Here's what could be behind your hair loss

We shed hair a little at a time. Some hair shedding is completely normal. Many, however, experience noticeable shedding when the comb gathers a larger than usual clump at some point.

Hair loss in women can be distressing; greatly affecting their emotional well-being. Hair goes through a natural cycle of growth (anagen phase), transition (catagen phase), resting (telogen) and ends in shedding.

So, what are some of the causes of hair shedding?

Immense stress or shock: Telogen effluvium is a medical term used to describe temporary hair loss, which usually occurs after encountering a traumatic event.

Even though the condition does not cause total hair loss, it may result in noticeably thin hair. It occurs mostly in women after severe stress, sudden loss of weight or trauma such as surgery.

Hormonal changes that are characteristic of menopause may also cause telogen effluvium. No 60 or 70-year-old has the same hair they did when they were 15.

It is advisable to stay clear of heat treatment, artificial chemicals and straightening irons since they may damage your scalp. To promote healthy hair growth after menopause, you may as well keep it natural.

Nutritional causes: Hair thinning can be a result of nutritional deficiencies. Lack of adequate iron, vitamin B12 and proteins can cause temporary hair thinning. Dietary uptake of such nutrients could revamp your hair back to its glory.

After childbirth: Some new mums experience noticeable hair shedding a few months after childbirth. Falling oestrogen levels are partly to blame. The good thing is that most women do not have to do anything about it. Hair regains its normal fullness by the time the newborn hits a year or even earlier.

Medical therapies: Cancer treatment including chemotherapy and radiation can induce hair loss. Unless the hair follicles are damaged, the shedding should be temporary.

Hairstyles: Tight hairstyles are largely to blame for receding hairlines in most women.

Female pattern baldness: Whereas men can appear ‘cool’ while bald, it is less socially acceptable for women.