5 Reasons Why You're Losing Your Hair and How to Stop It

Your hair symbolizes youth and health, so when you start losing your locks, it can feel like the world is ending. There are several reasons why you might be losing your hair, and fortunately, there are solutions to help stop it from happening. Keep reading to learn more about the topic and find some solutions that work for you.

It Runs in Your Family (Hereditary)

For many of us, as we get older, our hairline starts to get thinner, and our hair gets finer. Some people also experience a decrease in hair density as they get older. All of these are normal processes that occur to everyone, regardless of their hair length. If your family has a history of hereditary hair loss or if you started losing your hair at a young age, then genetics may be at fault for hair loss.  There are many topical solutions that promote hair growth/regrowth.  Consuming a balanced diet high in protein may also help treat genetic hair loss.

You're Over-Shampooing Your Hair

Just as you wouldn't keep brushing your teeth for an hour at a time, you shouldn't be scrubbing your scalp excessively either. Over-shampooing can strip your hair and scalp of its natural oils, causing your hair to become dry and brittle and leading to a dry scalp. A good rule of thumb is to shampoo your hair only when it becomes visibly dirty with a gentle paraben-free shampoo. If you're shampooing too often, too heavily, or using a product that is too strong, you're doing your hair more harm than good. Always finish off with a hydrating, ph balanced conditioner.

You're Stressing a LOT

Stress affects us all, but your hair doesn't need to be a casualty. If you're constantly under stress, your body will react by producing higher cortisol levels. Too much of this stress hormone is terrible for your hair. Find time to clear your head. Take a deep breath, and relax each day. You'll feel so much better, and your hair will thank you for it.

You’re 40 and Over

Our bodies produce less of the hormones we need to help our hair grow as we age. Optimal hormone levels are vital to keeping your hair strong. If you're experiencing a decline in hair growth and hair health, it could indicate that you're over 40 and your body is trying to adjust to hormonal changes. Check with your doctor to determine if this affects your hair and for possible treatments/remedies.

You're Pregnant/Just Had a Baby

If you're pregnant, your body is undergoing hormone changes. While estrogen is good, it can also negatively affect the hair on your head during this time, causing you to lose more hair than is typical.  Hair loss can also happen after the baby comes (postpartum hair loss). Both hair loss while pregnant or postpartum is called telogen effluvium.  The good news is that this is usually temporary, and you can expect this type of hair loss to go away.

Conclusion

If you're experiencing any of the above signs, it's natural to panic or become stressed (stress also causes hair loss), so don't stress (or panic) too much. There are plenty of reasons why you're losing your hair, and there are plenty of solutions. Don't ignore any signs of hair loss but know there are multiple ways to address any type of hair loss, and the key is patience. Don't stress too much, and remember that there's always hope.