5 Odd Reasons for Hair Fall

Doctors estimate that a healthy scalp loses 50-100 hairs a day. If you’re noticing more than that accumulating in your shower drain or hairbrush, it’s a sign that something is off. It could mean treatable balding due to androgenic alopecia or dozens of bizarre hair-harming factors you aren’t even aware of. We at HairLossSpecialists.com have decided to run down five of the most peculiar reasons you may be shedding your precious tresses.

Trichotillomania

The phrase “making me pull my hair out” is often bandied about in reference to a variety of stressful situations, but for many this isn’t just a turn of phrase. Whether it’s a learned behavior or some kooky quirk of evolution, nearly one in twenty people have what is called “trichotillomania,” or an uncontrollable impulse to pull on one’s hair.

Trichtillomania not only causes strands of hair to come out prematurely, it can also bring about permanent follicle damage and bald patches if left unaddressed. Luckily, psychologists have a variety of therapeutic and prescription treatments to mitigate the anxiety which may be at the heart of the compulsion. While its cause is still a mystery, researchers have noted that the condition has a much higher incidence in women than men, a fact that men find curious and women find vindicating.

Weight Loss

Scientists have long known that physical and emotional trauma can cause bouts of hair loss, but only recently have researchers found a strong correlation between weight loss of over fifteen pounds and periods of unexplained hair fall. And according to findings, it isn’t just from those who go on unhealthy crash diets either.

Some scientists speculate that hormonal shifts which accompany significant weight loss can cause a shock to the body, even if the dieter is getting all of their essential nutrients. That said, if you notice hair loss accompanying your weight loss, talk to a doctor and ensure you’re getting the right amount of important stuff like protein, iron, and other hair health vitamins.

Wet Hair Dangers

A single hair strand is strong enough to withstand a load 100 grams without breaking, but that’s only when it’s dry. When hair is wet it loses the hydrogen bonds, which give strands their strength and shape. Wet hair is easy to comb and style, but the moisture puts it a greater risk of damage.

If you’re worried about your hair count, be extra careful with hair after bathing. Gently pat hair dry with a towel instead of giving it an all-out rubdown, and figure out what how you want to style beforehand, so you aren’t yanking and re-combing it in different directions. Hair specialists also recommend that people wash their hair in cool water and use a rinse-out conditioner just before drying off.

Fevers

As if colds and infections weren’t bad enough on their own, the fever accompanying an illness could trigger temporary hair loss. At any given point scientists believe that 85% of hair follicles are in a phase called the “anagen” phase, where strands are being created; the other 15% are in the “telogen” phase, where follicles are given a brief rest before resuming cycles.

A condition called “telogen effluvium” occurs when the body notices dramatic changes, such as a fever in excess of 103 degrees Fahrenheit. During this condition the body then pauses many non-vital functions, which includes forcing 30% of all follicles into the telogen phase. Luckily, telogen effluvium has no noted permanent effects, but hair fall can last up to six months before follicles slowly begin reactivating.

Heated Styling Devices

Everyone wants their hairstyle to look good, but frying your hair into submission can risk your hair’s health permanently. Heated devices like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can severely damage hair if they’re used too frequently or at high temperatures.

Basically, hair strands are coated with tiny scales running down it in one direction. With heat these scales start to lift, allowing hair to straighten by weakening the hair’s natural armor. Thus, overexposure to high temperatures leads to brittleness, split ends, hair fall, and damaged roots. Ceramic coated straighteners are some of the biggest culprits of heat-damaged hair, as their meta-materials can warm well beyond a follicle-friendly 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re noticing hair loss due to styling, see if you can shift your primping habits towards straightening conditioners or products. And when you do use heat devices, set them to lower temperatures rather than scorching hairs into shape.

Whether or not you’re currently balding, remember that how you treat your body has a lot to do with how fast your hair falls out. And if you’re noticing significant hair loss and want to do something about it, contact us today! Our representatives can help you schedule a free consultation with a hair loss expert in a city near you!