For most people, hair is considered their crowning glory. Some view hair as a status symbol, a display of beauty or it is used to command power and attention. Therefore, when hair loss sets in it is quite devastating to the human psyche and ego.
At certain intervals of our lives both men and women experience significant hair loss. It first begins in the teen years when hormones are fluctuating and stress levels are high due to puberty, inadequate nutrition, weak immune systems, family, and issues surrounding socialization.
These factors do not only trigger hair loss but a condition known as alopecia areata. This is a disorder which attacks the body’s immune cells and hair follicles thus causing substantial hair loss. Quite a few teenagers are plagued with alopecia which causes their hair to fall out in clumps leaving bald spots on the scalp.
Later on in life as both men and women mature they are confronted with the revelation of continual hair loss due to menopause and andropause.
Menopause causes women hair lose due to hormone fluctuations while andropause cause men to experience male pattern baldness. Combined with factors such as physical and emotional stress, weight loss, and overindulgence in some vitamins such as A & D quite a number of middle aged individuals are coping with the reality of losing their natural tresses at alarming rates.
A good percentage of men experience male pattern baldness and receding hair lines as early as their teens due to hormonal changes. As they get older, the baldness may be caused due to health conditions concerning the prostate and genetics. Male pattern baldness is said to be an inheritable trait from the mother’s genes.
Here are the top 20 reasons hair loss may occur:
- Long Term Medications
- Infection
- Harsh Chemicals (dyes, perms and hairsprays)
- Hair Extensions
- Chemotherapy
- Vitamin Deficiency
- After Birth Hair Loss (pregnancy)
- Lack of Protein
- Hormonal Issues (stopping birth control pills)
- Genetics
- Radiation
- Excessive Hairstyling (buns, pony tails and tight braids, or brushing too often)
- Diabetes
- Aging
- Thyroid Disease
- Fungal Infection (tinea capitis)
- Anemia
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Chronic Illness
- Malnutrition
The truth of the matter is, hair loss can occur at any point in a human being’s life, especially if he/she is experiencing health woes due to improper nutrition. Hair loss happens on a daily basis at the rate of 50-100 strands.
How does hair grow?
Hair grows in three different cycles. The first cycle is known as the anagen phase which lasts for approximately 2-8 years. Ninety percent of hair growth is done in this cycle.
The second cycle is known as the catagen phase which spans 2-3 years. In this phase the hair follicles shrink and only about one percent hair growth takes place.
The third phase known as telogen is a cycle which lasts only two to four months. During this cycle the hair rests and only about nine percent hair growth happens.
Although the hair has growth in cycles, as long as there is hair on the scalp, growth continues. For the average person, hair grows at about six inches per year.
Hair Regrowth
Once hair has been damaged due to over processing with dyes, perms hot curlers, curling irons, and other styling aids, the regrowth process takes a considerable amount of time. If stress or health ailments are the cause of hair loss, the hair will grow back once the situation has been resolved.
In order for hair to grow back stronger and healthier it is necessary to change grooming habits and make lasting lifestyle changes.
Here are ten tips to regrow hair:
- Include protein in the diet (meat, eggs, dairy, fish). Vegans: Tofu, hummus, quinoa, peas, nuts, kidney beans, chickpeas, soy beans, tempeh, edamame, vegetables, chia seeds, milk, and seitan (meat substitute).
- Minimize Emotional/Physical Stress & Anxiety. Practice yoga, meditation or consult with a stress management counselor.
- Consistent sleep patterns and ample rest.
- Practice good haircare. Wash hair regularly and always use conditioner. Also use a wide tooth comb and creme rinse to detangle the hair when wet. Treat the hair gently and wear loose hair dos.
- Minimal usage of curling irons, flat irons, clips, hot curlers, dyes and perms.
- Research medications and supplements before consumption to avoid hair loss. Not all vitamins are created equal.
- Sunshine can make hair porous and fragile, causing breakage and split ends. Cover the hair with a sun hat or scarf when going out in the sunshine for indefinite periods or being exposed to ultra violet rays. Applying sunscreen with zinc oxide to the hair offers an additional layer of protection.
- Scientific studies have shown smoking as a factor causing male pattern baldness. Therefore, enlisting in a smoking cessation program would greatly benefit overall health.
- Seek hair products with Biotin, Vitamin E, Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender, Coconut Oil, Iron and B6.
- Allow hair to dry naturally and deep condition at least once per month.
Hair Regrowth Solutions & Treatments
Natural Remedies to Promote Hair Growth
- Pumpkin Seed Oil
- Castor Oil
- Onion Juice
- Amla Berries
- Tea Tree Oil
- Choline with Inositol (supplement)
- Magnesium
- B-Complex
- Ginseng
- Aloe Vera Juice
- Hibiscus Tea
- Beetroot Juice
- Emu Oil
- Fenugreek (supplement)
- Scalp Massage (increase circulation and stimulate hair growth)
Homeopathic Remedies for Hair Growth
- Sepia for female pattern baldness
- Natrum Muriatica treats hair loss as a result of childbirth
- Graphites Naturalis ameliorates hair loss caused by fungal infections
- Arsenicum Album is the remedy for hair loss due to auto immune illness
- Saw Palmetto (women with PCOS)
Hair Regrowth Diet
Consuming sufficient amounts of carrots, beans, strawberries, pineapples, green leafy vegetables, guava and liver will increase healthy hair growth. Zinc and selenium are also two very important nutrients required to prevent hair loss and ensure hair growth. These nutrients are often found in whole grains, oysters and beef.
Typically, hair is lost anywhere from six weeks to three months after enduring a chronic ailment or tumultuous times. Proper hair hygiene is required in order for superfluous flocks to grow. Therefore, hair should be washed at least once per week, making sure soap residue is thoroughly rinsed out and not clogging hair follicles. Clogged hair follicles may lead to hair loss. Also, combs and brushes should be washed and disinfected regularly.
Minimal hair loss generally takes about a month to grow back. While hair loss which created visible baldness takes approximately three years to grow hair mid length or waist length depending how fast the individual’s hair grows.
Bear in mind, hair will not grow back unless good nutrition, recovery of health and stress reduction has been maintained for a considerable amount of time. Hair health is only possible when we take care of our minds, bodies and souls through adequate rest, stress management and nourishing diets.
Today, there are several over the counter remedies which may be used in conjunction with natural remedies as well as personal practice. The products are Rogaine, Nutrafol, Keranique, Viviscal, Rejuvalex, and Propecia. Although these remedies have been endorsed by physicians there isn’t any conclusive evidence they actually create significant hair growth.
The best way to ensure healthy outcomes is to consult with your healthcare provider before using supplements and formulas which promise rapid hair restoration.
Team Hairlossly
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