You might have heard the phrase, “pulling your hair own hair out,” which is usually a metaphor for extreme stress. But, did you know stress can genuinely cause hair loss? Alopecia areata is a type of hair loss that can affect 2% of the population and can happen due to stress, an overactive immune system, or simple genetics. Check these five signs if you think you might have alopecia.
1 Hair Falls Out and Doesn’t Regrow
Although some hair thinning can be due to male or female pattern baldness, hair loss where the hair doesn’t subsequently regrow is often alopecia areata. However, it’s also possible for alopecia sufferers to completely regrow their hair after several months. It can affect people very differently.
2 You’re a Woman Under 30 with Thinning Hair
If you’re under thirty and your hair is shedding more than usual, this could be a sign of alopecia – especially if you’re a woman. Female pattern baldness, where hair thins in patches, tends to happen after menopause. Losing hair before the age of around 45-50 is usually alopecia areata. It’s important to note, though, that alopecia can affect anyone of any gender- even children.
3 You’re Under More Stress Than Usual
Stress can lead to alopecia or other kinds of hair loss, so always speak to someone if you feel your mental health starting to deteriorate. It can have a drastic impact on your physical health. There are other forms of stress-related hair loss, including trichotillomania: the urge to pull out your hair.
4 Your Diet is Poor
If your diet is low in certain nutrients, it can contribute to hair problems. If you notice shedding, consider what you’ve been eating for the last few weeks. Have you been cutting out fruit and veg, or even skipping meals?
5 Hair Loss Runs in the Family
If you know that your parents or grandparents suffered from hair loss, there’s a high chance your hair loss could be hereditary. The good news is that you or your doctor can usually use this information to determine exactly what hair loss you are suffering from.
Early intervention can be vital to dealing with alopecia. Figuring out the exact type of hair condition you’re suffering, plus what’s causing it, is essential for effective treatment. You may need to speak to a hair loss expert, or in some cases, a dermatologist. Psychological support can also help with the trauma caused by a dramatic change in appearance.
Alopecia areata can recur, so always talk to a professional whenever you notice unexpected or unexplained hair loss. If you suffer from alopecia, we encourage you to visit Custom Hair Tampa Bay so you can once again love what you see in the mirror. Schedule a free consultation by clicking here.