It can be alarming to notice more hair than usual in your brush, on your pillow, or circling the shower drain. Maybe your ponytail doesn’t feel as full as it once did, or you’ve noticed your part getting a little wider.The truth is, some hair shedding is completely normal. Most people lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. But if you’re seeing a noticeable change in your hair’s thickness or experiencing excessive shedding, it’s worth paying attention.Hair loss isn’t always caused by the same thing. In fact, identifying the reason behind your hair loss is one of the most important steps in finding the right treatment.
Here are three of the most common causes of hair loss in women
1. Telogen Effluvium: Hair Loss Triggered by Stress
Have you been stressed lately? Maybe you were sick, had surgery, welcomed a new baby, lost a significant amount of weight or experienced a particularly difficult season in life.
Sometimes, your hair responds to that stress.
Telogen effluvium occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle at the same time. The result is increased shedding…but not right away. Many women don’t notice the hair loss until two or three months after the stressful event, making it difficult to connect the two.
Common triggers include:
* Illness or infection
* Surgery
* Childbirth
* Rapid weight loss
* Emotional stress
* Iron deficiency or other nutritional deficiencies
* Certain medications
The good news is that this type of hair loss is usually temporary. Once the underlying cause is addressed, the hair often begins to recover over the following months.
2. Traction Alopecia: When Your Hairstyle Is the Problem
Many women love protective styles like braids, twists, cornrows, weaves, locs, or sleek ponytails. While these styles can be convenient and beautiful, they can also place constant tension on the hair if they’re installed or worn too tightly.
Over time, that repeated pulling can damage the hair follicles, especially around the hairline and temples. This condition is called traction alopecia.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if your hairstyle hurts, that’s just part of the process. It isn’t. Pain, bumps along the hairline, or excessive tightness are signs that your scalp is under too much stress.
The encouraging news is that traction alopecia can often be reversed if it’s caught early. Loosening hairstyles, giving your scalp regular breaks, and avoiding constant tension can help protect your hair. However, if the damage continues for years, the hair loss can become permanent.
3. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA)
CCCA is a condition that every Black woman should know about.
Unlike temporary shedding, CCCA is a form of scarring hair loss that most often begins at the crown of the scalp and gradually spreads outward. As inflammation damages the hair follicles, they are replaced with scar tissue, making it difficult — or even impossible — for new hair to grow in those areas.
Some women notice tenderness, itching, burning, or flaking of the scalp. Others simply notice gradual thinning without any discomfort.
Because CCCA is progressive, early diagnosis is incredibly important. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance of slowing the condition and preserving the hair you still have.If this sounds like you…
When Should You See a Dermatologist?
If your hair has been thinning for several months, you’re noticing bald patches or your scalp feels itchy, painful, or inflamed, don’t assume it’s just stress or aging.
Many forms of hair loss can be treated but the treatment depends on getting the diagnosis right.
At Skin Wellness & Laser Centre, a thorough scalp evaluation can help determine what’s causing your hair loss. Depending on the diagnosis, your treatment may include medications, lifestyle changes or procedures such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for appropriate candidates.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss can be frustrating and emotional, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. More importantly, not all hair loss is permanent.
Whether it’s temporary shedding after a stressful event, damage from years of tight hairstyles, or a medical condition like CCCA, getting answers early can make all the difference.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hair or scalp, don’t wait until the problem becomes more noticeable. The sooner the cause is identified, the sooner you can begin a treatment plan that’s right for you
Ready to take the first step? Contact Skin Wellness & Laser Centre to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized assessment of your hair and scalp. Visit www.skinwellnesscentre.com to learn more about available treatment options and book your appointment.
Early action can make all the difference in protecting the health of your hair.
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