Reasons for Hair Loss and Ways to Grow it Back
What Is Hair Loss?
There are nearly 100,000 hair follicles on your head, and daily, losing approximately 100 strands is considered pretty normal. This loss isn’t noticeable because of the hair growth cycle. It’s important to be aware of the amount of hair you’re losing. If you feel like you’re losing more than 100-150 strands, you should consult with a dermatologist. Hair loss can be an indicator of your hormones, thyroid condition, an illness, and overall health.
Luckily, there are many things you can do to prevent or reduce hair loss and care for your hair.
What Causes Hair Loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is female-pattern or male-pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is caused by genetics, passed on from either parent. In female-pattern baldness, hair begins to thin, in male-pattern, the hairline starts to recede. In women, you’ll oftentimes see the hair loss at the parting of the hair. In men, you’ll see it at the forehead or, less frequently, at the crown of the head.
Surgeries, traumatic events, and major illnesses can also prompt hair loss. Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism are one of those common problems that causes hair loss. When the thyroid gland is producing too much or too little hormone, it’ll affect the energy the thyroid provides for your organs and muscles.
If your diet lacks iron, protein, and certain B vitamins, then you may experience thinning hair as well.
How to Prevent Hair Loss and Care for Your Hair?
Consider the following tips to prevent hair loss:
1. Eat whole-food, well-balanced diets. Hair is made from keratin; Foods high in iron, protein, and Vitamin C are your best options.
2. Speak to your doctor about taking supplements. Do not take them without consulting your doctor first.
3. Avoid putting your hair in tight braids and ponytails.
4. Give your scalp a massage while washing your hair. This increases blood circulation and promotes hair growth.
5. Use shampoos with Vitamin E and Biotin.
6. Decrease your stress level.
7. Protect your hair from excess sun exposure.
8. Consider quitting smoking.
Hair loss is a common condition that affects many Americans. It can be triggered by many factors such as the environment, medical conditions, stress, and even medications that we’re taking to treat an underlying illness. However, there are many hair loss and care steps that you can take to support your hair’s regrowth. Regardless, aging is a natural and beautiful process, sometimes it is inevitable to experience thinning hair and it’s time to accept it.
