Hair Fall and Hair Loss: What To & What Not To Do?
Hair Fall and Hair Loss: What To & What Not To Do?
It is not uncommon to hear women complain about hair fall or hair loss. Before diving into the dos and don’ts, it is important to understand the meaning of hair fall and hair loss. Losing 50-100 strands a day is normal and nothing to worry about. Shedding is a common process within the hair cycle, however if you feel that your hair fall might be caused due to tight ponytails, winter caps or something that is easily manageable then try to opt for loose hairstyles and caps with silk lining.
Let’s have a general look at hair loss. If you’re experiencing an abnormal amount of hair fall where many strands are shedding and causing a significant loss in volume, then this could be due to underlying hormonal, health or genetic factors. In order to address hair loss, it is important to visit a general physician or someone who specializes in this specific issue. With their guidance and a few topical tips and beneficial treatments; it is possible to retain some hair by encouraging the anagen or growth phase. Some of these methods might work, but at times medicinal intervention may be necessary. Especially if it is because of hormonal imbalance or conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Genetic issues like androgenetic alopecia, androgenic alopecia can also lead to hair loss or thinning hair, where dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affects the hair follicles. Other reasons might include lack of nutritional elements; such as protein or vitamins.
What Not To Do If You Want To Retain & Preserve Your Hair
If you are already struggling with excessive or abnormal amount of hair fall, which technically falls into the category of hair loss; then you might want to avoid the following things:
- Tight hairstyles that pull on your strands, especially baby hair
- Using heat appliances that damage your roots or cause too much stress to the hair
- Dying or bleaching your hair, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss
- Parting your hair from one side only, try to switch up hair styles and parting styles from time to time
- If your cotton pillow case is too abrasive for your strands, then you might want to opt for a silk bonnet on your head or a silk pillow case
Things To Do With Hair Loss:
- You Must Visit Your Doctor
It is important to visit your doctor to find out the root cause for hair loss. This means getting blood tests that check your hormones or any nutritional deficiencies your body might be experiencing. Once the root cause is determined, it is easier to find the most suitable treatments.
- Rosemary Oil
A study in 2015 that compared minoxidil (hair loss prevention medication) and rosemary oil concluded that this oil can also be used for androgenetic alopecia. Many people have shared that rosemary oil has helped them maintain their hair and prevent hair loss to a certain extent. However, it is best used with an integrative approach so that one can reap the best benefits out of it. If androgen levels are too high in women, they are advised a certain diet and lifestyle to prevent symptoms of androgenic alopecia. Castor oil has also been a popular choice for people who wanted to regrow their hair, however it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
- Nutritional Intake
It is important to make sure that you are getting sufficient iron, vitamin D and other vitamins to ensure that your body is not causing hair fall due to deficiency. Having a balanced diet is important, however sometimes doctors give patients booster shots for vitamin D if the levels are very low. Iron supplements are often given to women after or during pregnancy so that their bodies do not lack it.
- Other options
Other options include procedures like PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections. This is done by drawing blood and using the plasma to inject in areas of the scalp that have no hair or sparse hair. It is done to encourage cell growth; or in this case; hair growth. There have been positive and negative reviews for this procedure. For some people, it accelerates their hair growth and helps with bald spots.
Dermatologists also recommend topical solutions and derma-rolling on the scalp for a short period of time to grow hair. It is believed that this helps the scalp absorb more treatments and hence grow back. This has been contested by some individuals but others have loved it.
In conclusion, it seems that hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors. If it is genetic, then it might require more care and consistency. If it due to an auto-immune response, then it is best to manage stress and keep a close eye on your nutritional intake.
Just remember to embrace yourself because you are unique and complete within yourself. Until we meet again!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
