy diet is essential for the health of hair. Junk foods like fries, burgers and pizza overload
your body with calories that are not beneficial for your hair. They over-activate your sebum
glands that cover your hair with excess oil, thus inhibiting their natural moisture. You should
avoid junk food as much as possible. Instead, include fish that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids,
such as salmon. Also, try to eat nuts and seeds that are rich in zinc and other nutrients that
promote healthy hair. You can also find these nutrients in whole grains, spinach, tofu, lentils and
other vegetables.
4. Medications
Hair loss that occurs because of a medical condition can often be treated with medication.
Ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis) is one example of patchy hair loss that requires medical
treatment, and the medicine used to treat it is taken by mouth. Another medical condition that
can cause alopecia is lichen planopilaris, which causes bald spots that may look red or scaly and
itchy. Certain STIs such as syphilis can also cause hair loss, but once the infection is treated, the
hair usually regrows. Shedding of hair is a side effect of many drugs, such as beta-blockers and
antidepressants, and is also common with some thyroid medications and hormone replacement
therapies.
5. Diseases
Diseases that cause patchy hair loss include ringworm of the scalp (Tinea capitis), which is
common among children and often causes bald spots to grow larger over time. Its symptoms
include a scaly or flaky scalp that may be itchy and painful. Another form of patchy hair loss is
alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that affects the scalp and other areas of the body.
Loose anagen syndrome, which is most common in young children, is characterized by a short
maximum hair length.