Why do hair break or beggins to thin out?
What Kills Your Hair: The
hair undergoes a cycle which proceeds in three distinct phases: anagen,
catagen, and telogen. During the anagen phase, roughly 85 percent of the hair
is growing. The anagen phase can last from two to three years at any one time.
Approximately 5 percent is degrading during the catagen phase that only lasts
for about two to three weeks. Ten percent, on the other hand, is shedding
during the telogen phase which can last for about two to three months. Under the normal telogen phase, losing 50 to
100 hair strands a day is just normal. However, when the telogen phase, or when
the normal hair growth cycle at large, is interrupted, hair loss can become
excessive. Excessive hair loss is a condition that a considerable number of
people around the world suffer from—and the causes can be diverse. GENETICS Hereditary factors do not really
make a person lose his/her hair but it plays a big role in its occurrence.
Apparently, one has a greater tendency to experience it when both sides of the
family have it —the ‘bad’ genes have been passed down. Hair loss is influenced
by more than one gene (polygenic); therefore, contrary to common belief, hair
loss is not just inherited from the mother’s side of the family. Genetic hair loss is a permanent condition
and can transpire differently in men and women. However, as stated earlier,
genetics per se do not cause hair loss, rather it can be directly linked to any
of the factors presented below. HORMONALAndrogens In the vast majority of cases, the male
hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is the reason hair loss occurs in men and
women. It creates a genetic pattern—a condition called androgenetic alopecia or
male/female pattern baldness which exactly happens when testosterone is
converted by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase into DHT. DHT is an aggressive
testosterone derivative because it attaches to the androgen receptor sites in
the hair follicles. This prevents successful blood flow, further causing the
hair follicles to shrink and eventually die if left untreated. Postpartum During pregnancy, the telogen
phase is suspended as the level of oestrogen increases. The increase of
oestrogen levels prolongs the anagen phase, explaining why pregnant women
usually have a more beautiful hair than when they are not pregnant. But the
spell usually ends two to five months after pregnancy. This is because the
frozen telogen phase resumes, causing more than the usual count of hairs to
fall out. This is a condition called postpartum hair loss. Postpartum hair loss
is only temporary and it can happen in one pregnancy but not in another. AUTOIMMUNE DISORDER In some other cases, hair loss
results when the T-cells, the white blood cells responsible for fighting
infection, attack the hair follicles. Why the immune system does so is not
exactly known. This condition is called alopecia areata which is characterized
by smooth and round patches of hair loss anywhere in the body. The abnormality
in the immune system leaves the hair follicles in a shrunk state, hence inept
to perform its role. Usually it starts in the scalp hair then progresses in the
rest of the body. Alopecia areata is both temporary and
chronic. Until the immune system recovers from its triggers, this condition may
go on. STRESS Whether metabolic or hormonal, stress can
cause telogen effluvium as observed in many cases. As the name suggests,
telogen effluvium is a condition wherein the number of telogen hairs increase.
(Postpartum hair loss is an example of telogen effluvium.) However, the exact
mechanism how stress triggers hair loss is still unknown. Telogen effluvium is only temporary. Usually,
it occurs a few months after the stressful event but once the body returns to
its normal shape, the hair will continue growing. MEDICATIONS Antidepressants, thyroid medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, anabolic steroids, and birth control pills are common drugs that trigger temporary hair loss as a result of using or stopping the use of these medications. Sometimes, hair loss is only a form of the body’s adjustment to a certain medicine while in some cases, an effect of the body’s accumulation of the substance. Hair loss caused by medications is only temporary. Once the body completely adjusts to the change, hair loss will eventually stop. HAIR PULLING AND/OR FRICTION Constant friction or traction such as those
employed during grooming procedures (dreadlocks, tight braids, tight ponytails,
etc.) inflames the hair follicles (folliculitis). Repetitive friction against
the hair follicles interferes with the blood supply to the hair root. This
causes hair loss in a condition called traction alopecia that becomes visible
through damaged hair shafts and bald patches in the hairline and temples.
Hair loss caused by traction is not painful and is only temporary. Traction
alopecia is prevalent in women, particularly African American women. CHEMICAL TREATMENTS Dyes, tints, bleaches, straighteners,
relaxers, and permanent waves can cause hair damage particularly when they are
used too often. Caustic chemicals make the hair weaker and to eventually
break off. Besides harming the hair shafts, these chemicals may seep through
the pores of the scalp and can kill the hair follicles beneath the skin, that
is, if done improperly. In some cases, these can even cause chemical burns that
would result in permanent hair loss. Therefore, it is imperative that
only experienced hairstylists perform hair treatments. POOR NUTRITION The hair needs as much nutrition as the rest
of the body receives. Partial lack of nutrients can affect hair growth. In
fact, without certain vitamins and minerals, hair cannot grow normally. The
hair is a non-essential part of the body; therefore, it would most certainly
rank last in receiving nutrients. Hence, it is all the more essential to
consume certain vitamins and minerals required for the hair to grow. Hair Loss and Hair Thinning: The immune system — which includes the
bone marrow, thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and the white blood cells
— normally protects the body from infections and diseases brought about by
bacteria, viruses, fungi and other abnormal body cells. However, when the immune system fails to
distinguish between the foreign invaders and the normal healthy cells,
autoimmune diseases may result. When an autoimmune disease develops,
the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own tissues and
organs, producing a wide range of symptoms like nausea, hair loss and hair
thinning problems. Society deems the hair as a defining
part of a woman’s personality. It is a mark of her femininity, beauty and
style. This statement holds a universal truth, which is why it is crucial
for women to nurture and protect their crowning glory. From a woman’s point of view, there’s
hardly anything worse than losing their healthy head of hair. Most women feel
upset and distressed when they start to begin losing their hair. To them, hair
loss can be a very terrifying and distressing scenario. With this general supposition, hair thinning
or hair loss can be extremely hard to accept and deal with especially for
women. This condition is more than just a minor cosmetic problem. It has the
potential to make women feel vulnerable, anxious and at times depressed. It
causes unfavorable changes in how women feel about themselves. Approximately, 20 percent of women
suffer from having hair loss or pattern baldness. This condition usually
develops progressively and may be patchy or diffuse. Roughly 50 to 100 hair shafts
are lost from your head every day. The average scalp contains about 100,000
hairs shafts. Hair grows from its follicle at an average rate of about 1/2 inch
per month. Each hair grows for 2 to 6 years, then rests, and then falls out. A
new hair soon begins growing in its place. At any one time, about 85 percent of
the hair is growing and 15 percent is resting. Loss of hair occurs when hair
falls out but new hair does not grow in its place. Studies show that hormone plays a great role
in women’s hair loss. Hormones are thought to influence the onset, severity and
pattern of hair loss experienced by women. Changes in hormone levels caused by
menopause, pregnancy, thyroid conditions and medications like (birth control
pills) are some possible causes of hair loss. Women who are in their pre- and
post-menopausal period suffer from hair thinning. Moreover, during and
after pregnancy, a woman experiences hormonal fluctuations. At the course of
the pregnancy, a woman may experience shinier and healthier hair. However, 3 to
6 months after giving birth, the hormones of the woman can enter a resting
phase while the body returns to its pre-pregnancy condition. When this happens,
a woman usually begins to notice an increase in falling hair. Other causes of hair loss in women are highly
individual, but can include any of the combinations: How do we prevent this to carry on? Stop Hair Loss: The Natural Hair Regrowth Alternatives Iron conditions the blood’s good health. It
is essential for metabolism, which carries the lungs’ oxygen and dispatches it
to all the organic tissues in the body. With regards to the hair, iron is vital
for the nutrition and oxygenation of the hair follicles. Hence, the lack of
iron in the body may lead to thinner and duller hair. What Is Iron deficiency? Iron deficiency, also known as sideropenia or
hypoferremia, is the most common form of nutritional deficit. This happens when
there is not enough iron consumed by an individual. Without a sufficient amount
of iron, the body cannot produce ample quantity of hemoglobin and it cannot
adequately transport electrons within the cells. This occurrence affects
the body in various ways. Iron and Hair Loss The majority of iron supply in the body is
found within the red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body cells.
This mineral also regulates cell development, which is necessary for many
bodily processes, including healthy hair regrowth. With an inadequate amount of
iron, the cells may not get enough oxygen; hence, this results to fatigue,
weakness, pale skin, brittle nails, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, pica,
headache and hair loss. Hair loss due to iron deficiency may occur in large
quantities but at times it can also be subtle, slow hair thinning that might
last for several months or even years. Diagnosis and Treatment Most people with iron deficiency hair loss
can be treated with iron supplements. However, before purchasing iron
supplements, it should be noted that overindulgence of iron may increase the risk
of infection and can lead to toxicity. Hence, the most ideal thing to do
is to visit a physician to see if you really are in need of iron supplements.
Sometimes, iron deficiency may also be a cause of an underlying medical
condition such as an ulcer, so it makes sense to seek help from a medical
professional and sort out any potential underlying causes. The most common type of iron supplement is
ferrous sulfate. However, other types may include the following: ferrous
succinate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous lactate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous
glutamate, ferrous glycine and ferric ammonium citrate. Bottom Line Hair loss induced by iron deficiency can be
stabilized once its cause disappears. But one needs to be patient, because it
takes a while to rebuild the body’s level of iron, which involves long-term
supplementation. In the mean time, you can eat iron-rich foods to help you
fight iron deficiency. Foods rich in iron include red meat, dried fruits,
liver, oysters, whole grains, soy bean flour and cereals. Related posts:
Essential oils: Aromatherapy is a good hair loss treatment in women
which is natural, safe, effective and low cost. The use of essential oils is a
great alternative to help prevent or stop hair loss. Some of the best oils for
hair care are Jojoba, Rosemary, Basil, Lavender and soybean extracts. Exercise: Exercises are the one of the natural hair loss
treatments in women that is a viable option. To further reduce the chances of
hair loss you simply need to add an exercise program to your plan. Exercising
will improve the delivery of the proper nutrients to your hair follicles and
reduce the effects of stress on your body. Hair Massage: A daily massage can work wonders on your hair. A
scalp massage can reduce stress levels, increase blood flow to the hair
follicles and promote an overall feeling of relaxation. If done properly it
opens up the blood vessels to promote blood flow which increases the amount of
nutrients available for hair growth. Natural supplements: These supplements are essential to help speed up hair
follicle cell division and help the follicles produce stronger hair shafts. The
ideal supplement to help your hair regrow should contain just the right amount
of vitamins and minerals to stop hair loss. Proper Diet: Nutritional deficiencies caused by improper diet can
contribute to increased hair loss by weakening hair shafts that cause breakage
to the hair and slow down hair regrowth. Sometimes changing what you eat is all you need to
stop and prevent your hair loss condition. By eating the right kind of foods
like cereals, grains, poultry, meat, fish, vegetables and fruits you can
achieve a well balanced diet. These are some of the common natural hair
loss treatment tips and options to stop hair loss in women. These things are good alternatives which
are effective to help you regain your beautiful locks in due time. I hope this information helps :) and I know is a lot to take in :0 but i am here to look out for you guys ;) Feel free to write your opinion :) |
 |
|||||||
 
|
|
 |
|||||
    |
|||||||
