Top reasons for hair shedding and breakage

Most of us have experienced it. Some of us are going through it now. Hair shedding and hair breakage can be frustrating, complicated, and overall life changing.

While battling the hair loss, you may need a trim, a treatment, and sometimes even a big chop. Those of us who have experienced this to the fullest know that the aftermath can be detrimental.

In essence, it is important to know the top reasons we experience hair shedding and hair breakage. Let’s explore this:

Here are the top 10 reasons someone might experience hair shedding:

1. **Genetics**: Family history of hair loss can significantly impact an individual's likelihood of experiencing hair shedding.

2. **Hormonal Changes**: Conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances can lead to hormonal fluctuations that cause hair shedding.

3. **Stress**: Physical or emotional stress can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, which results in temporary hair loss.

4. **Nutritional Deficiencies**: Lack of essential nutrients, such as iron, protein, and vitamins (especially biotin and vitamin D), can weaken hair and lead to shedding.

5. **Medical Conditions**: Certain illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., alopecia areata), scalp infections, or skin conditions (like psoriasis), can cause hair loss.

6. **Medications**: Some medications, including those for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart issues, may have hair shedding as a side effect.

7. **Hairstyles and Treatments**: Frequent use of tight hairstyles, heat styling tools, or harsh chemical treatments can lead to traction alopecia and damage hair.

8. **Age**: As people age, hair naturally thins and sheds more due to changes in hair growth cycles.

9. **Environmental Factors**: Pollution, harsh weather, and exposure to chemicals can damage hair and contribute to shedding.

10. **Underlying Health Issues**: Chronic conditions like diabetes, lupus, or hormonal disorders can also lead to increased hair shedding.

Here are the top 10 reasons someone might experience hair breakage:

1. **Lack of Moisture**: Dry hair is more prone to breakage. Insufficient hydration can weaken hair strands, leading to brittleness.

2. **Heat Damage**: Excessive use of heat styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, can strip moisture and weaken hair structure.

3. **Chemical Treatments**: Frequent coloring, perming, or relaxing can compromise hair integrity, making it more susceptible to breakage.

4. **Mechanical Damage**: Rough handling during brushing, towel drying, or using the wrong hair accessories can cause physical stress on hair strands.

5. **Nutritional Deficiencies**: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals, can weaken hair and lead to breakage.

6. **Environmental Factors**: Exposure to sun, wind, and pollution can damage hair, making it dry and brittle.

7. **Improper Washing Techniques**: Washing hair too frequently, using harsh shampoos, or not conditioning properly can strip hair of natural oils and lead to breakage.

8. **Health Conditions**: Certain medical issues, such as thyroid disorders or hormonal imbalances, can affect hair health and strength.

9. **Tight Hairstyles**: Hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight ponytails or braids, can cause tension and lead to breakage.

10. **Age**: As hair ages, it naturally becomes weaker and more prone to breakage due to changes in texture and moisture retention.

If someone is concerned about hair loss, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options.

To minimize hair breakage, it’s important to adopt a gentle hair care routine, maintain a balanced diet, and protect hair from environmental damage.

Bonus

Here are 10 things you can do at home to help prevent hair shedding and hair loss:

1. **Maintain a Healthy Diet**: Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, such as leafy greens, nuts, fish, eggs, and fruits to nourish your hair from the inside out.

2. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated, as dehydration can lead to dryness and hair loss.

3. **Gentle Hair Care**: Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair gently, and avoid harsh brushing, especially when hair is wet.

4. **Avoid Heat Styling**: Limit the use of heat styling tools, or use them on a low setting. Opt for air-drying whenever possible.

5. **Use Mild Hair Products**: Choose sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on the hair and scalp.

6. **Scalp Massage**: Regularly massage your scalp to improve blood circulation, which can promote hair growth and strengthen roots.

7. **Essential Oils**: Consider using essential oils like rosemary or peppermint mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) for scalp massages to stimulate hair growth.

8. **Stress Management**: Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress, which can contribute to hair loss.

9. **Limit Chemical Treatments**: Avoid harsh chemical treatments, such as dyes and relaxers, that can weaken hair and lead to shedding.

10. **Protect Your Hair**: Wear a hat or use UV protection spray when exposed to the sun for extended periods, and consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction while sleeping.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help support hair health and minimize shedding and loss.

Let’s go on a hair journey together 💕

-Simple Beauty Owner, Faith Melton