Female Hair Loss

Telogen Effluvium

Another form of hair loss is telogen effluvium, which manifests as a temporary shedding of hair. This is often triggered by major life stresses, surgery, significant weight loss, or even events like childbirth. Essentially, an increased number of hairs transition from the growing phase to the shedding phase, leading to noticeable hair loss. Fortunately, as the stressor is removed or time passes, this type of hair loss often resolves.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and attacks hair follicles. This can result in round patches of lost hair, and in more severe cases, complete hair loss on the scalp or entire body.

Traction Alopecia

Then there’s traction alopecia, which is caused by hairstyles that pull or exert tension on the hair for extended periods. Hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or extensions can, over time, damage hair follicles leading to noticeable hair loss.

Nutritional Aspects

Nutritional aspects can’t be ignored either. A lack of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, biotin, zinc, and protein in one’s diet can lead to hair shedding. Moreover, certain medications and treatments, especially those for conditions like cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and heart diseases, list hair loss as a potential side effect.

Infections

Infections such as fungal infections of the scalp can contribute to hair loss. Likewise, chronic illnesses, like lupus and syphilis, have hair loss as one of their symptoms. Dermatological conditions leading to inflammation and scarring of the hair follicles, such as lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, also result in hair loss.