One of the most basic aspects of people’s appearance and self-confidence is a full, healthy head of hair. It might get upsetting if our hair starts to thin or fall out suddenly.
Today, one of the most prevalent conditions that dermatologists identify and treat is Alopecia or hair loss. The issue of hair loss increases with ageing and is exceedingly common. It’s typical to lose a few strands while combing throughout the day. But does it surprise you when you start to discover hair everywhere in your house? We completely understand how you feel. Here’s a list of everything you need to know about hair loss along with some common questions asked on it.
What causes hair loss?
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Hereditary hair loss
It means that you have genes that drive the hair follicles—the sacs from which each hair emerges—in your scalp to contract and finally stop developing hair. Although it can start as early as your teens, shrinking often begins later in life.
Most people have some hair loss as they grow old because hair growth slows naturally. Hair follicles eventually stop producing new hair, which results in thinning hair on our scalp. The colour of the hair also starts to fade.
The condition known as alopecia areata sets in when the immune system of the body attacks the hair follicles, which are responsible for holding the hair in place. You can experience hair loss anywhere on your body including your scalp, the inside of your nose or even your ears. Some people experience eyelash or brow loss.
You may lose all (or the majority of) your hair within a few weeks of beginning chemotherapy or radiation therapy for your head or neck.
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Childbirth, illness, or other stressors
You might observe a significant increase in the number of hairs on your brush or on your pillow a few months after giving birth, getting better from a disease, or having surgery. This may also occur following a tiring period in your life, such as a divorce or the loss of a close relative.
You can harm your hair if you dye, relax, or perm it. This harm may cause hair loss over time.
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Hairstyle pulls on your scalp
If you frequently style your hair back in a bun, the constant pulling may cause irreversible hair loss. Traction alopecia is the medical term for this type of hair loss.
This imbalance frequently results from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Along with other symptoms, such as hair loss, it results in cysts in a woman’s ovaries. Women who experience hormonal imbalances may experience hair loss or thinning on their scalps during this time.
Occasionally, scaly and inflammatory regions of your scalp might result from a scalp infection. On your scalp, you might have noticed what appears to be tiny black dots. These are actually hair stubs which might lead to balding in some people.
Hair loss is one of the many side-effects that some drugs have. You can ask the doctor who prescribed the drug if you believe the hair loss is a potential side effect caused by the medication. It’s critical that you consult your doctor before stopping your medicine. Some drugs can have major health effects if they are stopped abruptly.
Many individuals with plaque psoriasis eventually develop psoriasis on their scalp. Hair loss may result from this.
This condition is a result of inflammation that destroys your hair follicles. A hair follicle cannot produce hair after being destroyed. In medical terms it is known as Cicatricial alopecia. Early diagnosis of this condition can stop future hair loss.
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Sexually transmitted infection
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is not treated might cause hair loss. One such STI is syphilis. Syphilis can result in patchy hair loss on the scalp, brows, beard, and other areas if it is not treated on time. Hair loss can be brought on by other STIs too.
You might notice thinning hair if you have thyroid issues. Some people discover it when they brush their hair and it comes out in clumps.
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Too little biotin, iron, protein, or zinc
You risk experiencing visible hair loss if you don’t consume enough of one or more of these. Your hair will come back once your body receives all the nutrition it needs.
Where boots, socks, or tight garments repeatedly brush against a person’s skin, hair loss can occur. Frictional alopecia is the medical term for this condition.
In men, androgenic alopecia, often known as male pattern baldness, is the most prevalent form of hair loss. Male pattern baldness can start in adolescence, although adult males are more likely to have it, with the likelihood rising with age. Genetics is also an important aspect to be considered.
The most typical type of hair loss among women is female pattern baldness. It is a type of alopecia brought on by hormones, ageing, and heredity. Female-pattern baldness, in contrast to male-pattern baldness, is a general thinning that preserves the natural hairline. A wider part or less full ponytail are frequently the first obvious signs of hair loss in women. Women may first notice symptoms of hair thinning in their 40s, 50s, or later.
Female pattern baldness can be hereditarily inherited, an unintended impact of drugs or medical procedures, or a result of hormonal changes brought on by pregnancy or menopause.
You can see various symptoms of hair loss. You might see a:
- Gradual growing of bald spot on your hair
- Thinning of your hair
- A receding hairline that is increasingly noticeable with time
- Enlarging partitions
- Thinner ponytail
These signs of hair loss, which usually show gradually, affect millions of people. As these signs might be subtle, you may have hair loss for months or years before you notice it.
Even though many people who experience hair loss show one or more of these typical symptoms, hair loss can also happen in completely different ways.
Even though the primary symptom of hair loss is generally decreased hair, some people also experience other not so common symptoms. You might also experience hair loss and:
- Some people with alopecia areata report burning or stinging prior to abrupt hair loss.
- If you have severe itching, burning, or discomfort where you are losing hair, you may have an infection.
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Scaly bald spots, frequently accompanied by ulcers or blisters that bleed pus, are a sign that your scalp is infected with a fungus.
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Folliculitis decalvans, a disorder that can result in redness, swelling, and lesions that may itch and leak pus, can produce these symptoms.
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Scaly psoriasis patches on your scalp – The majority of persons with psoriasis eventually get it on their scalp, which can result in temporary hair loss.
Depending on what is causing your hair loss, you may experience certain signs and symptoms.
Natural Hair Regrowth Remedies
It can be difficult to manage hair loss or thinning, and not all treatments may be effective for you. It might not be possible to grow new hair if you have a certain form of pattern baldness or a medical condition that can cause hair loss. While attempting to regrow hair, people have found some natural remedies to be successful. Some natural hair regrowth remedies are listed here for you:
The scalp can be massaged gently using a combination of hair oils and masks. This stimulates the scalp and might increase hair thickness. People’s scalp health, blood flow, and hair growth are all thought to be improved by massaging the scalp.2. Aloe vera
Hair loss has traditionally been treated with aloe vera since a long time. Additionally, it conditions your hair and calms the scalp. It can reduce dandruff and open up hair follicles that may have been clogged with too much oil. You can massage your scalp and hair with pure aloe vera gel a few times a week.
3. Coconut oil
The fatty acids found in coconut oil penetrate the hair shaft and decrease protein loss from hair. Your scalp and all of your hair should be massaged thoroughly with coconut oil. You may also use it as a leave-in treatment if your hair is dry. 4. Fish oil
Since omega fatty acids are rich in minerals and proteins, consuming them might help your hair from the inside out. Antioxidants and omega supplements assist in increasing hair density and diameter. It lessens hair loss as well.
The benefits might be worth it if you can put up with the stench of onion juice. Onion juice has been trusted to successfully cure hair loss and encourage hair growth. The circulation is also said to be improved by onion juice.
If you are balding as a result of lack of nutrition, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals may help encourage hair growth.
Protein and biotin, which are essential for the health and growth of hair, are found in eggs. Hair loss has been associated with either of these vitamin deficiencies.
Berries are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, which may help with hair growth. Strawberries, for instance, are a good source of vitamin C, which helps with the production of collagen and iron absorption—both of which may encourage hair growth.
Folate, iron, and vitamins A and C are abundant in spinach that is crucial for hair growth. The lack of these essential nutrients may cause hair loss.
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fatty fishes like mackerel, salmon, and herring, may help to promote hair growth and density. One of the few food sources of vitamin D, which may be crucial for hair growth, is fatty fish.
Vitamin A, which is abundant in sweet potatoes, is crucial for hair growth and sebum production.
Vitamin E is abundant in avocados. This antioxidant helps by preventing oxidative stress, which can cause hair loss.
Vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, and vital fatty acids are a few of the components found in nuts that are crucial for hair growth and have numerous other health advantages.
Seeds have abundant vitamin E and other elements that may aid in hair growth. Omega-3s, which have been connected to hair growth, are also present in several seeds.
Vitamins A and C, two nutrients that support healthy hair and may promote hair growth, are abundant in sweet peppers.
One of the best food sources of zinc is oysters. This mineral supports the cycle of hair growth and restoration.
The benefits of yoga for the skin is nothing surprising. However, it’s unlikely that you are aware of yoga positions that can help with a variety of hair issues, including hair loss, induction of new hair growth, and general hair health. You can also get a healthier mane with yoga for hair development. To achieve the luscious locks you’ve always desired, all you need to do is stretch out a yoga mat and strike a posture.
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Adho mukha savasana (downward facing dog pose)
This yoga pose, which is a part of the sun salutation, is excellent for the back, head, and sinuses and helps relieve stress, sadness, and sleeplessness. The blood pours into the skull when your head is down for a few minutes, rejuvenating the scalp and hair follicles. Yoga for healthy skin and hair encourages blood flow to the scalp, which strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair regeneration.
- Sirsasana (head stand)
It increases blood flow, which lessens balding, hair thinning, and hair loss. Additionally, this position promotes hair growth and helps stop premature hair ageing. The latent hair follicles’ maximal growth potential is reached in the upside-down position, which enhances hair growth.
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Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose)
Even those who have never practised yoga before can easily try this posture. The most common causes of greying and hair loss are strain and stress, which are relieved by the vajrasana stance. It improves scalp blood flow and makes hair stronger. Regular use of this stance will enhance hair health and, over time, make it thick and robust.
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Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)
This yoga pose is one of the finest treatments for hair growth since it is really beneficial for the thyroid, which affects hair fall. If you have dry, lifeless hair, it can also be useful. By increasing blood flow to the head and providing you lush hair, this pose helps to nurture hair. It promotes hair growth while preventing hair loss and falling out.
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Uttanasana (forward bending camel pose)
The camel pose must be included in any list of yoga positions for hair growth. It’s very beneficial and quite simple to do. It allows the blood and oxygen to circulate to the head and scalp, relaxing the muscles and promoting the growth of strong, long hair follicles. Additionally, it makes your hair smoother and shinier while enhancing its texture and quality.
How can I regrow my thinning hair?
What lack of vitamins causes hair loss?
What illness causes hair loss?
What is the main reason for hair loss in females?
