Thinning hair and hair loss are a common issue for both men and women. Hair fall not only alters one’s appearance but also makes them feel insecure. The causes of this condition can range from vitamin deficiency to major illnesses. In most cases, hair loss in both men and women is treatable. However, it depends on the cause of the condition. To help you decide the best course of treatment, here are the most common causes of hair loss:

1. Physical stress
Temporary hair loss can occur due to various kinds of physical trauma. This can include surgery, car accidents, or a chronic illness. Physical trauma triggers a specific type of hair loss known as telogen effluvium. Hair has a fixed life cycle. This cycle involves progressing through 3 stages: growth, rest, and shedding. In case of a physically stressful event, your hair cycle ends up directly into the shedding phase. However, this type of hair loss is not immediately visible. It takes approximately three to six months until it is noticeable. Thankfully, with time, your body and hair both start to recover.

2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is another example of hair loss due to physical stress. However, in this case, the hormones secreted by a woman also play a huge role. Hair loss caused by pregnancy commonly occurs after the woman has given birth, instead of during pregnancy.

3. Lack of protein
Hairs require a significant amount of protein for proper health. In case, your intake of protein is lower than adequate, your body shuts down hair growth to provide protein to other parts. The effect of such hair loss is usually visible after approximately two to three months after a drop in protein intake.

4. Male pattern baldness
Every two out of three men suffer from hair loss around the age of 60 years. Most cases of this type of hair loss occurs due to male pattern baldness. A combination of genes and male sex hormones are responsible for this condition. The start of this type of hair loss is characterized by a receding hairline, which gradually takes the shape of the letter M.

5. Emotional stress
Emotional stress rarely causes hair loss as compared to physical stress. However, it is still a major cause of hair loss. For example, one can experience hair loss after a divorce or death of a close person. In most cases, emotional stress is not the direct cause of the condition. It triggers hair loss caused by any other medical condition. Similar to hair loss caused by physical stress, the shedding will gradually subside. While there is no proof that reducing stress helps with hair loss, it is advised to take all precautions possible.