1. Nutritional deficiencies
It could be possible that essential nutrients
may be missing from your diet such as iron, copper, zinc and proteins.
Deficiency of vitamin D is another cause of hair loss. In order to avoid this,
make sure to get out and soak up some sun.
2. Hormonal Imbalance
After the age of 30, women can experience
hormonal imbalance which can cause hair loss. This is usually caused by
excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT) conversion. Even though estrogen is the
main hormone that women produce, testosterone and other androgens such as DHEA
also occur in the female body. As women reach a certain age, they may begin to
convert these androgens to DHT.
3. Thyroid issues
If the thyroid gland, which is at the front
of the neck, produces excessive or an insufficient amount of the thyroid
hormone, then the hair growth cycle may change. However, if you do have a
thyroid issue, you will notice other symptoms along with hair loss such as
weight gain or loss, sensitivity to cold or heat, and changes in heart-rate.
4. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
have a hormonal imbalance which creates higher levels of androgens than normal.
This often causes hair to grow on the face and body, while hair on the head
grows thinner. PCOS can also lead to ovulation problems, acne, and weight gain.
5. Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills can cause hair loss. The
hormones in the pill that suppress ovulation can cause hair to thin, especially
in women with a family history of hair loss. Sometimes hair loss can occur when
you stop taking the pill. Other drugs associated with hair loss are blood
thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease,
arthritis, and depression.
6. Stress
Extreme stress can cause sudden hair loss
which could last for several months. Minimizing stress through exercise,
meditation yoga and massages will reduce your chances of experiencing hair
loss.
7. Hair styling products
Over-treated hair can lead to hair loss due
to the toxic chemicals found in dyes and styling products. Similarly, almost
all shampoos contain Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which has a toxic effect on
your immune system and has been proven to corrode hair follicles and impede
hair growth. It is advisable to stick to natural shampoos and dyes.
8. Medical Conditions
- Telogen effluvium
general shedding from all over the head. We
typically lose some 100 hairs a day but sometimes shedding accelerates due to
stress, illness, medication or hormones. Hair generally grows back within six months.
- Androgenetic alopecia
in women, hair generally thins in the top,
frontal area, just behind the hair line, but stays thick at the back. An enzyme
causes conversion of the male sex hormone testosterone to another hormone,
dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing the hair follicles to produce thinner hair
until they stop.
- Alopecia areata
an autoimmune disease that affects up to 2%
of the population. It causes round patches of hair loss and can lead to total
baldness. In many cases, the hair regrows.
- Ageing
As we age, the rate at which our hair grows
tends to slows down. Hair strands get smaller and have less pigment, and hair
becomes thinner, finer, and grey. In order to keep your hair healthy, eat whole
foods which help to keep your body youthful, as well as your hair. If you have
premature grey hair, you can find here natural supplements that can help you.
- Genetics
Hair loss that is genetic is known as
androgenetic alopecia and is known to be the most common cause of hair loss.
The gene can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side of the
family, though you're more likely to have it if both of your parents had hair
loss.
Tips For Controlling Hair Fall
1. Shampoo
It is extremely important to understand your
scalp type and choose the right shampoo. Also, you need to wash your hair
depending upon your scalp. For instance, over washing hair with dry scalp can
lead to hair fall, or not washing oily locks thrice a week can lead to the
same.
Further, make sure the shampoo is not loaded
with chemicals including sulfate, paraben and silicone that can make your
tresses brittle and hence, prone to breakage.
2. Conditioner
A good conditioner can work wonders for your
locks. It contains amino acids that help to repair damaged hair, and also helps
to keep them smooth.
3. Diet and Exercise
You need to feed your hair all the right
nutrients particularly plenty of protein and iron. However, along with eating a
balanced diet ensure you are exercising side by side. Yoga and meditation are
effective in reducing hair fall.
4. Chemical Treatments
Undergoing rigorous hair treatments like
straightening, perming and colouring are definitely not kind to your tresses.
Further avoid using blow dryers, curling rods, especially on wet hair as they
actually boil the water in your hair shaft and make them brittle.
If you really need to use a blow dry, then
keep it on the lowest heat setting. If using other products that heat your
hair, start with a fortifying leave-in conditioner and finish with a protective
spray.
5. Oiling
Oiling improves blood circulation and
nourishes the roots. Make sure to massage your tresses once a week with oil
that suits your scalp. Cover it with a shower cap and wash it off with a mild
shampoo after two hours.
6. Too many styling products
Using too many chemically laden products on
your hair could prove harmful in the long run. It’s best to give them a break
and try natural home-made recipes instead.
Natural Remedies like Irish moss can be used to treat hair fall others include
Egg Masks
1. Egg mask
Eggs are rich in sulphur, phosphorous,
selenium, iodine, zinc and protein, which together help promote hair growth.
2. Licorice root
This herb prevents hair loss and further
damage to the hair. It helps soothe the scalp and get rid of any dry
flakes/dandruff.
1. Make a paste by adding a tablespoon of
ground licorice root and a quarter teaspoon saffron to one cup milk.
2. Apply this to your scalp and hair length
and leave it on overnight.
3. Next morning, wash your hair.
4. Repeat this twice a week.
