Hair thinning and hair loss are concerns that can affect both men and women, often for a variety of underlying reasons. While certain factors may be specific to each gender, many of the causes are shared, says biomedical scientist and skincare expert Dr Judey Pretorius.
Hair loss is a multifaceted issue that impacts many individuals, and understanding its causes is the first step towards finding effective solutions. Below, we’ll unpack some of the most common reasons why both men and women may struggle with this condition.
1. Genetics (hereditary factors)
- Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia): In men, this is the most common cause of hair loss. It typically starts with receding hairlines and thinning at the crown.
- Female pattern hair loss (FPHL): While less common, women can also experience genetic hair loss, which frequently manifests as overall thinning or a widening part rather than full bald patches.
2. Hormonal changes
- Androgens: Both men and women can experience hair thinning due to the effects of hormones such as androgens. For men, this typically leads to male pattern baldness, while women can experience thinning as they age, particularly around menopause when hormone levels fluctuate.
- Pregnancy and postpartum changes: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and after childbirth can lead to temporary hair shedding in women.
- Thyroid imbalances: Both men and women can experience hair loss due to thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
3. Nutritional deficiencies
- A lack of essential vitamins and minerals – such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D – can lead to hair thinning. A poor diet or underlying health conditions that affect nutrient absorption can contribute to hair loss in both genders.
4. Stress
- Telogen effluvium: Both men and women can experience temporary hair shedding after a stressful event, such as illness, surgery, or emotional stress. Stress causes hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to shedding.
- Chronic stress can also exacerbate other underlying conditions that cause hair loss, such as autoimmune disorders or hormonal imbalances.
5. Autoimmune disorders
- Alopecia areata: This condition causes hair loss in small patches, and it can affect both men and women. It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
- Other autoimmune conditions: Conditions like lupus or thyroid disease can also contribute to hair thinning in both men and women.
6. Medications and treatments
- Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and even some antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect. Both men and women who undergo treatments for various medical conditions can experience hair thinning as a result.
7. Ageing
- As people age, the rate of hair growth slows down, and hair follicles may become smaller or shrink, leading to thinner hair. This is a natural part of the ageing process for both men and women, although it often becomes more pronounced in men due to male pattern baldness.
8. Environmental factors
- Pollution and harsh chemicals: Exposure to environmental pollutants or the use of harsh hair care products can weaken hair strands and contribute to hair thinning. This affects both men and women, particularly those who frequently use styling products or heat treatments.
- Sun damage: Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage hair, causing it to weaken and thin over time.
9. Scalp health
- Dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis: Chronic scalp conditions can lead to hair thinning. Conditions like dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis cause irritation and inflammation on the scalp, which can affect hair growth.
- Scalp infections: Bacterial or fungal infections on the scalp can also result in hair loss if left untreated.
10. Lifestyle factors
- Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of hair loss, as it can damage the hair follicles and reduce blood flow to the scalp.
- Poor hair care practices: Overwashing, tight hairstyles, excessive use of heat styling tools, or harsh chemical treatments can cause hair to break and thin over time.
11. Underlying health conditions
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and anaemia can contribute to hair loss in both men and women due to the impact on overall health and hormone levels.
- Scalp conditions: Conditions such as psoriasis, fungal infections, and dermatitis can cause hair thinning, as they interfere with healthy hair growth.
Both men and women often experience hair thinning or loss due to a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, hormonal changes, and environmental influences. The treatment and management of hair loss typically depend on the underlying cause, and addressing these issues early on can help mitigate or slow further hair thinning.
About the author
Dr Judey Pretorius is an accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master's degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics.
Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments.
She is the co-founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment.