Hair Loss Mystery: Are You Making These Mistakes?
The loss of hairs is a prominent challenge for many people all around the world. Losing between 50 to 100 strands a day is normal, however, going beyond this can result in hair thinning, bald spots, or complete baldness.
This article provides a thorough guide on what causes hair loss, how to prevent it and best treatment practices to ensure healthy hair management.
1. The Hair Growth Cycle Explained
Hair growth can be categorized into three distinct phases:
A. Growth Phase (Anagen Phase)
While this phase lasts between two to seven years, it is part of the active growth stage.
Around 80-90% of the scalp remains in this phase at all times. The potential for hair length is directly correlated to this phases duration.
B. Transition Phase (Catagen Phase)
This phase lasts between two to three weeks, and growth of the hair strand ceases during this duration.
The base of the hair strand separates from the blood supply and the hair follicle begins to shrink. Read more…
C. Resting & Shedding Phase (Telogen Phase)
This phase lasts between two to three months, and while hair continues to stay in place, it does not grow anymore.
Old hairs are shed, making space for new ones post this phase.
Any interruption during these stages, like prematurely shifting from Anagen to Telogen, can result in severe hair loss.
2. Major Reasons of Hair Loss Mystery
With regard to hair loss, multiple factors can be responsible including inheritance, lifestyle, health problems, and even anxiety.
A. Genetic Hair Loss Mystery (Androgenetic Alopecia)
Also referred to as male or female patterned baldness.
It is the result of having a hereditary predisposition and having sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which progressively shrinks hair follicles.
Men are likely to have receding hairlines with bald patches, whereas women experience diffuse thinning that is usually concentrated at the crown.
B. Hormonal Imbalances and Medical Conditions
Perturbations of the Thyroid gland (whether hypothyroid or hyperthyroid) have an impact on hair growth.
Cushing’s syndrome (PCOS) for women causes hyperandrogenism that leads to hair loss.
Menopause results in low estrogen levels, which ultimately results in hair thinning.
Pregnancy and postpartum hair loss due to hormonal changes.
C. Nutritional Deficiencies
Iron Deficiency: Crucial for transporting oxygen to the hair follicles.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Associated with alopecia areata and impaired hair regrowth.
Biotin Deficiency: Increases hair fragility and shedding.
Low Protein and Zinc: Hair consists of keratin, which is a protein, thus low protein consumption negatively impacts hair growth.
D. Emotional and Psychological Stress Factors
Chronic stress ramps up the cortisol levels in your body which in turn pushes more hair into the shedding phase.
Telogen Effluvium: an extreme psychological stress that leads to a temporary form of hair loss.
The excessive amount of hair shed can be caused by sudden shock, trauma or even undergoing major surgery.
E. Hair Styling Habits & Damage
Harmful hair styling tools, such as hair straighteners, curlers, or even blow dryers, often damage the hair structure.
Perms, hair dyes and even bleach manipulative hair cuticles and are deemed harmful to the hair.
Tight hairstyles such as ponytails, braids, weaves, or even dreadlocks, can also cause hair loss.
Rough brushing, over combing or aggressive towel drying can also contribute to weaker hair strands.
Hair Loss Mystery
F. Autoimmune Diseases (Alopecia Areata)
A certain type of skin conditions which results from internal factors such as autoimmunity and endocrine issues which opens the door to patchy bald spots.
Genetics, extreme stress and even infections can be the trail triggers.
G. Medications & Medical Treatments
Undergoing chemotherapy or radiography can bring on sudden hair loss.
Pills prescribed for depression, arthritis, heart disease, or even high blood pressure can result in hair loss.
3. Types of Hair Loss
Each type and pattern of hair loss comes with its own causes.
A. Androgenetic Alopecia (Male & Female Pattern Baldness)
This the most common and widely known type of hair loss. It factors from genetics.
Men will tend to get a receding hairline along with bald crown while women will have an overall thinning head of hair.
B Alopecia Areata
This condition produces bald patches on the scalp or body at the same time, and in a circular shape.
In extreme cases, it may culminate into full hair loss (Alopecia Totalis).
C Telogen Effluvium
Hair loss that is brought about by stress, change of diet, hormonal shifts, sickness, or deficiency is usually vertex in nature.
Very common after childbirth, following a severe illness or surgery, or during such times.
D Traction Alopecia
Hair loss as a result of continuous tension and pulling of hair.
Common among those who like to tie their hair back in tight hairstyles.
E Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring hair loss)
Irreversible hair loss that happens because of inflammation, diseases of the skin, or scarring.
Complete destruction of hair follicles takes place so that regrowth is absolutely impossible.
How to prevent hair loss
Certain types of hair loss are unavoidable, but there are a few measures which one can take to maintain within normal levels and strengthen existing hair.
A Modify Your Nutrition Plan
Make sure to eat protein rich foods such as eggs, beans, nuts, fish and chicken.
Increased intake of iron and zinc is crucial spinach, pumpkin seeds, and red meat are all excellent choices.
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts, salmon as well as flaxseeds should also be included.
Maintain hydration levels while cutting out sugar and processed food.
B How To Deal With Emotional Anxiety
Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other such practices are very beneficial.
Getting on average between seven to nine hours of sleep a night is also best.
Doing regular exercise is great for circulation, especially blood flow to the scalp.
C Gentle Hair Care Products
Select shampoos that are free from sulfates and conditioners that are organic.
Hey there! So, here’s a quick tip: try not to wash your hair too often—aim for 2 to 3 times a week, and you’ll be doing just fine.
D. Give Your Scalp a Good Massage
You might want to consider using coconut oil, castor oil, or even rosemary oil for that scalp massage. Seriously, it’s not just relaxing; it actually helps get the blood flowing and can really strengthen those hair roots.
5. The Lowdown on Hair Loss Treatments
A. Medications
– Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is a topical solution that can help kickstart hair regrowth.
– Finasteride (Propecia): An oral pill often recommended for male pattern baldness.
B. Hair Transplant Surgery
– FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction): This method involves transplanting individual hair follicles.
– FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation): Here, a strip of scalp with healthy follicles is taken and moved to the thinning area.
C. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Basically, they draw some of your blood, extract the platelet-rich plasma, and then inject it right into your scalp to encourage regrowth. Interesting, right?
D. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
These laser devices are designed to stimulate hair follicles and promote regrowth. Worth a shot!
E. Natural Remedies
– Onion Juice: Packed with sulfur, it can actually help with circulation.
– Aloe Vera: Known to soothe the scalp and encourage regrowth.
– Green Tea Rinse: Those antioxidants can be quite helpful for hair regrowth.
6. When to See a Doctor?
You should definitely reach out to a pro if you notice any of the following:
✔ Sudden or heavy hair shedding
✔ Patchy bald spots or quick thinning
✔ Scalp irritation, redness, or itching
✔ Hair loss that comes along with fatigue or changes in weight Click here
A dermatologist or trichologist can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss treatment options with you.
7. Wrapping It Up
Dealing with Hair Loss Mystery can be tough, but if you get a handle on the causes and potential solutions, it can really help. Keeping a balanced diet, managing stress, taking good care of your hair, and considering medical treatments can make a big difference. And hey, if the hair loss continues, don’t hesitate to seek out a professional for tailored advice.
Oh, and by the way, would you like any suggestions on specific hair growth products or supplements? Just let me know!
