Hair loss happens to a lot of people in many different forms. There’s male pattern hair loss, alopecia, hereditary hair loss, thinning hair and receding hair lines. Just as there are many different types of hair loss, there are many different causes for common hair loss. Understanding where hair loss comes from can sometimes help you deal with thinning hair.

Identifying the cause of your hair loss can help you find solutions that suit your needs. One of the first major causes of hair loss is stress. Stress is more than just an emotion. It effects your body on a biochemical level. It literally changes your blood chemistry so that you begin shedding more hair than normal. Taking steps to reduce your stress and to calm yourself will help your mind, body and hair.

Another common cause is heredity. Unfortunately, for some of us, losing our hair is in our genes. Lifestyle choices can make a difference in whether or not the genetic predisposition for hair loss is experienced fully. But if you carry the gene for baldness it will most likely set in before the age of 40. There isn’t much you can do about hereditary hair loss to prevent it, but there is a lot that you can do to reverse the effects.

Hormonal problems are another common cause for hair loss. A certain type of hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) can cause the weakening of hair at it’s roots and eventual hair loss. This is the most common cause of male pattern baldness, since DHT is a form of testosterone. Women can also experience hormonal hair loss. When a woman changes her hormone levels through using artificial hormones like birth control or hormone replacement therapy, it can have a big impact on her hair loss. With these types of hair loss, it’s best to consult an expert.

Your diet may play a major role in whether or not you lose your hair. Just as you’d expect, a diet of fast food and other nutrient deficient meals lays the groundwork for thinning hair. Adding calcium, silica and iron to your diet will help you slow hair loss. These nutrients can be found in green leafy vegetables, raw oats and cherries. Cutting down on the fat in your diet has also been proven to help reduce hair loss. Just make sure to keep your iron levels up with lean protein, whole grains and eggs.

Improper hair care can also lead to hair loss. If you use a lot of styling products or overdry your hair with heated styling tools, you could be contributing to your hair loss. Women who often wear their hair in a ponytail or otherwise pulled back can exacerbate hair loss. Hair loss of this type can be minimized by changing your hair care habits. Give your hair deep conditioning treatments that will help your hair at the root, and you’ll encourage it to grow long and strong.

If you’re really concerned about hair loss, you should consult with a hair restoration expert. He or she can help you pinpoint the causes of your specific type of hair loss and help work with you to find a solution.