Family history
A genetic predisposition of hormonal balances and imbalances, as well as the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side of the family. Throughout our lives, testosterone and estrogen levels that convert into DHT can cause hair loss.

Ageing
As we get older, both men and women experience some hair loss. It is a normal part of the aging process and often runs in families and affects some people more than others. In men it is often referred to as Male Pattern Baldness.

Stress and Trauma
Increased levels of stress may produce increased levels of testosterone, which converts to DHT and interrupts the hair growth cycle. Stress or trauma can also constrict blood supply to the capillaries, causing a lack of oxygen, and poor vitamin and nutrient absorption for hair follicles.

Nutrition and Diet
High consumption of animal fats (such as those found in fast food), vitamin A, or rapid weight loss reduces the amounts of amino acids and vitamin assimilation needed for hair growth. Poor nutrition, biotin and iron deficiencies, limited food intake, and liquid protein diets can cause hair loss.

Health
Not all healthy bodies produce beautiful, healthy hair! Malfunction of the hormone producing thyroid (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid disease) is a known health-related cause of hair loss. The side effects of the medications used to treat thyroid diseases can also cause hair loss. Pregnant women, generally considered healthy, can also experience hair loss, generally associated with temporary hormonal changes in the body.

Medications
The side effects of drugs can cause hair loss, as hair follicles are super-sensitive to changes. Birth control, for example, is a hormone and almost any hormonal therapy can potentially cause hair loss. Steroids, specific chemotherapies as well as many blood pressure, diabetic, heart disease and acne medications can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.

Environment
Our scalps are continuously exposed to air pollutants, chlorine, metals, minerals and water pollution. Pollutants from the environment, such as pseudo- estrogens (estrogen mimics) and toxins from within our body can play a role in hair loss. In addition, free radicals (the phototoxic effects of sunlight) are formed when ordinary sunlight (or the light from fluorescent tubes or tanning beds) strikes and penetrates the skin. These harmful UV rays can unnaturally age the skin cells and may be associated with hair loss.