What Causes Hair Loss?

What causes hair loss? It’s a question many of us ask. If you’re currently suffering from hair loss or are worried you’ll one day suffer from it based on your family’s tendency for hair loss, Chicago Skin Clinic can help. But to know how to get your hair regrowing, we need to know what’s causing it! 

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is a condition that affects many people and involves more than just the shedding of hair. Usually, it’s natural to lose 50 to 100 hairs a day. However, when this number loss exceeds the normal amount, it can lead to noticeable thinning or bald patches. Alopecia can be temporary or permanent and can affect just your scalp or entire body, depending on its cause.

At Chicago Skin Clinic, we approach hair loss with a comprehensive understanding of its various causes and manifestations. Our goal is to provide personalized care that addresses the physical aspects of hair loss and the emotional impact it can have on our patients.

Common Causes For Hair Loss

One day, your hair is your favorite part of your appearance. You take excellent care of it, always styling it to give it that perfect, effortless look. Then suddenly, seemingly without warning, your hair doesn’t look as full as it used to. It’s patchy, and combing your hair leads to hair everywhere. What could have caused this? 

Genetics

If your family album shows a history of thinning locks, there’s a good chance you might experience the same. This genetic gift, known as androgenetic alopecia, doesn’t discriminate – both men and women can inherit this trait. It’s like getting your dad’s eyes or your mom’s laugh, but with hair.

Hormones

Another common guilty party is your hormones!  They’re like the behind-the-scenes crew, working unnoticed until something goes wrong—and then we’re asking, “Who did this?” When hormones are off balance, like during pregnancy or menopause for women or during age- or genetic-related shifts for men, they can turn the volume down on hair growth, leading to thinning.

Medical Conditions

Our body’s many systems are incredibly interconnected, and sometimes, hair loss is its way of waving a red flag or displaying a check engine light. Issues like thyroid imbalances or iron deficiency can manifest as hair loss. It’s like your body’s cryptic way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here; please notice me.” Paying attention to these signs is crucial for overall health, not just hair care.

Poor Nutrition

Think of your hair as a plant. Just like a plant needs water and sunlight, your hair needs a balanced diet to thrive. Missing out on key nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals can leave your hair starving for nourishment and cause it to fall out.

External Factors For Hair Loss

While genetics and health play their parts, a whole world of external factors can also lead to hair loss. Let’s dive into some common culprits and see how they might influence your hair’s well-being.

The Struggle Of Hair Styling

We all want to look our best, but our styling choices can sometimes backfire on our hair. Frequent heat styling, tight hairstyles, and harsh chemical treatments can be like a high-stakes endurance game for your hair follicles. They might withstand the pressure for a while, but over time, they can give in, leading to breakage and hair loss. 

Chemical Culprits

Not all hair care products are created equal. Some shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are loaded with harsh chemicals that can be more foe than friend to your hair. Ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and certain alcohols can strip away natural oils and weaken your hair. It’s like if your hair smoked cigarettes or vaped; everything might seem okay for a while, but the damage adds up. 

Stress

Stress is a master of disguise—it can creep into our lives and take a toll on our bodies without us even realizing it. High-stress levels can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding and thinning. It’s a sneaky side effect of our busy, often stressful lives.

How A Dermatologist Can Help

Navigating the maze of hair loss can be tricky, but that’s where the dermatologists at Chicago Skin Clinic step in—think of them as your personal hair detective. Dr. Danny and Dr. Danilo Del Campo are your allies in the battle against hair loss.

First, they start with the detective work: understanding your unique hair story. This means looking at your medical history and lifestyle and doing a scalp examination to get to the root of the problem (pun intended!). Dr. Danny and Dr. Del Campo might also suggest blood tests to rule out things like nutritional deficiencies or thyroid issues. They’re all about personalized care—because your hair’s story is unique to you.

Then comes the action plan. Depending on what’s causing your hair loss, Dr. Danny and Dr. Del Campo might recommend a range of treatments — and it won’t be a miracle hair loss spray that overpromises and underdelivers. Our effective treatments are backed by science. Potential therapies include topical medications to rejuvenate hair growth, taking daily vitamins, injections, or lifestyle changes that can make a big difference. 

Regrow Your Hair And Your Confidence At Chicago Skin Clinic

Dr. Danny and Dr. Del Campo understand that hair is more than just strands on your head. That’s why they’re committed to helping you not only restore your hair but also your self-esteem with personalized treatments and high-quality care. Schedule your appointment today to start your transformation!

Posted by Chicago Skin Clinic