Hair loss is a common concern among many women, and it’s important to address the causes, triggers, and potential remedies for this condition.
In this article, we will explore various factors that contribute to hair loss, including medical and natural treatment options.
Understanding these aspects will help you combat hair loss effectively.
Discover proven treatments, supplements, and natural remedies to combat hair loss. Regain your confidence with healthy hair growth.
Possible causes of hair loss
Hair loss can stem from various underlying causes, each associated with different types of hair loss.
The most common types are:
1- Telogen effluvium or diffuse alopecia: This sudden hair loss can be distressing, causing concerns about permanent baldness.
2- Progressive and slow hair loss in women: Hair loss in women often occurs gradually, with a noticeable reduction in hair volume and thickness over time.
Understanding the hair cycle
Hair growth follows a cycle, and each hair strand undergoes different phases:
- Anagen phase: This is the active growth phase, lasting 2 to 6 years.
- Catagen phase: Hair is in a transitional stage, lasting 5 to 6 weeks.
- Telogen phase: Hair is at rest and mature, lasting 6 to 7 months. At the end of this phase, the hair falls out.
Approximately 90% of hair follicles are in the anagen phase, while the remaining 10% are in the telogen phase, preparing to shed and make room for new hair growth.
Normal hair loss within this cycle should not be a cause for alarm.
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition characterized by severe and sudden hair loss.
Individuals experiencing this condition typically notice an average daily hair loss of 100 to 200 strands.
The hair loss is diffuse, without a specific pattern or defined area.
However, some may observe hair recession in the temples, making that area balder than the rest.
Telogen effluvium becomes noticeable when approximately 50% of the hair has fallen out, leading to a significant decrease in volume and thickness.
Intense stress, such as exams, rapid weight loss diets, nutrient deficiencies, illness, surgery, or childbirth, is often the major trigger for telogen effluvium.
Slimming diets can be particularly damaging as they deprive the body of essential proteins required for healthy hair growth.
Deficiencies in iron, zinc, calcium, or vitamin D also contribute to hair loss.
Additionally, certain medications like antidepressants, anticoagulants, antibiotics, retinoids, and hypertension medications can induce hair loss.
Hair loss after childbirth is common due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Hair growth accelerates during pregnancy but returns to normal levels after giving birth.
This shedding phase typically lasts around 3 to 4 months.
Telogen effluvium usually lasts for 4 to 6 months and resolves on its own.
In some cases, it may persist for up to 8 to 10 months, but the hair follicles are not permanently affected.
Consulting a dermatologist is recommended to assess the severity of hair loss and determine if treatment is necessary.
Hair loss treatment
If you notice excessive hair loss, seeking dermatological assistance is crucial to identify the underlying cause.
The dermatologist will evaluate your recent experiences and events in the past few months to pinpoint the trigger for hair loss.
He will also consider factors such as your menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalances, and potential deficiencies.
Blood tests may be recommended to check for abnormalities in thyroid function, iron levels, or zinc deficiency.
During the treatment period, the dermatologist may advise against certain hair treatments, such as hair straighteners, permanent colors, or treatments based on keratin.
These treatments can potentially exacerbate the hair loss condition.
Following professional guidance is crucial to manage hair loss effectively.
Preventing further hair loss
To prevent further hair loss, it’s essential to adopt the following measures:
– Avoid hairstyles that exert tension on the hair, such as tight ponytails or braids.
– Opt for gentle and infrequent brushing, avoiding excessive heat.
– Shampoo your hair two to three times per week.
– Minimize the use of hair dryers and hair straighteners.
Supplements for hair loss
Addressing nutrient deficiencies can significantly contribute to hair regrowth.
The following supplements can help combat specific deficiencies associated with hair loss:
– Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency weakens the hair, resulting in dullness, brittleness, and subsequent hair loss.
Supplementation of 16 to 18 mg/day in adulthood (12 mg/day for men, 9 mg/day at menopause, or 25 to 35 mg/day during pregnancy) can help treat anemia caused by iron deficiency.
Consulting a physician for a blood test to assess ferritin levels is advisable before initiating supplementation.
– Zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency weakens the hair, leading to thinning, brittleness, and lackluster appearance.
Supplementation with zinc bisglycinate (#ad) at a rate of 10 to 15 mg/day for at least one month can help alleviate the deficiency.
It’s important to note that combining iron and zinc supplementation during the same period should be avoided to prevent potential interactions between these minerals.
– Vitamin D deficiency
Inadequate levels of vitamin D can contribute to hair loss.
An intake of vitamin D3 (#ad) at a rate of 1500 to 2000 IU per day can be considered to address the deficiency.
– Calcium deficiency
Calcium deficiency primarily affects bone health but can also cause brittle and dull hair.
Consuming 1g/day of calcium (#ad) divided into 2 or 3 intakes is recommended for adults.
For individuals over 50 or pregnant women, the recommended intake is 1.3g/day.
Combining calcium with vitamin D enhances its absorption in the digestive tract.
However, it is advisable not to supplement calcium while treating anemia caused by iron deficiency.
– Biotin (Vitamin B8) deficiency
Biotin plays a vital role in hair renewal and overall hair health.
While scientific evidence is limited, biotin supplementation (#ad) at a daily intake of 15 mg can potentially aid in hair regrowth.
A treatment period of 3 to 6 months is recommended.
– Folic acid (Vitamin B9) deficiency
Folic acid is essential for cell renewal and red blood cell production.
It contributes to hair growth and prevents premature graying.
The recommended daily allowance of folic acid (#ad) is 400 µg, but it should not be exceeded to avoid potential side effects.
Consulting a physician is advisable before initiating supplementation to ensure the appropriate dosage.
– Minoxidil lotion
Dermatologists often recommend Minoxidil lotion (#ad) to stimulate blood circulation and enhance skin nutrition.
This promotes hair growth and stabilizes the hair cycle.
It’s important to note that minoxidil lotion may initially cause temporary hair loss lasting for 10 days to 3 weeks.
The recommended treatment duration is 3 to 6 months, with a 2% lotion used twice a day or a 5% lotion used at night for severe cases.
Minoxidil may cause side effects such as itching, irritation, and allergic reactions.
It is contraindicated in certain dermatological conditions and cardiovascular pathology.
Additionally, Minoxidil is not effective for hair loss caused by drug treatments, underlying diseases, hormonal disorders, or postpartum hair loss.
Modern hair loss treatments
In addition to supplements, modern treatments can help address hair loss.
These include:
- PRP treatment (platelet-rich plasma)
This treatment involves taking a small blood sample and isolating a platelet concentrate with regenerative properties.
The concentrated platelets are then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
- Mesotherapy
This procedure involves injecting a specialized cocktail of vitamins and stimulants directly into the scalp.
It aims to halt the progression of telogen effluvium and promote hair regrowth.
- Cell therapy
Cell therapy focuses on repairing damaged hair follicles by injecting follicular stem cells, thereby reprogramming them from the telogen phase to the anagen phase.
This helps restore healthy hair growth.
- Laser therapy
Infrared laser light has been shown to promote tissue regeneration and stimulate hair regrowth.
Devices utilizing monochromatic red light (#ad) can be used at home to accelerate hair growth.
Laser Hair Growth System
- Hair oxygen therapy
Oxygen therapy involves exposing the scalp to pure, high-pressure oxygen to improve cell renewal, blood circulation, and overall hair health.
Natural remedies for hair loss
Alongside medical treatments, certain natural remedies can assist in combating hair loss.
These include:
– Healthy eating
Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats is essential.
Ensuring at least one nutritious meal per day is beneficial for overall hair health.
– Maintaining a regular rhythm of life
Adequate sleep is vital for hormonal balance, which directly affects hair health.
Establishing a regular sleep schedule helps maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
– Onion, garlic, and ginger
Garlic and onion contain sulfur, which strengthens hair follicles.
Ginger stimulates blood circulation, promoting hair growth.
Applying the juice of these ingredients to the scalp for 20 minutes, twice a week for 2 to 3 months, can help improve hair health.
Prior to use, perform an allergic test.
Alternatively, diluting the juice in vegetable oil for a milder solution and leaving it for 30 minutes before rinsing is also effective.
– Aloe Vera and Apple cider vinegar
Mixing aloe vera (#ad) and organic apple cider vinegar in a spray and applying it to the hair and scalp helps balance the pH level, protecting hair health. µ
The scalp’s ideal pH should be between 4.5 and 5.5, which helps combat bacteria.
Many hair care products are alkaline and do not maintain this optimal pH level.
Remaining positive and patient during the regrowth process
Remember, excessive hair loss does not mean permanent baldness.
With time and appropriate treatment, you can regain control over your hair loss and restore a normal hair growth cycle.
Be kind to your hair, practice patience, and provide it with the care it needs to facilitate regrowth.
What are your tips for managing hair loss effectively? Share your insights and experiences.
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