7 Reasons Why Your Hair is Falling Out

The main triggers for female hair loss, according to a dermatologist

It's normal to lose around 80 strands of hair in a day. However, if you find you are losing more than that, the signs of which are a clogged shower drain, strands left behind on a pillow or clump of hair on your comb. These scenes can be heart wrenching. To remedy the condition, you need to identify the reason first and then treat it. To help you identify different triggers for female hair loss, we chat up with Dr Chytra V. Anand, dermatologist, cosmetologist and trichologist. She lists down seven major reasons that could be causing hair loss. Read up!

1. Hereditary

Family history of hair thinning is one of the commonest cause, points out Dr Chytra. This means you may see a progressive, gradual reduction in hair volume with age.

2. Hormonal imbalance

Hormones play an important role in regulating the hair growth cycle. Oestrogens or female hormones are good for the hair as they help to keep hair in their growth phase for optimal length of time. But Androgens or male hormones tend to shorten the hair growth cycle. So in conditions such as PCOS, where there's an excess of androgens in the body, excessive hair loss occurs. Like wise hypo thyroid is also a common cause for hair thinning and loss.

3. Nutritional deficiency

This is another major reason why your hair maybe falling out. If you do not eat enough protein, remember hair is made of protein and to sustain its health you need to consume enough to the nutrient. Iron is essential too as it supports the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. Without enough iron, hair growth becomes slower and shedding increases. Likewise deficiency of vitamin B12 affects the health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues, resulting in hair loss.

4. Crash diets

\”Weight loss regimens with severe calorie restrictions are a leading cause for hair loss,\” says Dr Chytra. You deprive your body of essential nutrients, when you follow extreme diet restrictions.

5. Heat damage

\”Excessive blow drying on high hot air settings, hair straightening without heat protective serum can lead to hair loss over a period of time as it weakens of hair fibres, explains Dr Chytra.

6. Chemical Damage

Chemical hair treatments like perming, permanent straightening without post procedure specialist care strips the hair of its natural oils and protein ( keratin) leading to weak hair fibres, splitting of hair and intense hair loss post treatments.

7. Stress

“Emotional strain and stress is a trigger for hair loss, due to changes in the internal hormone system,” says Dr Chytra.