Hair loss - a big problem?!
Tufts of hair in the brush, the floor covered with strands of hair? The horror scenario for most of us. But - first of all, don't panic! A hair loss of 70-100 hairs a day is completely normal. Hair growth follows a three-phase cycle. The hair is always in a growth phase, a transition phase and a rest phase until it finally falls out. This is a natural process.
If affected women are extremely alarmed as soon as whole tufts of hair fall out during washing, combing or blow-drying, I can still understand this only too well.
If more than 100 hairs fall out a day over a longer period of time, this is called hair loss. This is actually an issue that affects all age groups, sometimes more and sometimes less. Shiny and powerful hair is the epitome of well-being, femininity and health. Beautiful, full hair is considered the ideal of beauty.
Strong hair loss can therefore be very stressful and affect the psyche. What types of hair loss are there and what are the actual causes? Are there any tips to combat hair loss? Let's take a closer look.
Types of hair loss
Diffuse hair loss does not affect individual parts but the entire head region. The hair falls out evenly over the entire head and becomes thinner and thinner. Fortunately, this form of hair loss is reversible, i.e. curable, and usually only temporary. The causes are manifold.
The hormonal or hereditary hair loss manifests itself with typical patterns. In men, the well-known receding hairline and in women often the hairline gets wider. But also bald spots indicate a hormonal or hereditary hair loss.
Circular hair loss is a rather rare form and is characterized by the fact that it occurs locally. Circular hair loss is usually pathological. This form of hair loss often occurs suddenly and round to oval hairless areas appear. Broken hair at the edges of the bald areas can be pulled out. The cause of this has not yet been clearly clarified. An autoimmune disease is suspected to be the cause.
Causes of hair loss
The following factors can cause disturbances in hair growth and then trigger increased hair loss.
Hair loss is very often caused by hormonal factors and occurs during significant changes, such as after pregnancy, after stopping the contraceptive pill and during the menopause. The oestrogen level drops significantly, which can lead to hair loss. The opposite is true for the hormone cortisol. Here, an increase in the hormone can cause hair loss. Reasons for an increase in the cortisol level are stress and prolonged stress situations.
The undersupply of nutrients such as iron or zinc deficiency can be the cause of hair loss. Malnutrition during crash diets or fasting cures as well as certain medications can be the cause. Smoking and constant stress damage the health of the hair.
Hereditary hair loss is the most common form of hair loss and mainly affects men. About 60-80% of men in Germany suffer from it. For women, on the other hand, it is 20-30%. Due to genetic predispositions, the hair roots sometimes react sensitively to the male hormone testosterone. This shortens the growth phase and shrinks the follicles of the hair roots. As a result, only thin, hardly visible hair is produced, which can eventually fall out.
Strong pull at the hair root, as it occurs with very tightly tied braids, can lead to hair loss in places in the long run. Long-lasting pressure and constant scratching and rubbing at the same places on the scalp can also lead to hair loss.
Differences in hair loss between men and women
Women suffer particularly often from hormonal hair loss, while men suffer in most cases from hereditary hair loss. In men, hair loss usually occurs at the secret hairline corners, the forehead hairline and the back of the head. In women, the hair on the crown of the head becomes thinner and thinner. Bald areas at the top of the head develop and the loss of hair density is typical.
Tips against hair loss
If you suffer from excessive hair loss, you should consult an expert, in this case a dermatologist. He or she can clarify the causes of hair loss and show you treatment methods. The existence of an intact hair root is the basic condition for effective hair therapy.
The right nutrition with a sufficient supply of nutrients is the best prerequisite for healthy hair and a healthy skin.
Try to keep your stress level as low as possible and ensure sufficient sleep. Pay attention to the right care. There are products for hair loss that are adapted to these needs.
After washing, do not rub your hair dry, just dab it dry. Please adjust the hair dryer only to lukewarm and do not hold it too close to the scalp. Head massages with essential oils should stimulate the blood circulation of the scalp and thus promote the health of the hair root in the short term.
Hair loss due to improper hair care?
Strong and hot blow-drying, curling iron or straightening iron and frequent dyeing/blonding make the hair quickly brittle and dry. This can cause damage to the hair structure, but not hair loss. So there is not too much care on the subject of hair loss.
During this time, treat your hair best to hair care products for damaged and brittle hair that are specially tailored to the needs of your stressed hair.
