“Why is my hair falling out?” Hair loss can be devastating no matter what the cause—genetic, environmental or poor hair care. When your hair falls out, you feel like you have lost a part of yourself.

Hair loss can happen for a number of reasons and is often entirely natural. Understanding this helps you prepare as well as treat the condition.

On average your head has close to 150,000 individual hairs, and you will likely see some fall out each day in the shower or when styling your hair. This loss is normal and part of a healthy hair cycle.

If, however, you notice larger clumps or thinning spots on your scalp, there may be an underlying reason. And this is something you may be able to prevent or treat.

The Top Reasons You Lose Hair

Androgenic alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss affecting both men and women. The hair on the top of your scalp is the target area and you will first notice thinning around your temples and crown.

The hormone DHT is thought to be responsible for this condition. This hormone is a more potent converted form of testosterone, and it directly interferes with hair growth. The disease is genetically inherited and treatment includes supplements, medications, and topical solutions.

Telogen effluvium: Your hair growth cycle lasts between two and six years, and most of this is a growth phase. Towards the end of the cycle, hair thins and enters the telogen phase, which is essentially a resting phase.

After a few months, the hair will return to the growth phase, but with telogen effluvium, more hairs enter this stage than normal, giving a thinned appearance overall. The typical causes of this condition are childbirth, extreme illness, and excessive weight gain or loss.

Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition that can be responsible for hair loss from any part of your body. Your body mistakenly targets your own hair cells and attacks them as if they were a virus.

For the most part, obvious patches of missing hair are noticed, but in some cases you can lose all the hair from your head. While there is no proven cause for this condition, it is thought that a family history of autoimmune disorders puts you at a higher risk.

Topical treatments and medications are the best way to treat the condition, so you should reach out to a specialist if you suspect this is what is happening.

Traction alopecia: This form of hair loss is self-inflicted and is caused by hairstyles or caps that are too tight. The sustained pressure and stress placed on your hair weakens it and cause excessive thinning, starting along the hairline.

The good news is that your hair can grow back in the thinned-out areas, once you relieve the pressure. Stop wearing tight caps and wear looser ponytails and your hair can come back to life.

Tinea capitis: A fungal infection is responsible in this case and causes patches of hair loss as well as inflamed and itchy skin. The virus is highly contagious and can leave raised red rings around the scalp similar to those you see with ringworm infections.

Antifungal medications are the only way to treat this condition, and then you can promote hair growth with vitamins and supplements.

Best Preventative Measures for Hair Loss

The right products: Make sure you get shampoo and conditioner that is right for your hair type. Certain products are ideal for dyed and chemically treated hair and if you have sensitive skin you will also need special items to protect your scalp and hair.

You should also avoid sulfates, as these strip your hair of natural oils and can weaken the hair from within.

Balanced diet: Nutritional deficiency impacts your hair as well as your overall health. Vitamins and minerals promote hair protein growth, so getting a balanced diet will ensure that your hair gets all the vitamins, iron, protein, and zinc it needs to grow strong.

Reduce stress: Stress interferes with the chemical and hormonal balance in your body. Hormones play a role in the hair growth cycle and imbalances have been linked to hair loss.

Get regular exercise, try yoga, and meditate to make sure stress doesn’t contribute to your hair falling out. Less stress also means you won’t be pulling your hair out either.

Final thoughts

Whatever the reasons are that hair falls out, there are preventative measures you can take to ensure your hair is strong and healthy.

While genetic-based conditions cannot be controlled, by keeping your hair strong, you give it the best chance of prolonging eventual loss and of bouncing back should any thinning or loss occur.