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There is no escaping of traces of our hair everywhere we go: on our pillows, on the floor, in the sink. Most days there is a cluster of hair on our hairbrushes. What a nightmare! On one hand, hair loss is a natural part of their cycle. Irrespective of their length, colour or type, at least some of the hairs currently residing on your scalp are in their final stages of growth, ready to step aside for new ones to form.
However, sometimes hair loss can be a big cause for concern, and for a good reason. Trichologists would back this up, as baldness is no longer just a concern of middle-aged men but is also something faced by women. And age does not come into play here. So, what is it that causes hair loss? More importantly, what adjustments in your hair routine should you make to tackle this issue?
The severity of the problem can be easily self-diagnosed via a basic head count. As a norm, we shed 80-100 hairs a day. Anything more would warrant a visit to the doctor. An initial assessment from a GP would help determine the state of your health and redirect you to an endocrinologist, gynaecologist, neuropathologist or a trichologist, if necessary. Before you choose any particular treatment, it is vital to identify the root causes.
The so-called bad genes are often the cause of hair loss in men, linked to their levels of dihydrotestosterone hormone. This can also be the cause of hair loss in women, known as androgenetic alopecia and usually a result of thyroid disfunction. A simple hormone test would help rule this cause out. However if heightened levels of dihydrotestosterone are found, it can result in bald patches around the forehead, temples and head crown.
“Meanwhile, the follicles on the sides of the head are completely unaffected by androgen levels, continuing to grow irrespective of the concentration of androgens in the blood,” writes Professor of Dermatology Kurt Stenn of Yale University’s School of Medicine in his book Hair: A Human History.
Chronic stress is a frequent cause of health concerns. When it comes to hair, even a one-off stressful event can become a trigger. For example, in cases of alopecia areata hair loss can occur in patches anywhere on the body as a result of extreme stress. In brief, for cases of alopecia areata the immune system identifies hair follicles as an outside invader and, essentially, something to get rid off by entirely blocking their activity.
By following a strict food regiment, you can prompt a deficit of minerals, vitamins and such vital microelements as iron. Dry and dull skin would be the first alarm bell, followed by the condition of your hair and nails, which will likely become weak and brittle.
Air pollution in big cities has a negative influence on the condition of our skin. And our scalp is no exception. According to lead researcher Hyuk Chul Kwon from the Future Science Research Centre in the Republic of Korea, one of the causes of hair loss is the so-called particulate matter (PM), which consists of microelements of dust, ash, tire wear, exhaust emissions and metal oxides in the air.
Some of them are even small enough to penetrate the skin’s barrier and cause inflammation. Although research has only been able to demonstrate the adverse effects of PM on hair bulbs cells in lab conditions, this factor is already worth considering.
Hormonal causes are best handled by a medical professional. Otherwise, the usual healthy lifestyle and stress avoidance advice aside, there is a whole set of practical recommendations to help prevent hair loss and encourage its growth.
Make sure antioxidant-rich foods are part of your daily diet. This can include tomatoes (lycopene), grapes (polyphenols), green tea (catechins) and peanuts (resveratrol). Hair also thrives off foods which provide the body with the necessary supply of Omega oils and vitamin D like fish, vegetable oils and eggs. Last but not least, it is the importance of consuming probiotics like yogurt, kimchi and miso soup which are all known to promote healthy hair growth.
Adding vitamins and microelements such as iron, selenium and zinc to the mix can help in cases where hair loss is caused by a deficiency in these elements. This can result from a poor diet or chronic stress, which has a negative impact on the adrenal glands, further depleting the body’s reserves. An all-around holistic approach is always best, for even the best quality dietary supplements can be a complete waste of your pennies, if your mental health is overlooked.
Individual hair type and scalp needs should always be considered when choosing a hair product. Build your routine around the idea of neutralising the impact of aggravating external factors such as PM.
If the usual hair care products do not do the trick, consider products specifically labelled as targeting hair growth. Such products typically include ingredients which can resuscitate and activate hair follicles. Here is what you will need: