When hair falls out in abnormally large amounts, various factors can be involved. If androgenetic alopecia is the most frequent hair loss other forms exist, temporary or lasting, extensive or localized. In all cases, a rapid diagnosis is necessary in order, if necessary, to set up an adapted treatment which will promote the regrowth of the hair.
Because it is perceived as premature graying, hair loss is a source of anxiety and complexes for both men and women. Less common in the latter but nevertheless quite widespread, it also affects the perception of their femininity. As for men, even if the zero ball is considered sexy by many people, they have difficulty accepting it. So what are the possible treatments for hair loss?
Table of Contents
What is hair loss?
Hair loss can have many causes and manifests itself in various ways. In men, it is most often linked to the genetic makeup and the effects of male hormones which accelerate the life cycle of the hair. After a set number of cycles, the hair stops growing. In women, hair loss has many causes, hormonal and others. For example, stress, thyroid problems, diabetes , etc. Certain medications can also cause hair loss
How does the hair grow?
On average, a head of hair contains between 100 and 150,000 hairs and as many hair follicles (each follicle produces a single hair). Every day, we lose between 50 and 100 hairs, which immediately begin to regrow.
Our hair grows in cycles. For an average of two to five years in men, three to seven years in women, the follicle produces hair at a rate of about 2 millimeters per week (more in summer). This growth phase is called the “anagen phase”. It is gradually completed in one to two weeks (“ catagen phase ”). Then, the “dead” hair remains attached to the skull for about three months before falling out. This is the ” telogen phase “. From the fall, the follicle resumes a growth phase.
The course of this growth cycle – telogen phase – fall is under the influence of food, hormones (thyroid and sex), heredity , certain growth factors, chemical mediators of the nervous system, etc.
Each hair follicle is able to ensure between 20 and 25 cycles before being exhausted. At the average rate of five years per cycle, between 100 and 125 years of hair are thus guaranteed! But sometimes this process gets stuck and unusually large hair loss occurs. Usually, pathological hair loss is considered to be when the number of hairs lost each day is more than 100, or when one area of the scalp loses more hair than the rest of the scalp.
Various means exist for diagnosing abnormal hair loss, for example taking successive photos of a fixed region of the scalp, to count the hair in the telogen phase (phototrichogram). In addition, a microscopic examination of the hair (trichogram) can give information on the causes of this loss.
Why do we lose our hair?
The hair grows for about six years in women, lives a few days before entering the death phase (called telogen ) – which lasts several weeks to several months – before the fall. We have around 100,000 hairs on our head, and we lose between 60 and 100 hairs per day, which ensures renewal without loss of mass. But it happens that the hair begins to fall suddenly and in a diffuse way, exceeding this threshold of 100 per day – no need to count, acute hair loss is noticeable, especially in the shower, explain the doctors. It can be due to many factors, without this being pathological.
Thus, in spring and even more in autumn, the hair falls out like fallen leaves. This seasonal drop, quite normal, corresponds to the hormonal impact of variations in light and does not exceed six weeks.
What are the symptoms of hair loss?
Hair loss can be localized or diffuse, transient or long-lasting. Classic male pattern baldness is a lasting localized form, on the top of the head. Hair loss after childbirth, general anesthesia or psychological shock, called telogen effluvium, is a transient diffuse form, with complete regrowth in 3 to 4 months. Some localized hair loss can be infectious, such as ringworm, or autoimmune, such as alopecia areata.
The different causes of hair loss
Whether you are a child, a man or a woman, hair loss can affect anyone at some point in their life. It responds to several symptoms that should not be neglected to determine the cause and the factors aggravating your condition. Hair is sensitive to many factors that can promote hair loss. It is possible to observe causes which may be common to all individuals and causes relating to the sex (male or female).
Food
Among the most common reasons for hair loss, diet plays a huge role in accelerating / increasing this phenomenon. Indeed, the way you eat impacts the health of your hair. The more food you eat that is high in sugars and fat and that your intake of zinc, iron, magnesium and vitamin B is lower, the more your hair follicles are damaged. In addition, an excess of the contributions necessary for the normal functioning of the hair cycle will generate the same end.
Upsetting the balance between acidity and alkalinity (in favor of acidity) can also lead to scalp problems and make your hair appear unhealthy. The lifespan of the hair is then reduced by these deficiencies and eating disorders. The hair will be thinner and eventually fall out.
Recently a victim of food poisoning? It is quite likely that the cause of your hair loss is the result of this occasional inconvenience. In principle, all of these food incidents do not cause irreversible hair loss. It is enough to consult a doctor to reveal, with the help of a blood test, the element which is lacking in you.
Hygiene
A true reflection of our way of life, the hair can also be damaged by the consumption of tobacco, diets leading to great weight loss and styling actions (coloring, perms, straightening, etc.). These everyday actions that are thought to be harmless are ultimately harmful to the health of the hair. Alcohol is another example of a factor causing and aggravating hair loss. It has negative effects on the level of vitamin B6, partly responsible for the impoverishment of the hair.
The physiological state
Other causes interfere with the proper development of hair. This is particularly the case with metabolic disorders which can take various forms. We find, for example, the case of high fever, operative shock or the loss of a limb dear to his heart. These physiological or emotional problems often lead to severe hair loss after 1 to 3 months, which corrects itself over time. Hair loss can be a telltale sign of a malfunctioning thyroid (hyperthyroidism), the butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that is vital for the body’s activity. To detect thyroid dysfunction, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will order a blood test to see if your thyroid hormone levels are normal.
The environment
Another cause of hair loss is telogen effluvium. More transient, this form of fall is often linked to the changes of seasons. You should know that your hair tends to fall out in greater numbers during the arrival of spring and fall. No need to worry, you will find your beautiful, dense hair in a few weeks.
Alopecia
When hair loss is hereditary, it is called androgenetic alopecia (not to be confused with androgenic alopecia, which involves hair loss under the influence of male hormones). The follicles inherit a special sensitivity to the combined action of testosterone and an enzyme called 5α-reductase. Once these two elements meet, a new hormone called DHT is produced. A sensitized follicle will see its growth cycle disrupted, accelerated, and will end up getting tired; the hair then grows back more and more finely to end up disappearing completely.
Chemotherapy
First of all, it is necessary to specify that all chemotherapy does not necessarily cause hair loss and that the onset or not of alopecia will depend on the protocol used. Also, the reactions to the treatment vary from person to person, depending on the terrain and their sensitivity to toxins. Hair usually begins to grow back one month after the end of chemotherapy, at a rate of one centimeter per month.
Food deficiencies
The dietary deficiency most often implicated in alopecia is iron deficiency. Without iron, the blood cannot be properly oxygenated and the hair becomes dull and brittle. Women are the most at risk because they sometimes lose a significant amount of iron during menstruation and do not compensate enough through food. It is not always easy to spot alopecia linked to iron deficiency, the fall being progressive and not localized. These are generally other symptoms (fatigue, pallor, …) which put the patients concerned on the right path.
The stress
Here again, hormones come into play. Unregulated by significant stress, the adrenal glands will significantly increase the production of androgen hormones (male hormones) and disrupt the functioning of the follicle in individuals sensitized by heredity. The consecutive alopecia stress can manifest itself as a breeding ground. The extent of the fall will depend on the type of stress. While the stress of everyday life has long-term negative consequences on the general health of the hair, sudden and significant stress causes a significant fall for up to 4 months after the event.
Hormones
Hormones fluctuate throughout our lives and can influence the health of our hair. Thus it is common that at menopause, after childbirth, after taking contraceptive or replacement therapy or in the case of a thyroid disorder, that female hormones decrease suddenly. The male hormones, hormones called androgens, then take over, one speaks in this case of androgenic alopecia. But, it is not necessary for the production of hormones to change to trigger alopecia: it can also be a hypersensitivity of the inherited follicle, we will then speak of hyperandrogenic alopecia. This last disorder affects men in 70% of cases.
Treatment for hair loss
Illness, weight loss, loss of hormones … The causes of hair loss in a woman can be very numerous. While some really require drug treatment, others can be countered by grandmother’s famous remedies. No need to spend a fortune on pill or miracle serum , our grannies had already thought of using natural remedies. Here are 6 to test right now.
Garlic
What is this crazy idea? Well imagine that garlic will tone your hair and make it strong! Mix 3 crushed pods with 1 tbsp. lukewarm olive oil. Massage your scalp with this lotion then cover your head with a plastic cap. Then wet a towel in hot water and wring it out well. Put it on your head for at least 30 minutes then wash your hair with an anti hair loss shampoo. Repeat the operation at least twice a week.
The massage
You might not have even thought about it, but it’s obvious. If hairdressers take so much care to massage our scalp over the shampoo chair, it’s not just to relax us. Indeed, massage activates blood circulation and therefore hair growth. Ideally, you should therefore do this micro circulatory massage at least twice a day with your shampoo and / or hair lotion.
Horsetail tea
This plant, which is also called “rat tail”, “fox tail” or “horse tail”, contains a lot of iron, silica and selenium which promotes hair growth. Boil 4 tbsp. of dry plants and let infuse 10 minutes before filtering. Drink a cup midday and evening after each meal for at least three weeks. This is especially useful when the seasons change, as the hair tends to fall out more easily.
Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast is known for its beneficial effect on the growth of nails and hair. It is indeed loaded with B vitamins, essential for the creation of keratin (95% of the hair). The fungus contained in the yeast will sheathe and strengthen your hair. Be careful, we are not talking about a capsule. Here, it’s about sprinkling powdered or flaked brewer’s yeast directly on our dishes at the rate of 2 grams, three times a day and for three weeks to a month for effective results.
Fortify hair with vegetable oils
What is important to understand is that hair is like us: sometimes it’s hungry, sometimes it’s thirsty! Nourishing and moisturizing are therefore two different actions that must be observed for healthy hair. To feed, we use fats such as oils and vegetable butters. Oils (coconut, avocado, castor) and mango or shea butters are effective in nourishing lengths and ends. Do not be afraid to bathe in oils, the key is to know what dose to apply so as not to saturate the hair and manage to rinse it well. To hydrate, we will use very accessible products such as Aloe Vera gel on the tips in the evening. When the hair is split, there is no magic product to replenish it. The solution? Cut off damaged tips!
Use essential oils
Using essential oils will always be beneficial to have a purified scalp, well activated blood circulation, healthy hair and volume. Those of rosemary, ylang ylang, & lemongrass fortify the hair. Those of Atlas cedar, cypress, saro, or grapefruit act against hair loss.
In practice, add them to your washing base (4 drops). Mix in the palm of your hand and wash your scalp by massaging with your fingertips. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing. At best: prepare your mixture of essential oils in advance, and put it in a small amber glass bottle away from the light.
Stimulate Hair Growth with Plants
To speed up the growth process you can massage with oils, such as coconut oil (one of the only ones that can penetrate the scalp) and castor oil, known for its positive effects on the growth of skin appendages. (nails & hair). There is nothing like massaging the scalp to stimulate blood circulation. Using your fingertips, make small circular motions on your head. There are also natural herbal and spice remedies that provide nutrients to the hair roots and, as a result, optimize their growth.
Rosemary
It is one of the most recommended herbs for hair growth. It also prevents the premature appearance of gray hair. Rinsing your head daily with rosemary water revives dark hair color and gives it volume.
Horsetail
Field horsetail is rich in silicon, an essential nutrient for strengthening hair. Organic silicon hydrates and promotes elasticity and hair resistance. Thus, by being more resistant, the hair breaks less.
The Nettle
This herb prevents hair loss and dandruff problems. Their high content of vitamins (B, C and E) reduces the harmful effects of free radicals. It also inhibits the excessive production of fats and stimulates the circulation of the hair tissue providing shine and strength. Thanks to its cleansing action, it tones the hair fibers, which also helps to oxygenate the scalp.
The Curry
Its essential and protein oils nourish and invigorate hair tissue damaged by damage caused by the use of commercial products, overexposure to the sun and pollution. Curry has a high content of beta-carotenes, a nutrient that reduces hair loss and stimulates hair growth. Ideal for stopping the appearance of premature gray hair. It promotes the production of melanin, which covers each hair fiber with natural pigments, vitamins and minerals such as copper, iron or zinc.
Cinnamon
It stimulates the blood circulation of the hair follicles, which promotes abundant, hydrated hair and unparalleled shine. The antiseptic properties of cinnamon prevent scalp disease while eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms that promote hair loss. It is also used to naturally lighten brown hair.
Eat Well
External care is important to prevent hair loss but for optimal results it is also important to act from the inside by choosing foods rich in omega 3, protein, iron, zinc and silicon. We can never stop saying it, the health of the hair passes above all by a good diet, varied, balanced, associated with a good hygiene of life.
Among the foods that promote the good health of your hair, we can therefore cite: oily fish (sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, etc.), whole meal bread, eggs, lentils, raw or gently steamed broccoli, red pepper. The zinc-rich foods also: pumpkin seeds, fresh oysters, Brazil nuts, organic eggs… Like zinc, silicon is essential. Some good food sources of silicon include cucumber, mango, green leafy vegetables, broad beans, celery, strawberries, and asparagus.
How to prevent hair loss?
The hair loss is one of the main problems faced by men of “a certain age”, there are all kinds of factors that cause it and, whatever the evolution of technology. There is no magic pill to regrow hair after baldness appears, but, according to several studies and experts, there are some steps you can take to prevent it or to slow down the process. Your hair is alive, grows every day and needs grooming, not only to keep it looking healthy and shiny, but also to stay strong, resilient and in good condition.
Change your lifestyle
Most of the time you have to quit smoking, which not only affects the lungs, but can also cause hair loss and speed up the graying process. Several researchers have shown that smoking and hair loss are linked.
Scalp oil massage
The massage can help stimulate the scalp follicles. In a small study, healthy Japanese men who received 4 minutes of scalp massage each day for 24 weeks had thicker hair at the end of the study. Why with oils? Peppermint oil is proven to aid in hair growth, and rosemary oil has also been traditionally used to increase blood circulation in the scalp. A 2013 study also found that rosemary leaf extract improved hair growth in mice. On the other hand, coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil are also believed to have beneficial effects on hair growth, although there are few studies on this topic.
Heart of palm
This is an herb whose fruits are used for prostate treatments, but a study has shown that it can also prevent hair loss when used as a topical treatment. Some studies have shown that it prevents the breakdown of the male hormone testosterone, which may help prevent hair loss. This remedy is believed to be safe and can be taken with other medicines.
Biotin-based foods
Biotin is found in foods such as nuts, sweet potatoes, eggs, onions, and oats, which have been shown to be effective in reducing hair loss. Most of the studies have been done on women, but it is believed to work the same for men as well.
Onion juice
A small study tested it on people with alopecia areata, which causes irregular hair loss. Half of them put onion juice on their scalp twice a day, the rest use tap water. After two weeks, 74% of onion juice users had seen their hair grow back, compared to 13% of tap water users. If you try it, you may need to add something to cover the smell.
Green tea
The green tea contains antioxidants that have many benefits for the skin and hair. A study on polyphenolic compounds in green tea, carried out on mice, has shown promise as a natural remedy for hair loss.
Smarter care
In some cases, small changes are the most effective. It is important not to pull too hard and not to be too aggressive with the towel when drying.
Wasabi
Kinin, a Japanese company specializing in wasabi, has revealed that chemicals in the plant from which the iconic spice is derived promote hair growth and are in fact more effective and faster than currently available medical treatments.