Hair loss - why am I losing hair?

Normally when we make changes in our lifestyle such as eating healthier, exercising, taking vitamins and minerals or buying new hair products it is because we want to change our appearance or way of life, in a positive direction!

Whether we want to get in shape, get fresher skin, grow thicker hair or just feel better mentally, we have expectations that certain products or changes in our routine will do the trick.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Consumers often spend a lot of money every year to make sure they always have the best products and follow the latest trends. We jump on current fads or diets without realizing that these things can actually cause more harm than good, especially when it comes to hair growth, leaving us wondering “why am I losing my hair?”.

Can medications cause hair loss?

For women, you might be doing yourself and your partner a favor by taking birth control pills as a form of birth control, but did you know they've been linked to hair loss? Some women find that their hair thins or generates more hair loss while taking birth control pills, while others notice hair loss only after they stop taking birth control. However, hair loss can occur when women who are particularly sensitive to hormones or have a family history of hormone-related problems take birth control pills.

Hair loss due to prescription medication is not just a problem for women. Both men and women who take certain medications can be at risk of negative side effects on their hair.

There are two names used to describe drug-induced (or other cause/event) hair loss: telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium.

Telogen effluvium - is the most common type of drug-induced (or other cause/event) hair loss and usually occurs two to four months after starting a new drug. This happens because the drug signals the hair to go into a resting phase and fall out prematurely.

Anagen effluvium - this type of hair loss occurs during the anagen or growing phase of the hair and is characterized by a large amount of hair falling out in a short period of time. Anagen effluvium is most commonly seen in patients undergoing extensive treatment such as chemotherapy.

Drug-induced hair loss from prescription drugs can vary depending on the type of drug and dosage.

Did you know that: the anagen phase is the growth phase of the hair and about 85% of the hair on the scalp is in the growth phase at the same time. The anagen phase lasts between 2 and 6 years. In a year, the hair grows 10 centimeters. The anagen phase is followed by a "catagen phase" which lasts for 3 - 6 weeks .

Can weight loss lead to hair loss?

Losing weight may seem like a good idea, but be careful how much you lose and how fast you lose weight. Overtraining and sudden weight loss can cause a shock to the nervous system, which can cause hair loss. This, along with having a diet that is not nutritionally balanced, can be harmful to your hair. Want to maintain thicker, healthier hair while losing weight? Avoid fads and weight loss and medications.

Can an unbalanced diet or a certain type of diet lead to hair fall?

Cutting back on certain foods can sometimes do more harm than good. A balanced diet is the key to good health. If the body does not get enough important vitamins and minerals such as silicon (silicon an important mineral if you lose too much hair, and it helps women and men who have brittle, lifeless, thin hair, without shine), and nutrients, then the body's organs may , tissues and cells do not function as they should. Your hair follicles are no exception!

Protein such as collagen, iron, zinc and biotin deficiencies have all been linked to hair loss in both men and women. In addition to deficiencies, hair loss can be caused by too much of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, which can cause premature balding.

If you suffer from hair loss or thinning hair, your diet may be the key to preventing further hair loss. Here are the superfoods you need to feed your hair!

Nothing signals health (and glamour) like a thick and shiny head of hair, but not many of us are blessed with thick, flowing hair. There is a long list of foods you can eat for thicker hair, as well as hair supplements to restore your mane to its former glory. To get thicker hair, eat foods with antioxidants to strengthen hair follicles, iron-rich foods to increase red blood cells and proteins like collagen , and silicon-rich foods to promote hair growth and healthy hair.

Mango

This colorful fruit provides the mineral silicon, a component found in connective tissue that helps strengthen hair and promote hair growth.

Soybeans

Foods derived from soy, such as soybeans and tempeh, are thought to inhibit the formation of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, an imbalance of which is thought to contribute to hair loss.

Egg

Full of protein, eggs help boost collagen production. Collagen surrounds the hair shaft, but as we age, collagen breaks down more, making the hair more vulnerable to breakage.

Kelp

Certain nutrients in kelp, such as iron and the amino acid l-lysine, directly affect hair growth. Iron ensures a healthy production of red blood cells. L-lysine facilitates iron absorption, and a lack of both can affect hair loss.

Fig

Figs are an excellent source of iron, important for healthy hair growth and a shiny lock. Other good sources include dried fruits and berries.

Flax seeds

These seeds contain high amounts of omega-3, and help to nourish the hair, prevent it from drying out, and prevent hair fall easily.

Pumpkin seeds

These protein-rich seeds provide zinc, which supports cellular reproduction and improves immunity, which in turn promotes hair growth.

Bear

Naturally high in collagen-boosting vitamin C, berries help absorb iron. Vitamin C increases circulation in the scalp, and its antioxidant action protects hair follicles from free radicals.

Avocado

Creamy avocado delivers vitamin E, which increases oxygen uptake, which improves circulation in the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.

Green leafy vegetables

Vegetables such as watercress, spinach and cabbage promote keratin , a hair protein that strengthens hair follicles.

Hair consists primarily of the protein keratin. Your body uses several amino acids to build keratin, some of which are found in collagen.

Proline is also the main component of keratin. Consuming proline-rich collagen gives your body the building blocks it needs to boost your hair growth.

Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen in the body and, as mentioned earlier, silicon helps to strengthen hair and promote hair growth.

Can too much hair styling contribute to hair loss?

You may be buying the right products for your hair, but without the right hair care routine, you can actually cause damage and hair loss. Over styling or using the wrong products and tools can have a negative effect on your hair

If you don't have a hair care routine yet, here are some things you can do to prevent hair loss:

• Clean your hairbrushes with baking soda and water to remove oil build-up
• Trim or cut your hair often
• Avoid applying too many chemicals to your hair
• Use a wide comb when brushing wet hair

Can washing your hair too much lead to thinning hair?

Whether you wash your hair every day or a few times a week, there are things you can do during your time in the shower that can lead to hair loss, like choosing the wrong shampoo or washing it too much.

It's a myth that your hair builds up a tolerance to shampoos and conditioners over time. However, if you start curling or coloring your hair, you should change your shampoo to a shampoo better suited for color-treated hair.

Men seem to account for the bulk of over-shampooing their hair, which can actually damage the scalp by making it dry. The key to washing your hair at the right time is to wait until your hair starts to get a little greasy, it's a sign that it's time to wash your hair. Figuring out when is the best time to shampoo your hair creates a habit that leads to healthy, thicker hair.

Now that you know the top five reasons that can cause hair loss, it's time to take action and be more aware of your regular habits.