Hair loss can be a distressing experience, and it’s essential to understand what is considered normal and when it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional. Moreover, knowing the causes of hair loss and the steps to manage it can make a significant difference in your confidence and overall look.
Understanding Hair Growth Cycles
Hair growth follows a cycle. In each cycle, hair experiences a long growing phase (anagen) lasting 2-6 years, a short transition phase (catagen) lasting about two weeks, and a resting phase (telogen) of 1-4 months. After the resting phase, hair falls out (exogen) of the follicle. Losing 50 to 100 hairs from your head daily is normal, as they reach the end of their telogen phase. However, a prolonged telogen phase called telogen effluvium can cause excessive hair loss. Anagen effluvium is a hair growth phase disruption.
Telogen Effluvium
This hair loss type is characterized by patient complaints of continuous gradual hair loss with few areas of baldness. Telogen effluvium usually stems from physical, mental, or emotional stressors, such as pregnancy, surgery, illness, new medication, exposure to X-rays, or noticeable emotional stress.
A poor diet, insomnia, or anxiety could also trigger telogen effluvium, particularly when these conditions are present simultaneously. Hair follicles may die prematurely due to a lack of protein and omega-3 oils. Fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.
Blood tests may be necessary to explore hormonal causes of telogen effluvium. Hair loss typically begins 1-2 months after the stressor, and factors such as birth control use, menopause, or significant weight loss could also be the cause.
Managing Telogen Effluvium
Addressing telogen effluvium often boils down to identifying and stopping the cause. Here are some additional steps to take:
- Be gentle when brushing your hair, and avoid high heat hair dryers, flat irons, hair color chemicals, and hair sprays/gels.
- Use gentle massages with oil to stimulate blood circulation and hair growth. Mix lavender or rosemary essential oil with olive, coconut, or almond oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for about an hour before washing your hair. Repeat this process weekly.
- Eat protein, healthy oils, fruits, and vegetables.
- Address and manage stress in your life.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium is characterized by the abrupt and dramatic shedding of hair from almost all areas of your scalp, including eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. Causes include toxic drug chemotherapy, radiation, autoimmune diseases, severe blood loss or iron deficiency anemia, systemic lupus, autoimmune thyroiditis, or infections such as syphilis or fungi.
Addressing the underlying cause is the first step to managing anagen effluvium. Topical minoxidil and organic permanent make-up can help.
Alopecia
Alopecia refers to baldness, and there are several types. Androgenic alopecia is the most common and affects 80% of men 70 years old and above, as well as 50% of women experiencing baldness. Treatment options for androgenic alopecia include topical Minoxidil, topical Anthralin, Finasteride (for men only), oral contraceptives, Spironolactone, and surgical treatments like follicle or plug transplant grafts.
Alopecia areata is another type of alopecia characterized by circular bald patches that occur abruptly. It can affect children, young adults, and middle-aged individuals. The cause is not always easy to determine, but genetic predisposition, viruses, and autoimmune effects may be contributing factors. Consulting your physician is recommended for diagnosis and treatment.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle and seeking proper medical advice can help you take control of hair loss and ensure a fuller, healthier head of hair.
