Understanding the Root Cause of Hair Fall and Ways to Combat It
Hair fall is a common problem that affects both men and women of all ages. Losing a few strands of hair every day is normal, but when the hair fall becomes excessive, it can lead to hair thinning or baldness, which can cause stress and affect one’s self-esteem.
In this blog, we will explore the main causes of hair fall and suggest ways to stop it.
- Genetics: One of the primary causes of hair fall is genetics. Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition that causes hair loss in both men and women. It is characterized by a gradual thinning of the hair, and eventually, baldness. If you have a family history of baldness or thinning hair, you are more likely to develop this condition.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal imbalances can also lead to hair fall. Women may experience hair loss due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. Hormonal imbalances in men can also cause hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in men by shrinking the hair follicles.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies can also cause hair fall. A diet lacking in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin can lead to hair loss. Iron is essential for healthy hair growth as it helps carry oxygen to the hair follicles. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for hair growth. Zinc and biotin are also essential for healthy hair growth.
- Stress: Stress is a common cause of hair fall. When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can affect the growth cycle of hair follicles. This can lead to hair loss or thinning. Chronic stress can also lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to shed excessively.
- Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as pollution, hard water, and exposure to UV rays can also cause hair fall. Pollution can clog hair follicles, leading to hair fall. Hard water can cause mineral buildup on the scalp, leading to dandruff and hair fall. Exposure to UV rays can damage the hair shaft, leading to hair breakage and hair fall.
Now that we understand the causes of hair fall, let’s look at some ways to combat it.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help prevent hair fall. Include foods that are high in iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin. Foods such as spinach, kale, lentils, eggs, salmon, and almonds are excellent sources of these nutrients.
- Manage stress: Managing stress is essential to prevent hair fall. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels. Getting adequate sleep is also essential for managing stress.
- Use gentle hair care products: Using harsh chemicals on your hair can damage the hair shaft and lead to hair fall. Use gentle hair care products that are free of sulfates and parabens. Avoid using hot styling tools such as curling irons and straighteners as they can damage the hair shaft.
- Protect your hair from environmental factors: Protect your hair from pollution and UV rays by wearing a hat or using a scarf. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove mineral buildup from hard water.
- Seek medical help: If you are experiencing excessive hair fall, seek medical help. Your doctor may recommend topical solutions or oral medications to help stop hair fall. In severe cases, hair transplant surgery may be recommended.
In conclusion, hair fall is a common problem that can be caused by several factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and environmental factors.