What Causes Thinning Hair?

You may notice thinning hair as you get older; it’s an unpleasant reality for many women. Hair loss can take a toll on your self-confidence and self-image, but there’s often an underlying cause to address.

At Ovation Wellness in Madison, Mississippi, our team knows how important it is for every woman to feel her best, inside and out. Our specialists work with you to get to the root of what’s causing your hair loss as well as developing a treatment plan that meets your needs. Let’s take a closer look at potential causes of thinning hair.

Hair loss is normal

Hair follicles go through cycles of growing and falling out, allowing new hair to grow. The older strands usually come out as you wash or brush your hair, so noticing some shedding of your hair doesn’t mean that there’s a problem.

We naturally lose 50-100 hairs on average every day, so there’s no need to panic over a few extra hairs in your brush or shower drain. If you suspect that your hair is falling at an accelerated rate, contact us for a consultation. It’s always better to treat hair loss early to avoid the need for more aggressive treatment.

Root causes of hair loss

There are many reasons women may experience significant hair loss. It can be hard to pinpoint a single factor or condition causing hair loss, and often there are a few contributing factors. Let’s explore some root causes of thinning hair.

Hereditary causes

Both female and male pattern baldness are known as androgenic alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by androgens, hormones responsible for growth and reproduction, and is typically a hereditary condition. 

Pregnancy and childbirth

The hormonal changes during pregnancy can also cause hair loss in some women, both while pregnant and in the postpartum months. For women experiencing hair loss during or after pregnancy, hair typically stops falling out at six months to two years after giving birth.

Stress

Hair loss following a period of extreme stress or a traumatic event is possible. Usually occurring several months after the stressful situation, this type of hair loss or thinning is temporary. With reduced stress levels, rest, and self-care, your hair can recover. 

Scalp trauma

Wearing tight braids, ponytails, and buns daily can cause what’s known as traction alopecia. When the hair is pulled tightly back into these styles, the follicle can be damaged and hair may start to fall out. 

Switch it up by leaving your hair loose sometimes, or gently tying it back with a silk scrunchie, which won’t damage follicles or break strands.

Nutritional deficiencies

If your body isn’t healthy, your hair won’t be either. Getting enough protein and iron is critical to having a full head of hair, as well as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. Women with heavy menstrual periods may notice hair loss as a result of iron deficiency.

Underlying health issues

Conditions like thyroid disease or lupus can come with the unfortunate side effect of hair loss. It can often be the first sign of a much bigger problem, which is why you should always make an appointment with the doctor if you’re concerned about thinning hair. 

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition which causes hair to fall out in patches, but if caught early, it can easily be treated and reversed.

Get help with your thinning hair

No matter the cause of your thinning hair, the team at Ovation Wellness is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Call us at 601-202-1340 to make an appointment with our Madison, Mississippi office and start your wellness journey today.