Millions of women experience hair loss, a distressing condition that becomes more common with age, particularly in the years leading up to 50. While conditions like alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder, affect public figures such as Jada Pinkett Smith, other factors can also contribute to shedding.
TV presenter Melanie Sykes recently revealed she had lost two-thirds of her hair and has since shaved her head. While the specific type of alopecia Sykes has is not known, her openness, along with that of other public figures like Gail Porter and Jesy Nelson, has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding female hair loss. However, according to consultant dermatologist Dr. Aamna Adel, various practical steps can be taken to mitigate the risk.
Dr. Adel identifies several potential triggers for the increasing number of women experiencing hair loss, including weight-loss injections, stress, COVID-19 and flu, hormonal fluctuations, nutritional deficiencies, and even hairstyles that repeatedly pull on the hair.
Weight-Loss Injections
Weight-loss jabs, such as Mounjaro, are known for helping individuals lose weight and offering other health benefits. However, a notable side effect for some is hair loss. Dr. Adel explains that the culprit is not the injection itself but the rapid weight loss it induces. During significant weight loss, the body prioritizes essential organs, leading to hair, which is less critical for immediate survival, being one of the first things to be shed and the last to recover. Furthermore, the appetite suppression from these drugs can lead to reduced intake of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamin B12, crucial for healthy hair.
Stress and Illness
Stress is identified as a major contributor to hair loss. Elevated cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone, can disrupt hormonal balance and impact hair growth. Shedding due to stress often appears about three months after a stressful event, typically resulting in gradual thinning rather than sudden baldness. Stress can also exacerbate autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata. Similarly, illnesses such as COVID-19 and influenza, while not directly causing hair loss, can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of stress-related shedding. The body's response to the physical stress of a significant infection can lead to increased hair shedding, with some individuals reporting that their hair quality has not fully recovered post-illness.
Hormonal Changes and Deficiencies
Hormonal shifts play a significant role, especially as women approach menopause, often leading to thinning rather than complete baldness due to declining estrogen and progesterone levels. However, hormones can affect hair at any life stage. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can interfere with the hair growth cycle, causing hairs to become progressively finer, a process known as miniaturization. Hormonal imbalances, such as those seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can also contribute to hair loss. Postpartum hair loss is another common occurrence, as the drop in estrogen levels after pregnancy shifts more hairs into the shedding phase.
Vitamin deficiencies are also linked to hair loss. Insufficient Vitamin D, which the body produces with sun exposure, is common, particularly during autumn and spring in regions with less sunlight. Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, and folate can also impact hair health. Dr. Adel cautions against self-supplementing without confirming a deficiency, noting that biotin deficiency is rare, and unnecessary intake can potentially be harmful. She advises consulting a healthcare professional for blood tests to confirm deficiencies before starting supplements, especially for iron, as symptoms like fatigue and dizziness can also indicate low iron levels.
Hairstyles and Traction Alopecia
Certain hairstyles that create constant tension on the hair follicles can lead to traction alopecia. Tight ponytails, buns, and braids, often seen in viral social media trends, can stress the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. While this form of hair loss is often reversible if the tight hairstyles are discontinued, prolonged and repeated tension can scar the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss.
Around eight million women in the UK are affected by hair loss, and understanding these diverse causes can empower individuals to take proactive steps for hair health.