What You Need to Know About Hair Loss and How You Can Prevent It.
Hair loss is a common problem that can attack your scalp or your whole body. Losing hair can be the effect of hormonal changes, heredity factors, medications, or medical conditions. Anyone can suffer from hair loss, but the condition is more prevalent among males.
The progress of hair loss varies from one person to another. While some people start to lose hair over the course of years, the condition can appear suddenly for some. Typically, people lose an average of 100 hairs a day. This hair loss rate doesn’t usually cause noticeable gaps, because the new hair grows at the same rate.
Noticeable hair thinning occurs when this cycle of hair shedding and growth is disrupted. The prevention of hair loss depends on the underlying reason. In some cases, regular hair washing can help with hair loss. Proper nutrition, primarily adequate levels of vitamin B and iron, is essential. In addition, the treatment for underlying medical conditions similar to anemia, hormonal imbalances, and thyroid disease may help in prevention.
Some Ways to Overcome Hair Loss
Hair Supplements
Vitamins are not only right for general health and well-being, but some supplements are specifically designed to strengthen hair. Look for a supplement containing the essential vitamins for hair. Vitamin A supports the healthy creation of sebum in the scalp, and vitamin E improves blood flowing in the scalp to promote hair follicles continue productively. Vitamin B grows hair support its healthy color. Other elements like iron, zinc, and folic acid are also commonly used in hair supplements.
Nutrition
When it comes to diet, there is a lot that you can do to make your hair healthier. Eating fish, lean meats, soy, and foods rich in proteins improves hair fitness and in turn, supports hair loss. The hair shaft includes one-quarter water, so drink at least 8 cups of water per day to stay hydrated. Use flavored water to avoid boredom if you must.
If you are losing hair, then reduce your alcohol consumption, because drinking alcohol decreases hair growth. So, eliminate alcohol to notice an improvement in hair growth. Smoking cigarettes also decreases the amount of blood that reaches the scalp, and it negatively impacts hair growth.
Exercise
Make time for physical exercise every day. Swim, walk, or bike for at least 25 minutes per day. This improves hormone levels, decreases stress levels, and increases blood flow to different parts of the body, hair, and scalp included. The link between stress and hair loss have been backed up by several studies, so don’t underestimate the benefits of stress management when it comes to your hair. Yoga and meditation are also a good way to keep stress in check, and consequently keep your hair strong.
Natural Oils and Masks
Those suffering from hair loss can take advantage of the benefits of natural oils. Put a few drops on the tips of your fingers and massage your scalp. The most important tip here is to focus on the scalp and not the hair strands. Some people do this with their hair hanging upside down in a method referred to as the inversion method. This not only helps those already suffering from hair loss, but it also helps in strengthening hair and preventing the problem from setting in, to begin with. It is also a popular way of stimulating hair growth to help hair grow longer faster. You can combine lavender in sesame oil to do this. Jojoba oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are also good options, especially when used in combination with aromatic oil.
You can also give your hair a weekly hair oil bath. Rub a mixture of oils into your scalp and run a minimal amount onto your hair, then cover with a shower cap or a hot towel for 1-3 hours before shampooing.
Hair Washing
People with oily hair often struggle dandruff. Regular hair washing is one way of stopping hair loss by way of keeping the scalp and hair clean. By doing this, you are reducing the risk of dandruff and infections that may be behind your hair loss. As an added bonus, clean hair also has more volume. Supplements are another way of treating hair loss.
Those who have a harder time with dandruff during summer due to sweating should use shampoos containing neem and aloe vera to keep their scalp fresh. If the problem is persistent, or if it affects you yearlong, try dandruff shampoos.
People who use helmets also experience hair loss during the summer months. This is because steam accumulates under the helmet, weakening the hair and making it more susceptible to hair loss problems. In these cases, it is advised to use a hair scarf or a bandana over the hair before pulling on the helmet to reduce the damage.
Hair Brushing and Styling
When the hair is wet, it is in its weakest state. So, skip brushing damp hair because this increases risks of hair loss and hair breakage. However, if you must brush your hair while wet, use a wide-toothed comb. You can also use your fingers to detangle hair, not a brush or comb. You should also refrain from using a towel to dry hair after showers. Use a cotton T-shirt instead, or let your hair dry naturally. In addition, if you use heat on your hair, now is the time to stop. Hair drying and ironing will make your hair fragile and damaged, and thus more prone to hair loss.
It is important also to be careful with how you style your hair. Haïrstyles such as braids, ponytails tug the hair follicles, which weakens the hair, and can ultimately cause baldness.
Stay Healthy
Health problems can often cause hair loss. Manage your overall health and deal with any high fevers, chronic illnesses, and infections correctly to guarantee healthy hair. Certain medicines may also have side effects that may include hair loss. Consult a doctor about any medication you are taking and whether it can cause hair loss. If this indeed is a side effect associated with the drug prescribes to you, ask the doctor if he can prescribe you an alternative medication.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
