Hair loss, common in both men and women, is caused by a variety of factors. Many individuals ask what can cause hair loss and the answer is not as cut and dry as one might think. There are a number of diseases that have been indicated as the cause of hair loss, but it can also be caused by your physical environment. Different types of lighting, medications, hair care products, and physical injury can all contribute to hair loss.

So what causes hair loss? Let's start by looking at hormones. The level of testosterone in the body has a direct impact on whether or not an individual will lose his hair; therefore, men as early as age twenty are more likely to go bald than women. This does not exempt women from baldness due to testosterone levels, but only lessens the chances.

Genetics also play a major role in determining whether or not you will experience hair loss later in life. While patterns of baldness may be evident in both your maternal and paternal bloodlines, the maternal bloodline is the one you must keep a close eye on. Taking a close look at your family history will not help you to determine when you will experience hair loss, but it will allow you to determine the best course of preventative action.

The chemicals found in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, hairsprays, and dyes are incredibly harsh and will lead to dry, brittle, and unhealthy hair. Excessive use of these products may lead to irreparable hair damage and eventually to baldness and slowed hair growth. There are dozens of gentle and natural hair care alternatives availble to replace your current products.

Medications and diseases are also major causes of hair loss. Some over the counter and prescription drugs have the ability to cause hair loss, but the excessive and regular use of illegal drugs may cause severe damage as well. Individuals undergoing radiation treatments are likely to experience hair loss as a side effect.

Excessive and harsh hair care products and regimes are also considered to be major contributing factors when it comes to hair loss in both men and women. The chemicals found in hair care products and the excessive heat of blow-drying are very drying to hair strands. These factors alone may cause hair loss.

Those with physical illnesses that contribute towards hair loss are at a disadvantage. Not only might their illness cause hair loss, but the stress associated with their illnesses might make the hair loss even worse. Seek treatment for stress, whether it is emotional or triggered by other causes. Doing so will enable you to control your hair loss.

Both men and women can experience hair loss due to stress. Stress can be caused by physical or emotional triggers. Even medications cause hair loss, especially those used in chemotherapy treatments. In these special circumstances, care should be taken to choose hair care products that will aid in fostering hair growth instead of promoting it.