Top 5 reasons you’re losing your hair
HAIR LOSS is a sad reality for some. The average person loses 80 strands a day and will only notice a change if it is significantly more than this statistic. The situation gets a little ‘hairy’ if there is no regrowth for a significant period of time, which is then considered balding. When it comes to hair loss, there are so many potential triggers, which means it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact reason why your strands are falling out and come up with a possible solution. Hair loss can be both genetic or reactive and is based on these top five reasons.
First, let us differentiate between genetic and reactive hair loss. Genetic hair loss is based on an individual being genetically predisposed to hair thinning. Hair follicles are sensitive to the male hormones. Based on the fluctuation of these hormones, the individual’s follicles will shrink over time, which will cause the hair to be finer and shorter with each hair growth cycle. Reactive hair loss is a result of an internal imbalance or upset, such as a nutritional deficiency, severe stress or an illness.
1. STRESS
We’ve seen it in movies where a woman under intense stress will experience hair loss. What may seem funny on TV is an extremely scary situation in reality. Stress raises androgen (the male hormone) levels, which in turn can cause hair loss. Stress can also induce scalp conditions such as dandruff, and also affect nutrition because persons under a lot of stress tend to have poor diets.
2. VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
We usually associate vitamin B12 with energy. However, it plays a significant role in hair growth. Vitamin B12 deficiency often causes hair loss as it can affect the health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues.
3. HORMONE IMBALANCE
If your hormones are not at their right levels, this can have a significant impact on your entire system, especially your hair. Hormones help to regulate hair growth cycle. Female hormones are hair-friendly and promote healthy follicles, which will result in thick, healthy strands. On the other hand, an excessive amount of male hormones will shorten the lifespan of the follicle.
4. AGE
If you are about to start menopause, you will notice significantly more hair loss. This is all a part of getting older and we need to understand that as we age, so do our follicles. Our hair will become thinner and shorter as the hair cycle starts to slow down.
5. HAIR STYLING
Constant pulling on our hair will cause Alopecia areata, also known as spot baldness. Excessive braiding, wearing of hair extensions and tight hairstyles will eventually lead to the thinning of your natural hair.
Ways to reduce hair loss
STYLE SMARTLY
Yes, a high bun or sleek cornrows might look nice but it can place a lot of traction on hair follicles.
TAKE SUPPLEMENTS
This is a quick and easy way to ensure you always have the right amount of nutrients needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and of course hair growth.
EAT MORE PROTEIN
Hair is made of protein, therefore, ingesting food rich in protein will improve hair growth.
TAKE A CHILL PILL
If things are out of your control there is no use worrying about it. Relax, de-stress and take it easy.
EAT MORE COMPLEX CARBS
There is no such thing as too much fruits and veggies. Eating these on a daily basis will provide your hair with the energy it needs to grow.
SOURCES
• https://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/hairguide/hair-loss/alopecia-areata
• Burden of Hair Loss: Stress and the Underestimated Psychosocial Impact of Telogen Effluvium and Androgenetic Alopecia. https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022202X(15)30963-5/fulltext.