Hair loss is not the most thrilling thing to experience. It’s frightening and distressing. The truth is everyone loses hair. Men are more prone to hair loss than women. On average, a person loses hundreds of hairs per a day. The hair is going through its usual cycle and new hair will grow back to replace it. However, losing too much hair is more serious and there are many factors that can contribute to hair loss. Some reasons may be simple, temporary, and very complex. Here are five reasons why you might be seeing a furry hair ball after combing your hair.

STRESS

A hectic lifestyle can drain a lot of energy and increase stress levels. Any kind of stress whether it may be physical or emotional can result in hair loss.

• Physical stress is very shocking such as surgery, accident, severe illness or even the flu can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium happens when the number of hair follicles drops drastically.
• Emotional stress is less likely to cause hair loss compared to physical stress. It can happen in a divorce and death of a loved one. Emotional stress will not bring about hair loss but it will worsen existing hair loss.

What you can do:
Reduce stress levels by exercising, getting therapy or support.

HORMONES

Fluctuation in hormone levels can contribute to hair loss. Pregnancy is the number one reason for hair loss caused by hormonal change and physical stress. Hair loss is commonly seen after the birth of a child more than during the pregnancy. Just like pregnancy hormone changes cause hair loss, so can switching or changing birth control. Menopause has the same result as well.

What you can do:
If you need to take birth control, talk to your doctor about different types. Pregnancy hair loss is sometimes temporary and will grow back.

FAMILY HISTORY

Genetic hair loss is very common. Women who experience genetic hair loss tend to thin at the hairline behind the bangs. As far as family history, there’s nothing much you can do to avoid hair loss since it’s genetic.

What you can do:
You can only reduce the hair loss by eating a balanced diet and a proper lifestyle. The use of Rogaine can slow the hair loss process. The drug is effective for both men and women

PROTEIN

Protein is very essential for healthy and strong hair growth. Lack of protein causes the body to shut down hair growth. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair loss can happen two to three months after a decrease in protein ingestion.

What you can do:
Change your diet to include some protein such as fish, meat and eggs. There are also vegetarian and vegan protein sources.

STYLING

One of the biggest reasons for hair loss is over-styling the hair. Chemicals, high heat, tight braids and hot oil treatments affect the hair root and can prevent hair growth. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your hair should not come in contact with heat driven appliances and chemical products more than once a week.

What you can do:
Avoid or limit any heat styling appliances. When using a dryer, it must be on the lowest settings for heat and on cool to avoid hair damage. Don’t dye hair more than two shades from its normal color.