Can your hair loss be genetic?

Hair loss or balding is caused mainly due to genetic or hereditary factors. However, hormonal imbalance, low immunity, stress, dietary habits, nutritional deficiency, sedentary lifestyle and intake of drugs aggravate hair-loss symptoms.

Pattern hair loss or common baldness is the bane for both men and women. Hair thinning becomes obvious when more than 50% of hair succumbs to the effects of dihydrotestosterone. It is often too late to reverse or stop hair fall.

Androgenic alopecia or the commonest form of balding follows a pattern. The hair loss starts at the temples or the crown. The pattern of progression and the extent and speed of male pattern baldness, is largely dictated by genetics, hormones and age.

Some diseases which may affect hair loss are alopecia areata, globalis, universalis, psoriasis, trichotillomania, hormonal imbalances and post chemotherapy or due to injury.
Here are some steps that can cure or prevent hair loss:

* Follow a balanced diet
* Regular exercise is a must
* Avoid chemical-based skin and hair-care products. Don't go in for products containing SLS, SLES, paraben, dyes and sulphates.
* Use natural and organic products to flush out the toxins from your skin and hair naturally.

(The author is founder, Dr A's Clinic)