Producer: Mehak PalEditor: Aparna Singh | January 29, 2025
Here's a look at some major causes of hair thinning.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss or hair thinning.
Medical conditions
Genetics plays a significant role in hair thinning, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female-pattern baldness.
Genetics
Hormonal changes are a major factor in hair thinning, especially for women. Conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt the normal balance of hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Hormonal imbalance
Studies suggest that chronic stress could increase cortisol levels, which, in turn, disrupts the hair growth cycle and causes excessive shedding.
Stress
Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and biotin are commonly linked to hair loss.
Vitamin deficiencies
Regular use of harsh chemical treatments, such as dyes, perms, and relaxers, can weaken hair and lead to hair thinning over time.
Frequent hair treatments
Frequent use of heated styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause significant damage to hair.