Experiencing hair loss and hair thinning can be frustrating and demoralizing, but we aren’t powerless to prevent some of the causes.

Often, hair loss is is attributed to genetic predisposition. We assume that we have a natural tendency toward hair loss, and that it is unavoidable without potentially dangerous drug or surgical intervention. These solutions, however, are often costly and damaging to the body. The good news is that hair loss has many causes that can be remedied naturally.

1. Mental and physical stress.

Stress puts a strain on the entire body. Mental stress has been linked to several types of hair loss, including telogen effluvium and alopecia areata. Find what works for you when it comes to reducing stress. Get enough sleep, exercise, keep a journal, or consider seeking professional help from a therapist, especially if you are experiencing high levels of stress. Physical stress may be from injury, but it may also come from untreated health conditions. Health issues such as thyroid disease, lupus, and ringworm of the scalp can cause hair loss, and treating these conditions if they are present is the first step in treating the resulting hair loss.

2. Poor nutrition.

Poor nutrition affects the entire body and is often overlooked as a cause of hair loss and hair thinning. The state of our hair often reflects the state of our body. When the body is not receiving the vitamins and minerals it requires to function, our hair suffers. Iron deficiency is a leading cause of hair loss in women, and deficiencies in Zinc and B12 have also been linked to hair loss. Eating the right foods as part of a healthy and balanced diet is vital in achieving optimum health.

3. Method of hair styling.

Tight braids and hair styles can lead to hair loss around the hairline, a condition known as traction alopecia. Braiding hair tightly or pulling hair up into a tight ponytail strains the delicate hair around the face and forehead. Instead, braid hair loosely and use ponytail holders that are large enough to accommodate the thickness of the hair. Never use rubber bands, which become tangled in the hair and cause breakage. There are also ways to minimize hair breakage and loss by eliminating the common mistakes we make in the way we wash, brush, and dry our hair.