Including post-traumatic stress disorder.. 5 “surprising” causes of hair loss

Stress, genetics, and chemotherapy are the most common causes of hair loss in both men and women, but other factors, such as disease and bacteria build-up, can also cause this problem.

Here are 5 possible "surprising" causes of hair loss, including too much dry shampoo and air pollution.

Using too much dry shampoo can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can lead to hair loss

Dry shampoo is a hair product that absorbs oil to keep hair looking clean without washing it out.

Many dry shampoos contain starch, flour, or talcum, and come in either a powder or aerosol form.

Dermatologists explained to Business Insider that excessive use of this product can cause hair loss.

The accumulation of dry shampoo on the scalp can trap bacteria, causing inflammation of the hair follicles in the form of pimples or cysts.

Dermatologists said that the pustules or cysts dry up and turn into crusts, which leads to disruption of hair follicles and hair loss.

Dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum explains that dry shampoos that contain alcohol can also dry out the hair shaft, causing hair to stick together.

She added that hair that sticks together falls out in a greater amount through natural shedding and combing, compared to healthy hair.

People with PTSD can experience hair loss

Psychologists recently explained, via Refinery29, that PTSD can elevate a person's stress hormones for long periods of time, causing hair loss months after exposure to the traumatic event.

Those infected with “Covid-19” may experience hair loss

Many COVID-19 patients have reported temporary hair loss, a claim bolstered by a January 2021 study published in The Lancet that identified hair loss as a symptom of “long-term Covid” in the months following infection with the virus.

Like PTSD, illness and fever are stressors that cause the body to "turn off" nonessential functions, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

The researchers said that although hair loss is common 2-3 months after a fever or illness, most people see their hair appear normal again and stop falling out 6-9 months after they become ill.

Weight loss can mean hair loss in some cases

Some fad diets and intense intermittent fasting can lead to hair loss and other disruptions in bodily functions because they deprive the body of essential nutrients.

Hair loss is also common among weight loss surgery patients, according to Penn Medicine

Not eating enough protein, the substance that hair follicles are made of, and low levels of vitamin D and iron are common causes of hair loss.

Plastic surgeon Alexander Zoririn confirmed that a diet that includes salmon, lentils, fortified milk, dark leafy vegetables and eggs can help prevent and reverse hair loss.

Air pollution may hinder hair growth, but more research is needed

Air pollutants from burning fossil fuels and industrial activities contribute to long-term health problems such as heart and lung disease.

So researchers are studying how these molecules affect our skin and hair.

A 2019 study from South Korea found that exposure to diesel particles and dust reduced levels of cells that determine hair growth and retention.

"We know that healthy scalp skin is important to healthy hair growth and that pollution can damage your skin," said trichologist Michelle Blaisor. "And if the skin is compromised, the hair follicles can be affected because the follicle is one of the ends of the skin."

But more research is needed to better understand how pollution affects hair growth.

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