Alopecia, a condition characterized by hair loss ranging from mild shedding to complete baldness, is believed to affect over 100,000 people in Britain. While the exact cause for individuals can vary, experts are highlighting common daily habits that may trigger or exacerbate certain types of the condition.
One significant trigger identified is the repeated strain on hair follicles caused by tight hairstyles. Viral trends on platforms like TikTok that promote slicked-back ponytails and buns, often lauded for their face-lifting effect, can lead to traction alopecia. This condition arises from the constant tugging on hair, which stresses the follicles. Dermatologist Dr. Aamna Adel explains that while this form of hair loss can be reversible if the tight hairstyles are discontinued, prolonged and repeated stress on the follicles can lead to scarring and permanent hair loss.
Dietary habits also play a crucial role. Restrictive diets, such as vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies that contribute to hair loss. Low iron levels, often found in red meat, have been linked to telogen effluvium, a type of shedding. Deficiencies in zinc, vitamin B2, folate, and vitamin B12 have also been associated with hair loss. Furthermore, low levels of selenium and vitamin D, the latter often linked to reduced sunlight exposure, are connected to certain forms of alopecia, particularly alopecia areata.
"Not eating enough meat can lead to people developing nutritional deficiencies, but that's not always the case," Dr. Adel noted. "I often ask whether some of these are vegan or vegetarian because they may not be getting certain nutrients within their diet. So it's not necessarily linked to just meat, but I would say any type of restrictive diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies potentially."
Constant stress, both physical and emotional, is another major factor contributing to hair loss. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium, where a significant number of hair follicles enter a resting phase and then begin to shed a few months later. It is also thought to play a role in alopecia areata. Additionally, stress can induce trichotillomania, a psychological disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's own hair.
"Alopecia can be related to general stress. If you've had surgery, any type of stress is really either physically or mentally can kind of trigger that type of hair loss," Dr. Adel stated. "When I'm seeing people in clinic, I always tell them a trigger for you having another episode of this hair loss can be stress. So, it's really important to try to manage that as best as possible."
Experts recommend stress management techniques, including regular exercise and talking therapy, as ways to mitigate the risk of stress-induced hair loss. Managing stress is considered particularly important for individuals with autoimmune conditions, which can be exacerbated by stressful events.