General Causes of Hair Loss

Although there are specific causes of hair loss for men and specific causes of hair loss for women, following are three common causes that affect both sexes:

Hair loss and Ageing

Just as the visible areas of our skin age, our scalp experiences exactly the same processes.  These processes lead to diminished elastin and collagen production and cross linkage within the dermis.  The hair follicles therefore become less resistant to DHT and other toxins, which hinders the hair growth phase, leading to hair loss.

Hair loss and hormones

From our 20’s, the daily levels of secretion of human growth hormone (HGH) from our brains pituitary gland rapidly diminish.  HGH is responsible for the development, repair and growth of muscle, bones and organs (including the skin) in our body.  HGH is an opposing force to promoting telogen growth.

Hair loss, diet and lifestyle

The essential nutrients for hair and skin health are derived from what we eat.  When there is a deficiency in these factors, the body prioritizes its limited reserves to essential organ functions.  In this case, hair loss can occur as the weakened hair follicles become more susceptible to irritants and DHT.

Our hair clearly reflects the way we live.  Any unhealthy practices like smoking or drug and alcohol abuse will be detrimental to the rate at which we lose our hair.  Poor irregular sleeping patterns and stress will also have an adverse effect, impairing our immune system and our bodies’ tolerance to DHT.  For more about specific causes of hair loss in men and specific causes of hair loss in women, read more.