Hair Loss: A Common Issue Not to Overlook

" Hair Loss " might seem like a minor issue that anyone can experience, but when hair starts falling out excessively, thinning, or clumping after washing, it may signal underlying problems such as stress, lack of rest, unbalanced nutrition, hormonal changes, or hidden scalp issues.

Understanding causes to properly care for your hair.

" Hair Loss " is a problem many have faced, affecting both women and men across all ages. While losing about 50–100 hairs daily is normal in the hair cycle, noticing increased shedding, visible scalp due to thinning, or weakened hair may indicate abnormalities that need attention.

Hair loss results from multiple complex factors, including internal body conditions and external environmental influences.

The hair life cycle: the foundation of understanding.

Human hair follows a natural life cycle divided into three main stages:

• Anagen (growth phase), during which hair grows longer, lasting several years.
• Catagen (transition phase), a short period when hair follicles stop growing.
• Telogen (resting and shedding phase), when hair falls out and new strands begin to grow.

Any disruption to this cycle—due to hormones, nutrition, stress, or follicle abnormalities—can lead to excessive hair loss and thinning.

Key causes of hair loss.

1. Genetics: the most common cause.
Genetic hair loss, known as Androgenetic Alopecia, occurs in both men and women. It typically presents as gradual thinning along the hairline, crown, or top of the head. This is mainly due to hair follicles' sensitivity to androgen hormones, causing follicle shrinkage and progressively thinner, shorter hair growth.

2. Hormonal changes or imbalances.
Hormonal fluctuations directly affect the hair cycle, such as:

• Postpartum period.
• Menopause.
• Thyroid disorders.
• Starting or stopping birth control pills.

These conditions often cause sudden hair loss (Telogen Effluvium), where many hairs shed simultaneously. Additionally, insulin resistance or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause hair thinning in women.

3. Nutritional deficiencies.

Hair reflects nutritional status clearly. Insufficient energy or lack of nutrients such as:

• Protein,
• Iron,
• Zinc,
• Biotin,
• Vitamin D,

can weaken hair, making it brittle and prone to falling out, especially in those losing weight rapidly, eating unbalanced diets, or having conditions affecting nutrient absorption.

4. Abnormalities of hair follicles and scalp.

• Certain scalp and follicle diseases include:
• Alopecia Areata (patchy hair loss).
• Chronic scalp inflammation.
• Scalp fungal infections.
• Autoimmune follicle destruction.

These conditions require diagnosis and treatment by specialists, as leaving them untreated can cause permanent follicle damage.

Additional factors accelerating hair loss.

• Beyond main causes, external factors affecting hair health include:
• Physical and mental stress can trigger synchronized hair shedding.
• Heat and sunlight exposure, frequent use of high heat on hair, and unprotected sun exposure.
• Pollution and dust can inflame the scalp.
• Improper hair care habits, such as tight hairstyles, repeated chemical treatments, or incorrect washing methods.

When to see a doctor.

If you notice that

• your hair loss exceeds normal levels continuously for more than 2–3 months,
• your hair thins rapidly,
• you develop patchy hair loss or experience itching, redness, or pain on your scalp,
• or your hair does not regrow over time,

you should consult a doctor or hair and scalp specialist. Accurate diagnosis will help address the problem effectively, saving time and preventing permanent hair loss.

Hair loss is not a trivial matter and should not be viewed merely as a cosmetic issue, as it can signal internal body abnormalities. Understanding its causes and proper early care is key to maintaining healthy hair in the long term.

Information by : Dr. Polinee Rattanasiriwilai, specialist in preventive medicine, beauty care, and hair treatment at the Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Dermatology Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital.