It’s fair to blame Hollywood for giving us unrealistic goals when it comes to hair. And let’s face it, although most of us have a head of hair that’s far from lush, there are few things more alarming than noticing more and more hair left behind on your brush… on the floor… and lining the drain of the shower.
As women, our relationship to our hair is very personal – whether you’re rocking thick waves or pin-straight bangs – thinning hair can cause even the calmest of women to freak out! However, if you’ve got thinning hair, you’re not alone. Did you know that as many as 40% of women experience thinning hair? Fact is ladies, it’s more common than you think.
According to trichologists and scalp experts, the average person does shed between 60 to 100 hairs per day, but more than that can indicate an issue. Hereditary hair loss accounts for 90% of all hair loss or hair thinning in women, it is extremely common and starts in the centre of the crown with the widening of the path. But if you come from a family with Rapunzel-like locks and yours aren’t, there may be something else behind your hair loss.
Temporary hair loss, medically known as Telogen effluvium, could be the result of a few things. Some of the most common triggers of hair loss may include: Hormonal imbalance. Hormones play a huge part in regulating hair growth. Extreme stress could raise androgen levels which in turn could trigger hair loss and scalp problems. And, iron or Vitamin B12 deficiency can take a toll on your hair as well as hypo- or hyper thyroidism. Hair loss, unfortunately, is also part of the normal ageing process. Also, of course, certain medications could indeed be the root of the problem.
Here’s what you can do to prevent further hair loss or damage:
Recognise the problem. If you notice excessive hair shedding for longer than three months, see your GP, there could be an underlying factor which needs to be addressed. Remember, Telogen effluvium is almost always self-eliminating and hair will start to grow back once the imbalance is corrected.
Change your diet. Daily intake of protein rich foods are essential. Foods high in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and vit B12 can help to revitalize thinning strands. Make sure your diet includes leafy greens, nuts, fish and lean meats. A good supplement can help to cover what your diet is lacking.
Get smart about styling. Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hairline and ditch the tools with excessive heat. Also, be weary of chemical processing during this time.
De-Stress: Both chronic and sudden stress can halt hair growth. If you’ve been through a challenging time, your hair should grow back. If you’re under constant pressure, master the art of meditation.
Consider a topical medication. Try Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, can be applied to the hair in liquid or mousse form. This will stimulate the hair follicles and promote regrowth in as little as six months.
Every once in a while, hair loss is a symptom of something else that’s going on with your body. If your hair loss is sudden and excessive, or simple solutions aren’t working, talk to your doctor and take it from there. Very often a simple blood test could put your mind at ease.
Source: www.realsimple.com, www.youtube.com, www.abc.net.au, neograft.com, www.huffingtonpost.com.au, www.prevention.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.womanshealthmag.com, www.webmd.com, hairoptions.co.za www.cosmopolitan.com
