For most people, the thought of losing hair usually evokes feelings of anxiety. While most women get to enjoy a full head of hair their entire lives, men are usually more prone to hair loss that comes with aging. Unfortunately, some men and women can also lose their hair for no apparent reason. If you are experiencing seemingly unexplainable hair loss, here are 18 probable reasons for your dimming crown of glory:

1. Hereditary

The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary condition referred to as male- or female-pattern baldness. Genetic hair loss is usually permanent.

2. Stress

Stress is also a common cause of hair loss. It results in hormonal imbalance that can cause your locks to shed.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Scientists have discovered a connection between excessive alcohol consumption and hair loss. Alcoholismis said to raise estrogen and lower zinc levels in the body, which results in weakened hair roots and subsequent hair loss. Ready to get sober? Browse our directory of rehab centers or call 866-606-0182 to inquire about addiction specialists in your area.

4. Diet

Another major cause of hair loss is poor diet. People who do not consume sufficient zinc and Vitamin B and C are susceptible to hair loss. Eating enough fruits and vegetables can help to reverse this temporary thinning of hair.

5. Illness

There are various illnesses that can lead to hair loss. These illnesses include thyroid problems, infection of the scalp, autoimmune disease Alopecia areata, various skin disorders, cancer, high blood pressure, depression, arthritis and some heart conditions.

6. Hair Products

Some hair products are said to cause hair loss in the long run. These products may weaken the root of the hair or affect the scalp in later years. It is therefore important to use the right hair products for your hair and avoid excessive use of chemicals. Furthermore, people who constantly try new hairstyles, use various hair products and comb their hair too often are at risk of losing more of it in the long run.

7. Poor Care of Hair

On the opposite side of the spectrum, those who do not take good care of their hair could also end up losing the hair with time.

8. Weather Change

Drastic changes in weather may impact your hair negatively, resulting in loss of hair.

9. Pregnancy

Hair loss during pregnancy may occur as a consequence of reduced zinc, vitamins and other nutrients that support healthy hair.

10. Menopause

Some women have experienced hair loss at menopause primarily because of the number of hormonal changes during this stage.

11. Aging

The natural aging process results in the dysfunction of various body systems and the deterioration of health. Aging may cause hair loss by having weaker hair roots, slower natural hair replacement or reduced absorption of nutrients that maintain healthy hair.

12. Discontinuing Birth Control Pills

There are women who have reported hair loss after discontinuing birth control pills or undoing a birth control procedure. Again, this usually comes as a result of hormonal changes.

13. Sudden or Excessive Weight Loss

People who have lost excessive weight or who lose weight suddenly may also experience hair loss. This happens as changes in weight affects the hormonal balance in your body, thus resulting in hair loss.

14. Hairstyles

Hairstyles that excessively pull one’s hair are said to result in temporary hair loss. To deal with this, you can leave your hair free or get a more relaxed hairstyle.

15. Washing Hair

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people will generally lose 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. This hair loss rate is usually compensated by natural hair replacement. However, washing hair may result to losing about 250 strands. For this reason, some hair specialists recommend that people avoid excessive hair washing.

16. Medication

There are some medicines and medical treatments that may cause hair loss in certain people. If you discover that your hair starts to shed when taking medication, you should consult your doctor.

17. Hair-Pulling Disorder

With this mental disorder, an individual has an unhealthy, irresistible urge to pull of their own hair.

18. Physical Trauma

Finally, hair loss may be caused by a head or scalp injury that scrapes away part of one’s hair.

If you are concerned about your hair loss, consult with your physician to discover and address the root cause. There are times when you may be able to treat or control your hair loss. Sometimes, however, hair loss may just come as a natural part of life.