Luscious, flowing locks have long been a symbol of femininity or strength, and women and society as a whole take great pride in great hair. Unfortunately, hair loss can be devastating and impact a woman on a physical and deeper emotional level for much the same reason.

While some inherited conditions may make this more challenging, understanding the causes of hair loss is the best way to prevent it when possible. The good news is that many of the causes of hair loss can be treated, which means you can prevent hair loss, restore your beautiful locks, and keep your confidence high.

The many causes of hair loss and what you can do

Genetics

You may be predisposed to thinning hair and eventual hair loss, and in these cases, there is not much you can do to prevent it. However, you can promote hair strength and the general health of your hair to prolong the eventual loss as much as possible.

When loss does occur, there are options like transplants, if that's something you're interested in.

Hormones

Any imbalance in your hormones due to a medical or genetic condition, birth control, or even pregnancy, can cause your hair to thin.

Hormones play a key role in regulating the hair growth cycle, but levels can be maintained with regular injections.

Stress

Stress interferes with hormones and chemical balance, leading to weakened hair follicles. Stress also disrupts healthy eating habits, which will negatively impact your hair.

The best approach is to minimize stress—take breaks throughout the day, and try meditation or deep breathing to counteract any stress that comes your way.

Nutrients

Anemia or an iron deficiency impacts hair growth because iron is essential in the production of hair cell protein. A vitamin B-complex deficiency can also cause hair loss because it affects blood cell health and oxygen transport.

When your follicles cannot get the nutrients they need to grow strong, hair becomes brittle and breaks or falls out. It's also important to get enough protein in your diet as well as complex carbohydrates that strengthen hair and provide the energy it needs to grow.

Specialty hair products and Hair La Vie's Clinical Formula Hair Vitamins can enhance hair strength and appearance. Formulated with 20 natural, non-toxic ingredients designed to provide nutrients from within to benefit each strand at the root. They also contain immunity-boosting vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that support whole-body wellness.

Thyroid health

Your thyroid regulates hormones, metabolism, and the production of proteins. Any thyroid condition can interfere with hair health.

If you notice hair thinning or loss, you should get your thyroid checked. Once the underlying cause is treated, your hair should begin to grow in healthy once again.

Styling

Heat styling, chemical treatments, and certain hairstyles can weaken hair and cause it to fall out prematurely.

Tight styles cause your hairline to thin out, and too much heat weakens hair proteins and causes breakage and thinning. Processing with chemicals and dyes kills proteins and damages the follicles, often past the point of repair.

Avoiding too much heat and processing will help. But if you must use these tools, then be sure to combine them with protective serums.

Weight

Dramatic weight loss, whether intentional or not, can cause hair loss. Extreme weight loss is likely due to an unhealthy diet or disease, and nutritional deficiency contributes to the hair thinning and loss.

It is important to your overall well-being and the health of your hair to follow a balanced diet and avoid any crash dieting.

Medications

The prescriptions you take could also be responsible for causing hair loss, specifically blood pressure medications and some antidepressants.

If you notice hair thinning or loss while taking a prescribed drug, speak with your doctor about it being a possible side effect. They may be able to offer treatment options that don't cause hair loss or that might support hair growth while you finish the course of medication.

Autoimmune diseases

Alopecia is an autoimmune disease in which your body mistakenly targets and kills hair follicles and cells. Other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, sickle-cell anemia, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause hair to fall out.

Unfortunately, there is no perfect solution or cure to these disorders, but you can promote hair strength with a balanced diet and natural hair treatments. In doing so, you can ensure your hair remains as strong as possible and as resistant as can be.

Final thoughts

As devastating as hair loss can be for women, there are options to prevent and treat the majority of cases. Hair loss doesn’t have to ruin your quality of life or shake your confidence. Hair La Vie is here to make sure you have the latest in scientifically-backed research regarding the causes and treatments for hair loss, and we can also help you on your journey to strengthening your hair and overall health. 

Awareness of what causes it and how to fix it will keep you in good spirits, good health, and keep beautiful hair on your head.