Hair loss can be very confusing sometimes. So many things run through one’s mind. ‘’Am I getting old? Am I using the right hair care products? What if it’s a sign that I have cancer?” As funny and scary as the questions can be, there are actually a whole lot of reasons that can make one suffer hair loss. Save your worries, there’s no need to get confused.
Today, we will tell you all you need to know about hair loss, the causes, how to prevent it and how to solve the problem of hair loss.
Hair loss which is also known as alopecia or baldness is a very common condition and it affects most people at some time in their lives. Hair loss refers to a loss of hair from part of the head or body. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body but then, the head is usually the most affected part of the body.
The Human hair is primarily made of a protein called Keratin which forms the outer protective layer of the skin providing the hair with the strength to withstand combing, brushing, chemicals and heat. Each hair shaft (part of the hair that grows out of the scalp) is made up of three different layers:
The Cuticle, outer thin layer, which acts as the protective layer against loss of moisture,
The Cortex, which contains the melanin responsible for the color of the hair. The shape of the cortex determines whether the hair will be straight or curly.
The Medulla is the innermost layer which reflects light. The growth of the hair begins inside
The Hair Follicle (a dynamic organ found in the mammalian skin) follows a specific growth cycle having specific characteristics that determine the length of the hair and it is fed by nutrients and rich blood supply and as such, poor diet disrupts the supply of nutrient to the follicle thereby affecting the growth of the hair. An overall balanced diet is essential for a shiny, lustrous and strong hair.
What causes hair loss?
It is very normal to lose about 100 strands of hair a day. However, this daily loss does not make the thinning of the hair on the scalp noticeable because new hair is springing up at the same time. Now, hair loss occurs when the cycle of hair growth and shedding is interrupted or when the hair follicles are affected. It is of worthy importance to note that most hair losses are not associated with systemic or internal disease, neither is poor diet a common factor. Hair may simply thin as a result of predetermined genetic factors and the overall ageing process.
Due to the fact that different types of hair loss exist, finding the cause of hair loss can be tasking. However, some of the common causes of hair loss include:
Genetics: this is the most common cause of hair loss usually hereditary. In males, it is called the male pattern baldness while in females, it is called the female pattern baldness.
Changes in hormones.
Medical conditions like severe illness, surgery, etc.
Medications and supplements.
Infection.
Radiation therapy.
Childbirth.
Some other causes include:
Tight braids
Over-processing of the hair using chemicals
Using rubber bands to hold the hair and incorrect hair care regime.
Symptoms
They are so many symptoms associated with hair loss. The common ones are:
Gradual thinning on top of head/ receding hairline
Circular or patchy bald spots.
Sudden loosening of hair.
How then can one prevent hair loss?
Prevention of hair loss depends on the cause. However, maintaining a healthy hair care regime with regular shampooing is a basic step. It is also necessary to eat good foods especially those that contain adequate levels of iron and vitamin B. It is of utmost importance to treat hair breakage because when a person is suffering from hair breakage, the hair is breaking off faster than it is growing and research has shown that this condition can lead to a complete and irreversible hair loss.
Here are some tips to take to heart in order to prevent hair loss:
Avoid hairstyles that put pressure on the hairline
Avoid the frequent use of heat styling tools
Be wary of frequent over-processing of the hair with chemicals
Avoid holding the hair with rubber bands
Avoid the frequent use of hair extensions as these habits make the hair to break which may eventually lead to the hair falling out completely.
Remedy
The basic remedy to hair loss is prevention. Also, it is important to always ensure that the hair is properly groomed and maintained. However, to treat hair loss, it is recommended that you use products that hair products that are targeted at restoring hair growth.
So whenever you notice you are suffering from hair loss, do not panic. Check to see if you have been doing anything to stimulate any of the aforementioned causes and apply the proper remedy. In case you still have little or no idea on what to do, worry not, it’s why we are here. Simply contact us @ www.naturesgentletouch.com and we’ll be glad to help you get rid of the hair loss.