Hair Loss: Why It Happens and What You Can Do

Hair thinning and hair loss is a much more common problem than you may realize. Many of us deal with this issue, so it’s no surprise the beauty industry is going out of their way to come up with new treatments for hair growth and hair regeneration. What are the causes and what can we do to save as much as our hair as possible? 

Firstly, you need to know that simply losing some strands isn’t cause for alarm. Our scalp can naturally lose up to a hundred hairs each day. It isn’t until we start pulling hair from our head or see serious thinning of our locks that we should start worrying. 

There are many factors that can contribute to hair loss. Sometimes it may be simply a wrong hair care routine, or that you use improper products. In other cases the issues may be deeper and stem from health problems. If you’ve noticed that your hair is in worse shape than usual, maybe also not as thick, here are some facts to help you navigate through the issue. Know that up-keeping healthy hair should be a part of your self-care routine!

Why does hair loss happen?

One of the most common causes is hormonal imbalance. Apart from potential thyroid problems, losing hair can be caused by other diseases as well. Additionally, hair loss can be a side effect when taking medication. If you’ve begun taking some kind of new medicine and you’ve noticed hair thinning, look at the leaflet. This just may be the cause right there. 

Pregnant women, those shortly after giving birth, or those going through menopause also tend to struggle with excessive hair loss. Again, it comes down to hormones. Intense hormonal changes that then take place in the female body can lead to such hair issues.

If you’re feeling that something isn’t right, that you’ve been losing way too much hair than usual, or you’re leaving big amounts of hair on your brush, it may be time to visit a specialist. You can opt for getting an appointment with a dermatologist, trichologist, or general practitioner. They will run various tests to figure out the cause of your ailment. Then, they will either recommend a treatment for your issues, or refer you to a specialist if the problem stems from hormonal or other health problems. 

What are some basic causes of hair loss?

Sometimes it’s not a health issue. Hair loss can stem from improper hair care, like:

• Wrong shampoo or conditioner
• Using an overly tight hair band
• Using the wrong brush 
• Having a bad brushing technique
• Sleeping on pillow cases that are too rough (silk pillow cases are recommended)
• Over-styling your hair using heat

What does ‘over-styling your hair’ actually mean?

Over-styling includes exposing your hair to high temperatures, but also the frequent use of hairstyles that strain the scalp. Tight ponytails or buns can impact your scalp and weaken the hair follicles. Opting for a hair-pulling ponytail or bun everyday can lead to serious damage. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to give up these hairdos altogether, just remember to let your hair rest every now and then.

Things that can cause damage

There are many factors that negatively affect the condition of our hair and, as a result, lead to excessive hair loss. Choosing wrong products can be the biggest issue. An improper conditioner or shampoo can cause surprisingly many problems. That’s why it’s so important to use products intended for our hair type. 

A lot of damage can also be caused by dyeing and perming, with bleaching being the, arguably, most harmful. As aforementioned, overusing a straightener, curling iron, or even a hair dryer can have a negative effect. 

Finally, you cannot ignore the impact of stress and an improper diet. With these two factors out of balance, hair loss can become even more excessive.

Ways to fight hair loss

When it comes to caring for your hair at home, there are a few things you can try. While washing your hair, gently massage your scalp. Do this by performing circular movements with your fingers. This way you can significantly improve blood flow and the condition of your hair follicles. You can also consider the use of ampoules that strengthen and stimulate hair growth.

During your hair care routine, use products with aloe vera and sea minerals, as well as vitamins A and E. Other ingredients you’ll want to have included are jojoba oil, glycerin, collagen, and keratin. With the myriad of products available, you’ll surely be able to find something for your hair type.

If changing your everyday habits and trying out these methods still won’t solve your problem with excessive hair loss, consider visiting a specialist. You can always head to Booksy to easily book an appointment.