What are the causes for hair Loss?
Hair loss can affect just your scalp or your entire body. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or medications. Anyone can experience hair loss, but it’s more common in men.
People typically lose about 100 hairs a day,It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day. This usually doesn’t cause noticeable thinning of scalp hair because new hair is growing in at the same time. Hair loss occurs when this cycle of hair growth and shedding is disrupted or when the hair follicle is destroyed and replaced with scar tissue.
Hair loss is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
- Family history (heredity): The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition called male-pattern baldness or female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually with aging and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair in women.
- Hormonal changes and medical conditions: A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions include alopecia areata,Thyroid,Anaemia, which causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm and a hair-pulling disorder.
- Medications and supplements: Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.
- Certain hairstyles and treatments: Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot oil hair treatments and permanents can cause inflammation of hair follicles that leads to hair loss. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
- Stress
- Excessive Weight loss
- Deficiency of proteins and vitamins, Iron Etc
A diet lacking in protein, iron, and other nutrients can also lead to thinning hair.
How can I prevent hair loss?
Dos for Hair
- Do apply a natural hair pack. Hair tends to behave badly during the monsoons, and more chemicals will only aggravate the problem. Soothe it down with a hair pack made of natural ingredients to nourish hair from within.
- Do eat more protein. As mentioned above, hair is mainly protein; so eat more protein for more hair! Monsoons are notorious for hair fall, so this is the time when your hair needs extra sustenance in the form of beans, lentils and other protein rich food.
- Do drink lots of water. When it pours, it’s unlikely that you’ll feel like reaching out for that glass of water, but it is important if you want to avoid frizzy hair. Dehydration is possible even if it isn’t blazing outside, so you need to take extra effort to hydrate yourself. Include loads of fresh fruit juices, lemon juice and plain water in your diet. You can also opt for fruits that are rich in water content like melons and apples.
- Do use a conditioner. Since fizziness is on the rise this season, sealing your cuticles and nourishing it from the outside is essential. Apart from using a mild, SLS freeshampoo, you also need to use a moisturizing conditioner for your hair. Be sure to leave on the conditioner for at least a couple of minutes to maximize its effects.
- Do keep your hair dry. Whether you’ve just had a shower or got caught in one, dry your hair at the earliest opportunity you get. Wet hair is weak, and more susceptible to damage. Use a towel but be careful not to rub wet hair or it’ll break.
Don’ts for Hair
Try not to pull, twist, or rub your hair. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of iron and protein.
Certain beauty regimens can worsen or cause hair loss.
If you’re currently losing hair, use a gentle baby shampoo or herbal shampoo to wash your hair. Unless you have extremely oily hair, consider washing your hair only every other day. Always pat the hair dry and avoid rubbing your hair.
Styling products and tools are also common culprits in hair loss. Examples of products or tools that can affect hair loss.
There are things you can do to prevent further hair loss. Don’t wear tight hairstyles like braids, ponytails, or buns that put too much pressure on your hair. Over time, those styles permanently damage your hair follicles.
- blow dryers
- heated combs
- hair straighteners
- colouring products
- bleaching agents
- perms
- relaxers
If you decide to style your hair with heated tools, only do so when your hair is dry. Also, use the lowest settings possible.
Don’t use hot water on hair. It’ll weaken your hair strands and cause more hair fall. Stick to cool water to wash your hair.
Don’t eat junk food. Filling yourself with junk food means lower intake of healthy foods which translates into dull, lifeless hair. It’s better to go easy on the caffeine as well, since it contributes to dehydration.
- Do not comb your hair when it is wet. Wet hair is prone to breakage and may lead to split ends.
- Use a wide toothed comb as it is helpful in preventing hair loss.
- Do not comb your hair very forcefully and very frequently.
- Do not tie your hair too tightly. It stretches your hair and can make your roots weak, resulting in more hair loss.
- Dry hair naturally if you can. If you are using a blow dryer then maintain a proper distance from your hair and follow all the precautionary measures.
- Trim the split ends of hair when needed.
- Protect your hair from direct sunlight and dust. They can steal the natural oils and make hair brittle and dull looking. You can use a scarf or cap to cover your hair while outside.
- Excessive colouring, straightening, curling and excessive use of chemical based products like hair gels and hair sprays also effects the hair and may promote hair loss. Try to limit their use.
10.Get sound sleep – 6 to 8 hours a day.
11.Pranayam and sirsasana are also helpful in hair loss and to promote hair growth.
12.Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, cigarettes or any other product belonging to this category.
13.Try to control excessive stress and anxiety. They may also lead to hair loss and can affect hair growth.