The desire for thick, healthy and luscious locks is one we all have, but the road to achieving the hair of your dreams can often be a bumpy one. For most individuals, the most common and persistent barrier that stands between them and their dream of rich, lustrous hair is ‘hair fall’.
Since there are many factors that can lead to a sudden loss of hair, finding out the right cause is often very challenging. Environmental factors, genetics as well as an individual’s own physical and mental health, impact their hair growth and development. To combat this issue and to deal with it in thet best way possible, we have constructed a small guide to help you figure out the underlying cause of your hair fall and how you can fix it.
Family history:
This is the leading cause of hair loss worldwide and it affects both males and females. The scientific term for hereditary hair loss is androgenic alopecia. This suggests that you’ve inherited genes from your ancestors that’ll affect your hair growth as you age. Your hair follicles are likely to shrink and stop growing hair as you get older. You may start noticing the changes as early as your teen years. Although you cannot entirely eliminate this condition, observing good care since a young age can largely slow down the process.
Physical stressors:
The human body undergoes drastic hormonal changes during pregnancy, after childbirth and during menopause. Conditions like PCOS and thyroid gland disorders also contribute to fluctuations in hormone levels, all of which affect hair growth and quality.
As the body copes with these stressors and medical conditions your hair fall may temporarily increase. However, if the condition persists for long, it is recommended that you consult a professional to make sure there aren’t any serious underlying issues.
Restrictive diet:
A healthy, well-balanced and nutritious diet with abundant protein intake is essential for proper functioning of the human body. An individual who is malnourished is likely to have thin, brittle hair with excessive hair loss. Their body directs all available energy and nutrients towards bodily processes that are essential for survival and since hair growth isn’t a priority function, it often gets neglected.
Chemicals and treatments:
Excessive use of hair products and treatments that are loaded with chemicals affects hair growth because these toxic substances accumulate within the hair follicles. Dying and bleaching your hair, using heat styling tools like straighteners and curlers and spending long durations under direct sunlight without any form of protection damages the scalp and the roots. The best thing you can do for your hair is to give it space and let it stay as natural as possible.
Medications:
Several prescription drugs for conditions like arthritis, depression, cardiac issues and high blood pressure can impact hair growth negatively. If you notice any such side effects and are starting a new medication, inform your doctor. They can recommend an alternative course of treatment.
Cancer is also another leading cause of hair fall; a weakened immune system and constant chemotherapies can permanently affect hair growth. The hair may never be able to grow back the same again.
Hair loss can be a result of numerous issues. Most of which can be solved with proper care and are fairly easy to deal with. If you notice the problem gradually getting worst we suggest consulting a professional.
Have more questions? If so contact the experts at Missouri College of Cosmetology.