5 Reasons For Excessive Hair Loss
Among every four women, one is at risk of experiencing excessive hair loss, and the likelihood increases as they approach menopause. Excessive hair loss is a common issue for most women. If you notice widening parts, bald patches, or more than 125 hairs falling out daily, you may be dealing with excessive hair loss. Several factors can contribute to this, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or the natural aging process.
In this blog, we'll explore five main reasons for excessive hair loss. Keep reading to learn about these factors and how to care for and reduce hair loss.
Key Causes of Excessive Hair Loss:
1. Genetics Caused Hair Loss
Genetic hair loss is a common cause of excessive hair loss. The pattern of hair loss differs between men and women. In men, it usually involves receding hairlines and crown thinning, while in women, hair tends to become thinner and weaker all over the scalp.
2. Pregnancy
Some women experience excessive hair loss, especially after giving birth. This is often due to a drop in estrogen levels, leading to dryness and hair breakage, ultimately causing hair loss. However, post-pregnancy hair loss is usually temporary and typically resolves within a year.
Here are some tips to prevent excessive hair loss during pregnancy:
- Avoid heavy hair conditioners or intensive shampoos that might weigh down soft hair.
- Instead of applying conditioner to your scalp, focus on the hair ends to avoid excess weight on your hair.
- Use products specifically designed for soft hair.
3. Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a condition where hair remains in the telogen (natural shedding) phase of its growth cycle, leading to a significant loss of hair, sometimes in small amounts.
Typically, telogen effluvium occurs after a significant life event, such as stress, which has a strong correlation with hair loss. Overthinking and stress can also contribute to hair loss. This condition can last for up to six months and usually results in the loss of less than 50% of the hair on the scalp.
With time and an understanding of the issue, telogen effluvium is often a temporary problem. Possible causes include:
- Severe stress
- Surgery
- Childbirth
- Rapid weight loss
- Thyroid problems
- And certain medications.
Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist to determine the underlying cause of telogen effluvium.
4. Medications
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications. Examples of these medications include:
- Blood thinners
- Acne medications
- Antidepressants
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
If you suspect that your excessive hair loss is related to a medication you're taking, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication with fewer hair-related side effects.
5. Nutritional Deficiency
Nutritional deficiencies can weaken your hair, leading to varying degrees of hair loss. Your diet has a significant impact on the condition of your hair. A diet high in iron and certain vitamins can prevent excessive hair loss.
Getting a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies can help identify if your hair loss is due to inadequate nutrition.
Hair Care Routine to Address Hair Loss:
Step 1: Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment
Apply a suitable hair oil to your hair and massage your scalp for 10 to 15 minutes. It's preferable for the oil to contain Ayurvedic herbs known for their medicinal properties in combating hair loss. Pre-shampoo oiling moisturizes your scalp and improves blood circulation, ultimately reducing hair loss.
Step 2: Choose the Right Shampoo
Don't reduce your shampoo usage out of fear for your hair. Keeping your hair clean is vital for maintaining healthy and strong hair. Detangle and comb your hair before washing it to prevent tangling and breakage. Select a shampoo that targets your specific hair issues, preferably one containing keratin, which helps combat hair loss.
You can find chemical-free ZEN HAIR shampoo and conditioner here.
Step 3: Conditioner
After washing your hair, use conditioner. Skipping conditioner can lead to dryness of the scalp and hair, which is a significant cause of hair loss.
Step 4: Hair Drying
Try to avoid using a hair dryer as much as possible because the heat can make your hair weak and brittle, contributing to excessive hair loss. If you must use a hair dryer, flip your hair upside down to increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate dormant hair follicles.
Step 5: Hair Massage
Massage your hair daily before bedtime by tilting your head forward and massaging it with your fingertips. This stimulates blood circulation and activates hair follicles, while also improving the sleep process.
Tips for Concealing Hair Loss in Women:
1. Get a Haircut
You might find it surprising, but getting the right haircut can actually reduce the appearance of thinning hair. A well-styled haircut with texture and layers can help enhance the appearance of your hair, giving it the illusion of more density.
2. Dye Your Hair
Coloring your hair can help conceal the appearance of thinning hair. There are several ways to do this, with one option being adding highlights to create volume and depth. For instance, if you have dark hair and a light scalp, using highlights is an excellent way to reduce the contrast and achieve a fuller look.
3. Create Some Texture for Thickness
Straight hair can emphasize thinning hair. Instead of keeping your hair straight, try changing your hairstyle by adding some waves. To create a textured appearance, section your hair above the natural part and change its position from left to right. You can also try parting your hair on the other side to cover thinning areas.
4. Use Hair Extensions
If you need a quick solution for added volume, consider investing in suitable hair extensions. Clip-in hair extensions are ideal for adding density and length to your hair, and some extensions can be a more long-term solution.
5. Use Toppers or Hairpieces
Toppers, also known as hairpieces, can be attached to the top part of your head and are designed to fit specific areas of your scalp, including the crown and the top. This is a good option if you're experiencing hair loss at the top of your head.
6. Wear Head Coverings
Hats, turbans, and scarves are extremely stylish ways to hide areas of hair loss. Experiment with wearing a beautiful silk scarf, a slouchy beanie, or a vintage-inspired hat for an ultra-chic look.
Don't overlook classic hats, whether they're small, ball caps, sun hats, or casual beanies. Hats are perfect for their aesthetic appeal, ease of selection and wear, and their effectiveness.
Scarves are another wonderful, feminine look that you can't miss out on! Choose a scarf that matches your outfit's coordination and colors; scarves are currently in vogue and bursting with vibrancy.
These tips can certainly help you address the issue of thinning hair and provide you with choices that suit your needs. For more information on hair loss problems and hair care, feel free to visit the Zen Hair blog at any time.