Hair loss, medically known as Alopecia, is a sensitive topic for many. While shedding 50-100 hairs per day is normal, excessive shedding or thinning patches can be a sign of an underlying issue. Below, we’re diving into the most common causes of hair loss, as well as treatment options for both men and women.
6 Main Causes of Hair Loss
There are many culprits for hair loss, ranging from genetics to lifestyle. The most common causes of hair loss include:
1. Genetics
Genetics is one of the top causes of hair loss. Male- and female-pattern baldness, known formally as Androgenetic Alopecia shows up for men as a receding hairline and for women as overall thinning of the hair.
2. Hormones
Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or thyroid disorders can disrupt the natural hair growth cycle, leading to shedding or thinning.
3. Certain Medical Conditions/Medications
The most common medical conditions contributing to hair loss include autoimmune diseases like Alopecia Areata, scalp infections, and skin disorders like psoriasis. Medical treatments for cancer, depression, arthritis, and high blood pressure also count hair loss among their side effects.
4. Chronic Stress
Psychological stress can disrupt your hormones, disrupting normal hair growth. Under one such condition, known as Telogen Effluvium, more hair follicles enter the resting phase and subsequently shed. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and poor sleep can also put stress on our body, contributing to hair loss.
5. Nutritional Deficiencies
A lack of nutrition from your daily diet can affect your hair health. Be sure to get the recommended amounts of iron, protein, B vitamins, zinc, and selenium.
6. Hairstyling
Overuse of heated styling tools, harsh chemical treatments, and super tight hairstyles can definitely take their toll on your hair, leading to breakage and thinning over time.
6 Steps for Preventing Hair Loss
Preventing hair loss is a bit of a mixed bag. If you’re experiencing hair loss due to genetics or certain medical conditions, the protocol will differ from someone who is experiencing chronic stress and so on.
Having said that, we recommend the protocol below for preventing general hair loss:
1. Be Gentle on your Hair
Choose mild, sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners that nourish your hair without stripping its natural oils. Also try to limit the use of heat styling tools. If you must use them, use a heat protection product before styling. You could also try heatless curls for a polished look without the damaging effects of heated styling tools.
Bonus tip: Upgrade your hair ties and scrunchies to those made with silk. The smooth surface of silk helps to glide over your hair instead of snagging like some less expensive hair elastics.
2. Promote Circulation In Your Scalp
Healthy hair needs a healthy scalp! Boost cell turnover in the scalp by adding a regular scalp massage to your hair care routine. A gentle scrub on your scalp not only feels fantastic but it increases circulation which stimulates healthy hair growth.
3. Address Your Stress
Try incorporating stress-reducing activities into your day such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing. Prioritizing great sleep (7-9 hours!) will also go a long way in keeping stress at bay. A few tips: stick to a consistent sleep schedule, limit screens one hour before bedtime, and keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
4. Eat Your Way to Fuller Hair
Hair needs vitamins and minerals to maintain its strength. Eating oily fish like salmon which contains Omega 3 and 6, promotes healthy production of the natural oils your hair needs to stay healthy. Having a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is also vital for hair health. At a minimum, try adding berries, leafy greens, beans, and avocado to your diet.
5. Visit Your Stylist Regularly
Getting regular haircuts aids in hair growth, removes damaged hair and promotes overall healthier strands.
How Often to Cut Your Hair:
- Long hair = Trim every 6 – 12 weeks
- Short hair = Trim every 4 – 8 weeks
If you’re generally following the above guidelines and are still seeing hair loss or thinning, you could be dealing with an underlying issue that your medical professional can help you pinpoint.
6. Try Top Recommended Products
At Current Salon, we carry a few great hair thickening products:
- Kevin.Murphy Plumping Line: Boost the volume of your hair with Kevin.Murphy’s thickening regimen, featuring cutting-edge eyelash thickening technology. Powered by tripeptides, it strengthens and thickens fine or thinning hair.
- Eufora Thickening Regimen: Transform fine, limp hair into thicker, fuller-looking locks that shine and feel soft. This lightweight styling solution provides the look of denser, more voluminous hair with every use.
Concerned about thinning hair or scalp issues? Come in for a consultation with one of our stylists for a product recommendation.
Maintain Healthy Hair in Ashburn, Virginia
Hair loss treatment takes time, and results may vary. Consistency and patience are key to the journey. If we can help you feel more confident about your look, contact us to schedule an appointment with our award-winning stylists at Current Salon!