When it comes to losing your hair, there are a wide range of factors which determine your scalp condition. It can be complicated and overwhelming.
No two people are at the same stage of experiencing this condition, so it's important to understand the fundamentals of the condition to determine what stage you (or someone you know) is experiencing.
So, let's dive into our Ultimate Guide to Hair Loss 2022:
The Facts (2022 Update)
This condition can have a significant impact on a number of factors, not just the scalp itself. Some sufferers have said that the condition has negatively impacted on their quality of life and psychological well-being.
Now, as stated previously there are a wide variety of factors which have implications to a person's condition, so it's important to look at the fundamentals of hair before identifying what the root of the problem is.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair Loss (Alopecia) is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your immune system mistakenly targets and attacks a specific part of your body, in this case the hair follicle. The more hair follicles that get attacked, the more hairs you will lose.
Some types of hair thinning in men and women may be a sign of a medical condition, and unfortunately, some instances of alopecia are permanent.
Let's look into some underlying factors of hair loss together...
Inheriting Factors
If a direct family member has experienced alopecia in the past, chances are that you’ll be more likely to develop these conditions in the future (sorry to bear the bad news).
This condition reduces the amount of time that hair spends actively growing, starting with the temples, hairline receding and crown thinning.
Why does this happen?
Hereditary loss of hair is mainly blamed by many on the X chromosome, which is inherited through your mother.
Surprisingly, the hereditary gene can be inherited from either side of your family, so unfortunately, some may have a higher chance of inheriting the gene.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Some scientific researchers have found that people with certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis have a Vitamin D deficiency.
Due to alopecia being classified as an autoimmune disease, research has been conducted on people with Vitamin D deficiency to identify a link between this and alopecia conditions.
Those with low Vitamin D were classified as individuals who were a risk factor for development alopecia.
Stress
Alopecia caused by stress doesn’t have to be permanent.
There have been scientific experiments whereby researchers artificially exposed mice to stress sounds.
The results found that the psychosocial stress created caused early termination of the Anagen (growth) phase, part of the Hair Growth Cycle.
The notion that stress disrupts the normal cycle of the follicle can lead to losing your hair, so it is important to manage stress levels (where possible), to ensure that your luscious locks are kept intact!
Men's Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness may also be commonly classified as ‘androgenic alopecia’, which is a common condition among men.
This can start anywhere from your early teenage years, but is commonly occurring in adult men. The likelihood of developing this condition increases with age (sorry chaps).
Having a family history of baldness will increase your chances of developing male pattern baldness (unfortunately), as this condition is directly linked with the male hormone called androgens.
The hairs on your head belong to their own Hair Growth Cycle.
Male pattern baldness has a detrimental effect on the hair growth cycle, as the hair follicle begins the shrink and weaken.
This effect on the hair growth cycle produces shorter and finer strands of hair, and eventually, the hair growth cycle for each follicle finishes, with no new hairs growing back in its place.
How Do I Know If I Have Male Pattern Baldness?
Nobody wants to lose their hair, but if you develop this condition, there are some key pointers to signify the start of male pattern baldness.
If your hair loss begins at the temples or crown of your head, even with a single bald spot, this may signify the start of male pattern baldness.
Others who have experienced the early stages of this condition have reported that their hairline receded to form an ‘M’-like shape.
In some men, particularly of an older age, their hairline will continue to recede until most of the hair is gone, thus ending the hair growth cycle.
Is There Any Way to Prevent Male Pattern Baldness & Receding?
Luckily, there are effective solutions available to suppress the effects of this condition, if the correct treatment is applied at the early stages.
Women's Hair Loss
Millions of women are affected by androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern hair loss. This is a hereditary condition.
A normal hair growth cycle includes the shedding of hair, the follicle then resting and the stimulation of new hair growth.
For those with androgenetic alopecia, new hair often grows back thinner and finer.
Over time, the hair follicle could degenerate so much that growth may stop completely.
Genetics is only one aspect to consider, but it is worth noting if your mother or grandmother has experienced significant changes to their scalp as well. If so, chances are this may be why you are too.
Medical Conditions and Hormonal Changes
There are a wide range of medical conditions that can cause sudden loss of hair including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Hormonal changes because of pregnancy and menopause can also induce hair fall.
Physical Stress and Over-StylingHigh-tension hairstyles such as cornrows and braids can cause a variant of hair loss known as 'traction alopecia'. Over-styling, and chemical relaxers and hot oil treatments may also damage the root and result in hair loss.
Emotional Stress
Stress stemming from traumatic experiences including death or divorce may not seem like a likely cause, but many women have reported thinning during trying times.
Dramatic Weight Loss
The body perceives sudden weight loss as a form of physical trauma. This “shock” to the body is known to cause loss of hair, and is common among anorexia and bulimia sufferers.
Nutrient Deficiency
Certain nutrient deficiencies heavily impact hair growth.
Iron is essential for healthy growth, so anaemic individuals are prone to these effects – this is the case particularly among young women.
Vitamin B12 deficiency carries similar effects. This vital nutrient is responsible for the health of red blood cells which transport oxygen to the body’s tissues.
A deficiency in this vitamin results in fatigue and possible hair loss.
How a Healthy Lifestyle Can Help
Despite the cause of your condition, a healthy lifestyle goes a long way in promoting healthy hair growth.
A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, healthy protein and minimal sugar is a great place to start.
What is the solution?
Luckily, hair is one of the few tissues in the body which can replenish over time, but only with the right solutions. Click here to view the solutions available to start your journey to a stronger head of hair.
Explore the full Herbal Hair product range here.
If you still have further queries regarding your hair condition and assessment, please feel free to contact the Herbal Hair team on info@herbalhair.com.