Middle aged man experiencing hair loss
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Let’s face it—hair loss is a confidence killer. Whether it’s a slow retreating hairline, thinning strands that refuse to bounce back, or an unexpected shedding session in the shower, the struggle is real. It’s not just men who deal with it.
Women, too, face a battle against the relentless march of hair loss.While certain factors may be specific to each gender, many of the causes are the same.
According to biomedical scientist and skin care expert, Dr. Judey Pretorius, "Hair loss is a multifaceted issue that impacts many individuals, and understanding its causes is the first step towards finding effective solutions."
In conversation with GQ’s Luthando Vikilahle, she unpacks some of the most common reasons why both men and women may struggle with this condition:
Biomedical scientist and skin care expert, Dr. Judey Pretorius
Image: Supplied
Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia): In men, this is the most common cause of hair loss. It typically starts with receding hairlines and thinning at the crown.
Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL): While less common, women can also experience genetic hair loss, which often manifests as overall thinning or a widening part, rather than full bald patches.
Androgens: Both men and women can experience hair thinning due to the effects of hormones such as androgens. For men, this typically leads to male pattern baldness, while women can experience thinning as they age, particularly around menopause when hormone levels fluctuate.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and after childbirth can lead to temporary hair shedding in women.
Thyroid Imbalances: Both men and women can experience hair loss due to thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D, can lead to hair thinning. A poor diet or underlying health conditions that affect nutrient absorption can contribute to hair loss in both genders.
Telogen Effluvium: Both men and women can experience temporary hair shedding after a stressful event, such as illness, surgery, or emotional stress. Stress causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to shedding.
Chronic stress can also exacerbate other underlying conditions that cause hair loss, such as autoimmune disorders or hormonal imbalances.
Alopecia Areata: This condition causes hair loss in small patches, and it can affect both men and women. It's an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
Other Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like lupus or thyroid disease can also contribute to hair thinning in both men and women.
Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and even some antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect. Both men and women who undergo treatments for various medical conditions can experience hair thinning as a result.
As people age, the rate of hair growth slows down, and hair follicles may become smaller or shrink, leading to thinner hair. This is a natural part of the aging process for both men and women, although it often becomes more pronounced in men due to male pattern baldness.
Pollution and Harsh Chemicals: Exposure to environmental pollutants or the use of harsh hair care products can weaken hair strands and contribute to hair thinning.
This affects both men and women, particularly those who frequently use styling products or heat treatments.
Sun Damage: Prolonged sun exposure can damage hair, causing it to weaken and thin over time.
Dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis: Chronic scalp conditions can lead to hair thinning. Conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis cause irritation and inflammation on the scalp, which can affect hair growth.
Scalp Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections on the scalp can also result in hair loss if left untreated.
Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of hair loss, as it can damage the hair follicles and reduce blood flow to the scalp.
Poor Hair Care Practices: Overwashing, tight hairstyles, excessive use of heat styling tools, or harsh chemical treatments can cause hair to break and thin over time.
Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and anemia can contribute to hair loss in both men and women due to the impact on overall health and hormone levels.
Scalp Conditions: Conditions such as psoriasis, fungal infections, and dermatitis can cause hair thinning as they interfere with healthy hair growth.
"Both men and women often experience hair thinning or loss due to a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, hormonal changes, and environmental influences. The treatment and management of hair loss typically depend on the underlying cause, and addressing these issues early on can help mitigate or slow down further hair thinning," says Dr. Judey.
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