Hair loss, also known as alopecia, can be a distressing experience for both men and women.

Many people wonder, “Why is my hair falling out?” and “How do I stop it?”

Understanding the various causes of hair loss, including baldness and hair fall, is the first step to finding effective solutions.

Whether you’re facing temporary postpartum hair loss, traction alopecia, or a more permanent form like alloplasia hair loss, knowing how to prevent further loss and seek treatment can make all the difference.

Table of contents:

• Why is my hair falling out?
• Signs and symptoms of hair loss
• Different types of baldness
• Hair loss causes in men
• Hair loss causes in women
• Alopecia risk factors
• Hair transplant
• Hair loss prevention

Why is my hair falling out?

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and can occur at any age.

If you’ve noticed that your hair is falling out, it’s essential to identify the underlying causes to manage and treat the problem effectively. From heredity to stress and nutritional deficiencies, hair loss can have multiple origins.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to slow or stop the process and restore your hair health.

What are the signs and symptoms of hair loss?

The early signs of hair loss can be subtle or dramatic, depending on the cause.

You may notice thinning hair, patches of hair falling out, or a receding hairline. Hair fall can occur gradually over time, or it may seem like it’s happening all at once.

Some people may also experience itching, redness, or scabbing on the scalp. Early identification of these symptoms allows for timely hair loss treatment and better chances of recovery.

Different types of baldness

Not all hair loss is the same. There are various types of baldness, including:

• Male-pattern baldness – This common form of hair loss in men starts with a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown.
• Female-pattern baldness – Women often experience hair thinning rather than complete baldness.
• Alopecia areata – An autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss.
• Traction alopecia – Caused by pulling or tension on the hair, often from hairstyles like tight ponytails or braids.

Hair loss causes in men

Hair loss in men is often attributed to several key factors, including:

• Heredity – Male-pattern baldness is genetic and can be passed down through generations, making it the most common cause of hair loss.
• Hormonal changes – Fluctuations in testosterone levels, specifically the conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can shrink hair follicles and lead to hair fall baldness over time.
• Medications – Certain drugs, including chemotherapy medications, antidepressants, and blood pressure treatments, can result in hair loss as a side effect.
• Aging – As men age, hair growth slows down naturally, leading to more noticeable hair loss and a receding hairline.

Hair loss causes in women

Women experience hair loss differently than men, often due to a variety of factors:

• Thyroid disease – Imbalances in thyroid hormones can directly impact hair follicles, causing hair loss.
• Iron deficiency – Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Iron is a crucial nutrient for hair growth, and low levels of iron can lead to hair thinning and hair loss in women.
• Post-partum hair loss – Many women experience significant hair fall in the months following childbirth due to sudden hormonal changes.
• Telogen effluvium – A form of temporary hair shedding often triggered by a stressful event such as surgery, illness, or emotional stress. Hair may fall out in clumps during brushing or washing.
• Stress – Chronic stress is a well-known trigger for hair fall, as it disrupts the hair growth cycle and can cause more hair to enter the resting phase (telogen).

Alopecia risk factors

Some people are more at risk for alopecia and other forms of hair loss due to several factors:

• Family history – A genetic predisposition to alopecia or hair loss makes it more likely for individuals to experience baldness.
• Pregnancy – Hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy can lead to temporary post-partum hair loss.
• Age – As you age, hair follicles shrink, and the rate of hair growth slows, increasing the chances of hair loss.
• Chronic diseases – Conditions such as lupus, diabetes, or other autoimmune diseases raise the risk of alopecia and permanent hair loss.

Is hair transplant an option for me?

If you’re experiencing significant hair loss and other treatments aren’t working, you might wonder if a hair transplant is an option.

The FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method is one of the most advanced and minimally invasive techniques available today. This method involves extracting individual hair follicles from a donor area and transplanting them to the areas experiencing hair fall baldness.

Learn more about the FUE hair transplant at Dr. Ducu Clinics!

What to do to prevent hair loss?

Preventing hair loss can be easier with the right lifestyle changes and treatments.

Here are some tips to help you maintain healthy hair:

• Take supplements – Certain supplements can help prevent hair loss by addressing deficiencies. Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? Common deficiencies include iron, biotin, and zinc. Taking these vitamins and minerals can promote hair growth and reduce hair thinning.
• Protect your hair – Avoid frequent use of heat styling tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids that can lead to traction alopecia. Gently brushing your hair and using sulfate-free shampoos can also prevent damage and hair loss.
• Stop smoking – Smoking is not only harmful to your overall health but can also weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair fall and baldness.
• Nutrition – Eating a balanced diet rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, and leafy greens is crucial for hair health. Nutrients like vitamin D and iron are especially important for preventing hair loss and encouraging hair regrowth.
• How to stop receding hairline – Along with lifestyle changes, using specialized shampoos and treatments like minoxidil or other topical treatments can help stop or slow down a receding hairline.

What to do if your hair is falling out

Hair loss can be overwhelming, but identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward treatment. From taking supplements to considering a hair transplant, there are plenty of options to restore your hair and confidence.

Whether you’re dealing with alloplasia hair loss or simply worried about your hair falling out, seeking advice from a professional is the best way to manage and treat this condition.

Book a consultation today at Dr. Ducu Clinics to learn more about the available solutions!