The fact is, hair loss is a part of every day life and there’s no way to avoid it. On average we lose around 80 strands a day and around 250 strands on hair washing days, however if you begin to shed significantly more than that or you notice that they aren’t growing back, then that’s when you should seek some advice from a Trichologist. The thing is, when it comes to hair loss there are so many potential triggers, which means it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact reason why your strands are falling out and, how to remedy the situation.
Our hair grows in three different cycles: anagen, catagen, and telogen. About 90% of the hair on the head is in the anagen, or growth phase, which lasts anywhere from two to eight years. The catagen, or transition phase, typically lasts 2-3 weeks, during which the hair follicle shrinks. During the telogen cycle, which lasts around two to four months, the hair rests.
For those who don’t plan on counting their hair every day, there are ways to know when hair is thinning or being lost at a higher rate. When waking up in the morning, there may be an usually large amount on your pillow or when you brush your hair more than normal may be left in the comb.
Medical Reasons and Female Pattern Baldness
There are a wide range of conditions that can bring on hair loss in women, with some of the most common being pregnancy, thyroid disorders, menopause and anaemia. Others include autoimmune diseases, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
Extreme stress, trauma and surgery can also bring on hair loss.
Hereditary Female Pattern Baldness
Female pattern baldness is usually hereditary, caused by a genetically shorter hair-growing period and a longer period between the shedding and growth phases.
Genes from parents may also affect the hair, causing smaller follicles and thinner strands.
However, age and hormones may play a part, too, as it’s more common after menopause when estrogen levels reduce.
Self Inflicted Female Pattern Baldness
Another way to thin hair is self-inflicted hairstyles like cornrows or too-tight braids or pony tails can cause hair loss called traction alopecia.
All of the things women do to manipulate their hair — dyes, chemical treatments, bad brushes, blow dryers, and flat irons — can result in damage and breakage, This includes brushing too much and towel drying aggressively when the hair is wet.
Luckily, for most of these issues, the hair grows back or the loss can be reversed with medical treatments. But it is important to see a dermatologist if there seems to be something wrong, because the sooner treatment is started, the better the chances are for improving your growing season.
Hair Care Tips
- Eat a balanced diet and get enough Iron from foods.
- Limit treatments that can break or damage your hair, such as straightening irons, bleach, and perms. If you do use them, add a heat protective spray or hair-strengthening product to your routine.
- Ask a healthcare professional if any of the medications you take promote hair loss. If so, see if you can switch.
- Limit or quit smoking . It damages hair follicles and can speed up hair loss.
- Avoid direct sunlight onto the scalp, too much sun exposure can damage hair.
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