It turns out hair loss is a part of our daily program. It's
totally normal for us to be losing a few strands each day, but how do we know
when we've passed the threshold from normalcy to problematic hair loss? We
spoke to a dermatologist and a trichologist about the varying dilemmas
responsible for thinning out our strands and how to proactively put up a good
fight. Keep reading to learn more about the 12 major causes of hair loss,
what's happening behind the scenes, and how to bounce back given the circumstances.
10 - Pregnancy and Childbirth
One of the most frequently talked about and less frequently
explained reasons for hair loss is giving birth. Women get this beautiful head
of hair during pregnancy, with little to no shedding at all, but of course, that
doesn't last long. A few months into the postpartum period and it all comes
falling out by the handful. Why does this happen?
There are three phases to our hair's life cycle: Anagen
(growth), Catagen (transition), Telogen (resting). Hair loss only occurs during
the hair's telogen (resting) phase.
During pregnancy, the hair remains in the Anagen phase due to hormonal changes. Once the baby is born and hormones shift yet again, the hair moves into the Catagen and Telogen phases. All that hair you accumulated is finally ready to shed itself as it would've normally. Of course, having it all happen at once can feel worrisome. Don't worry mama, in a few months your hormones will balance out again and your hair's growth will too.
09 - Underlying Illness
Medical issues or underlying diseases may be playing a part
in any hair loss you're experiencing. "Thyroid issues are definitely the
number one leading illnesses that are responsible for hair loss," says
Reslan. Other hormonal issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome could also be a
part of your hair woes, as can any autoimmune disease. Reslan states that even
health issues such as Diabetes—" which is responsible for poor circulation
in the body"—can cause scalp issues and, in turn, affect your hair's
growth.
The good news is, treating any underlying medical issue will
help reverse this unwanted side effect. Dr. Zeichner tells us that if the
underlying medical issue is corrected, thinning hair will often correct itself
as well. "The process takes several months," he says, "so it is
important to be patient."
08 - Aggressive Styling
If you love a coiffure, listen up. Styling your mane is an
expressive outlet, but if you aren't delicate with your strands you may be on a
path towards hair loss. Reslan tells us that too much tension and excessive or
constant pulling of the hair can lead to something called Traction Alopecia.
Styles that are extremely tight like "snatched" ponytails, braids,
and even extensions can lead to your hair falling out. Using spiral hair ties
or silk scrunchies can be a gentler alternative to pulling your hair back
without breakage. It's also helpful to make sure you're using the right type of
hairbrush, especially when heat styling.
07 - Heat and Chemical Treatments
Over-processing your hair by bleaching and dyeing it too
frequently can cause serious breakage. Talk to your colorist about your hair
health goals as well as your color goals so they can approach your color goals
responsibly and respectfully. Taking a softer route to blonde hair via balayage
(which requires less frequent visits), not sitting under the hairdryer during
processing, and using supportive, hydrating products like Olaplex, can all make
a huge difference.
Daily heat styling can also create problems for your hair,
making it more brittle, damaged and prone to breakage. Using heat protectants
before styling, getting frequent trims, and giving yourself a few days off
between heat, styling will work together to have a major impact in preventing
hair loss.
06 - Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamins and Minerals play an important role in maintaining
our hair's health. The most common deficiencies linked to hair loss are in
Vitamin B12, Biotin, Folate, and Riboflavin. Some of these deficiencies, like
Biotin, may have other noticeable side effects, like splitting nails.
Thankfully, there are supplements to help us correct these imbalances. For this
reason alone, the case for taking a daily multivitamin has never looked better.
"Consider oral supplements with ingredients that provide
the hairs with building blocks for optimal functioning. For example, Nutrafol
contains botanical ingredients that have been clinically studied and shown to
enhance hair growth with regular use."
05 - Lack of Protein
There are reverse effects to certain dietary efforts that
could cause unfavorable results, like hair loss. "Vegans and vegetarians
generally notice weaker and finer hair growth over time," says Reslan.
"The lack of essential amino acids in non-animal protein diets has become
a big issue, especially with the rise of veganism." Getting an appropriate
amount of protein worked into our diets is essential for strong and healthy
hair growth, Reslan tells us.
Rapid weight loss and calorie restrictions can also lead to
hair thinning and hair loss, so it's extremely important to consult a dietitian
that can help you create a dietary plan specific to your body's needs before
you start restricting calories.
04 - Physical or Emotional Trauma
Any type of trauma you've experienced in your life can also
be a leading culprit to hair loss. Physical or emotional traumas can be
associated with rapid hair loss, though Dr. Zeichner says you may not see your
strands fall out until 3 to 5 months later. "This condition is called
telogen effluvium. It is unclear why," he says, "but the stressful
events send the hairs into a degenerative phase where they are rapidly
shed." Thankfully, telogen effluvium is reversible and can be treated, as
can any type of sudden hair loss.
There are two types of hair loss: chronic hair loss and
sudden hair loss. Chronic hair loss occurs slowly and usually begins with the
thinning of the hair over a prolonged period of time. Sudden hair loss occurs
quickly and all at once, usually due to stress and inflammation.
03 - Hormonal Changes
There are plenty of hormonal changes a woman experiences in
her life. Postpartum, menopause, IVF treatment, and coming on or off of birth
control are all life events that create an imbalance of hormones and lead to
hair loss. "The estrogen levels in the body will either increase or become
regulated and through that process, hair loss in the frontal area of the head
is very common," Reslan tells us. "If your hormone levels don’t
become balanced, you may experience chronic hair loss and will not see a
reversal until your levels are regulated."
02 - Stress
When we are undergoing stress, Reslan explains that the body
shuts down the least important systems in an effort to heal itself, and that
unfortunately includes the hair system. "Any situation that causes high
stress will almost always have an effect on the hair," says Reslan.
Stress has been a known link to inflammation in the body and
immunity issues, and apparently these factors link to hair loss as well. Reslan
informs us that reactionary hair loss, which is normally caused by stress and
inflammation in the body, typically shows itself suddenly. "This type of
sudden hair loss is reversible and temporary, only if your stress levels and
overall health return back to normal in a timely matter," she says.
"Prolonged episodes of stress and a stressful lifestyle can eventually
cause permanent damage to your follicles. I always recommend my clients that
are dealing with high-stress levels to take natural supplements including
Ashwagandha and CBD help calm their nerves and relax them throughout the
day. "
01 - Medications
Some medications are knowingly linked to hair loss as a side
effect. But when weighing the odds against one another, that medication or treatment
may be way more important to our overall health. So what are we left to do
about our hair?
Talk to your doctor about the longevity of your medications.
"Prolonged use of medications known to cause hair loss can result in
permanent effects," Reslan says. When hair follicle cells are challenged
for long periods of time, Reslan tells us it may cause the follicle to shrink
and become inactive.
If you've completed treatment as advised and are still struggling to see your hair grow as it once did, seek out a medical professional to help you identify the internal and external factors at play. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_design = "enhanced_links"; amzn_assoc_asins = "B004PVR6V6"; amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "6e4850174e51a6168b2624c6e4f7c025";
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