What happens if your hair falls out

Both too much thyroid hormone hyperthyroidism and too little hypothyroidism can lead to hair loss. Treating the thyroid disorder can often reverse the hair loss. Physical and psychological stress can cause hair loss. Surgery, high fevers , and blood loss can cause enough stress to result in excessive shedding. Childbirth can result in hair loss for several months after delivery. As for psychological stress, the link is less well-defined. However, many people have reported losing hair at times of extreme mental stress or anxiety.

And hair loss for other reasons can still be stressful. You can combat mental stress with lifestyle changes , such as:. Pharmaceuticals can come with a long list of side effects, including hair loss. Chemotherapy is the most well-known cause, but others include:. These medications affect people differently and may not cause hair loss in everyone.

Learn more about the medications that can cause hair loss. Zinc and iron deficiency are the most common nutritional links to hair loss. But some evidence indicates that low intakes of the following vitamins and nutrients could also be to blame:.

Resist the urge to constantly 'slick' hair tightly into a style and finally, change it up. One of the key issues with traction is the repetitive tension so attempt to avoid this by varying styles.

Overuse of hot styling tools, such as your hairdryer, curling wand and straighteners, can make your hair dry, prone to breakage and consequently more likely to fall out, especially if you use them every day.

This is because when too much strong, dry heat is applied to the hair it weakens the hair shaft. Dry, frizzy hair caused by heat damage can also become more difficult to style, yet tackling this side effect as many of us do by using our hot tools even more often, will only exacerbate rather than solve the issue.

You should also double the protection by using a heat defence spray and towel dry your hair gently but thoroughly before picking up your tools to minimise the time spent using them.

Dyeing your hair too often, especially if you are using bleach, can also lead to hair loss. This causes the hair to completely lose its elasticity.

If you frequently dye and style your hair, try taking a break from these habits for a month or so to see if they are the prominent cause of your hair loss. Semi-permanent colour or highlighting and balayage techniques can also be less harsh on your tresses, so seek a hair consultation before your next colour appointment to see what options are out there.

Deep Conditioning Mask can also help improve the condition of your tresses after a trip to your colourist, by keeping your hair really hydrated, so get into the routine of using them once a week. Brushing your hair thoroughly will stimulate your scalp, which can encourage hair growth, so it's important not to skip this step of your hair care routine. However, you have to be gentle. If you tend to tug and pull your hair, or hear ripping sounds as you are brushing it, you are likely to be applying too much pressure or combing in the wrong manner, which will cause breakage and lack of hair growth.

The same is true if you tend to brush your hair as soon as you step out of the shower, as your hair is most fragile when wet. This will help to detangle your hair and give you control as you brush without the need for excess force. You should also always comb from the ends, using your hands to secure your hair as you do so to avoid pulling, and then move slowly upwards.

If you are struggling, use a detangling spray and reassess whether you need to use more conditioner in the shower alongside a wide-tooth comb to minimise breakage. This technique can be especially useful for curly hair that tends to frizz when overly brushed, as you can counteract the knots and tangles that cause breakage without compromising your style.

A moisture-boosting shampoo and conditioner, such as Waterman's GrowMe range will also help the process. Sun and water can be harmful, leading to faded colour, split ends and a brittle, dry texture. Hopping in and out of a chlorinated pool can strip colour and treatments right out of the hair and cause it to look dull and dehydrated. In this article, we look at the best…. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that usually results in unpredictable, patchy hair loss. Approximately 7 million people in the U.

Causes and treatments for hair loss. Causes Self-care Summary It is normal to shed a certain amount of hair every day. Causes of hair loss. Share on Pinterest Possible causes of hair loss include androgenetic alopecia, pregnancy, and telogen effluvium. Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What medications cause hair loss?

Hair loss: how does it affect women? We look at the main causes of hair loss in women, the emotional impact it can have and why research into new treatments for female hair loss appears… READ MORE. Can an iron deficiency cause hair loss? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. How to use essential oils for hair growth. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What's to know about alopecia areata? Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. It grows, then rests and finally sheds.

At any given moment, each hair on your head is at a different point of that cycle. That cycle takes time, says Dr. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium. Most women lose a lot of hair a few months after giving birth.

Later in life, some women notice extra shedding during menopause. Illness can trigger hair loss, especially if it goes hand-in-hand with a high fever. Khetarpal says.

Both hyperthyroid disorder an overactive thyroid gland and hypothyroid disorder a sluggish thyroid can lead to excessive shedding. Hair loss can be a side effect of anemia low iron levels. It can also be caused by shortages of other nutrients, including B vitamins and vitamin D. Chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer are famous for causing hair loss.