There are many things you can do to slow or stop hair loss. But what to do depends on the reason why you’re losing your hair.
Some situations, like hair loss after pregnancy (telogen effluvium), may resolve on their own. And remember that everyone sheds hair daily, which is perfectly normal.
It’s when hair loss is persistent that you want to see your doctor. Your healthcare provider may be able to diagnose if your hair loss is caused by things like thyroid issues, stress, scalp infections, androgenic alopecia, or simply aging.
The very thought of going bald or losing hair tend to cause anxiety in men and women. Hair loss, also known as alopecia refers to the condition of losing hair from part of the body and typically the head. This is a guide on how to prevent hair loss and reduce the chances of it happening.
What Causes Hair Loss Exactly?
Before trying to prevent alopecia, it's necessary to know what causes the condition.
The main reason alopecia occurs is not completely understood and it may have many causes and some of them include:
Infection - Alopecia may be due to infections such as Folliculitis, Tinea Captiis (a fungal infection), secondary syphilis and a microscopic mite known as Demodex folliculorum which feeds on essential hair nutrients and thereby causing thinning.
Drugs - Medical researchers have linked temporary or permanent hair loss to several medications. Medications for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure have been linked to causing hair loss. Also, medications that affect the hormonal balance of the body tend to cause pronounced alopecia. Medications that affect the body's hormonal balance include steroids, hormone replacement therapy, and acne medications.
Pregnancy - During pregnancy, there is an increase in circulating estrogen. This increase in estrogen causes the hair to thicken. After delivery, the circulating estrogen returns to their normal levels and this cause a corresponding hair loss. Hair typically grows back normally and treatment is not indicated
Genetics - Male pattern alopecia has been linked to genetics.
Trauma - Any kind of trauma can cause alopecia.
Traumatic events such as childbirth, major surgery, poisoning and severe stress may lead to hair loss. This condition is known as telogen effluvium. Another form of trauma is the compulsive pulling and bending of the hairs which results in a kind of hair loss known as Trichotillomania.
Radiotherapy is applied to the head to treat some forms of cancers. This radiation can cause baldness and permanent hair loss.
Aging - As the body losses its natural replenishment ability with aging, it's not uncommon to see alopecia or thinning as one ages.
How is Hair Loss Prevented?
Alopecia can be prevented by a number of ways. As stated earlier it is important to study the aforementioned causes of alopecia and use it as a guide to prevent alopecia.
Concerning the infections that may cause alopecia, it is pertinent to visit your doctor as soon as signs and symptoms of such infections arise. Treatment of the infections as early as possible will reduce your chance of going bald due to the infections.
It is also important to be mindful of the medications used for treatment of diabetes, hypertension and others. Stick with drugs that have been green-lighted by the FDA.
Although it is impossible to reverse natural balding, you can protect hair from trauma that may eventually lead to loss of it. Avoid styles that tend to stress the hair line thereby leading to alopecia.
Also, in order to prevent alopecia, it is important to be mindful of the shampoos, relaxers, bleachers and other hair products used. Use hair products that are targeted to restore hair growth.
Not only that, deficiency of vitamins can lead to alopecia, it is therefore essential to eat well-balanced diets.
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What are the myths about hair loss?
Myths about hair loss are widespread. Nothing in the following list is true:
You’re losing hair because you shampoo it too much, or because you’ve colored it or gotten a perm.
Dandruff causes permanent hair loss in women.
Stress causes permanent hair loss in women.
If you shave your head, your hair will grow back twice as thick.
If you stand on your head you’ll increase circulation, stimulating hair growth.
If you brush your hair 100 strokes a day that will make your hair healthier.
Hats and wigs cause hair loss in women.
Hair loss only affects intellectual women.
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