Hair falling out may or may not be symptomatic of a serious illness. Certain events in our lives can trigger hair loss but the body can recover and after a few months normal hair growth is resumed.
Here are a number of factors you need to consider:
1. Growth Cycles
As hair is going through various growth cycles, 2 or 3 months may elapse from the time hair stops growing to the time it actually falls out.
So if you are experiencing hair falling out check back on the calendar 8 to 12 weeks and see if you were faced with a sudden shock, or an accident, or a medical procedure which may have precipitated the hair loss.
2. Hair Loss In Women
Women can expect hair to fall out after childbirth and women experiencing the menopause may also be faced with hair falling out. These conditions are rectified as time passes although in the case of post-menopausal women, the hair may not regrow completely but at least the hair loss will probably stop.
3. The Heredity Factor
Heredity is the main cause of hair loss in men and women. In men it manifests itself often in what is termed male pattern baldness.
While there is little anyone can do to actually stop this process if genetic factors are involved, living a healthy lifestyle including proper attention to diet, exercise, and nutrition, can help stave off to some degree the speed and degree of hair loss in many individuals.
4. Propecia A Lifelong Commitment
Alarmed by hair falling out, some persons desperately seek a quick remedy. Propecia for men offers a quick remedy (effective after some months) but users should be aware that this prescription drug requires a lifelong commitment and it does not work for everyone.
The expense involved can be considerable given the fact that it needs to be used continuously. Once the medication is stopped, the hair that has regrown can be lost.
Added to that, the long term effects of this drug are not yet known.
5. Rogaine - Works For Some
Rogaine is a popular over the counter hair loss medication for men and women which contains minoxidil, a drug originally used for high blood pressure. Again it requires continuous use and results vary from person to person.
In the original clinical tests, about 55% of the men who had hair falling out saw positive results. Women have to be careful and use the 2% version as the 5% form of Rogaine can result in an increase in facial hair, a side effect many women find unacceptable.
6. Avoid Hair Shampoos That Damage
If your hair is falling out avoid making the problem worse by rough handling of your hair. Hair shampoos that claim to add body and volume to hair may be alkaline based in which case they can actually damage the hair.
As the outside of the hair is covered with what look like scales, a balanced shampoo with a pH factor between 4.5 to 5.5 will smooth the scales so the hair looks shiny and feels smooth. An alkaline based shampoo on the other hand will rough up the scales to make the hair stand up more. This can weaken the outer coating of the hair which in time can lead to it breaking off.
7. The Vitamins You Need
Make sure you are taking in Vitamins A, C, B complex, and E as well as the mineral zinc. These are key vitamins in the production of healthy hair. By eating a variety of dairy products, vegetables and fruit, cereals, grains and pulses, most of our vitamin needs can be met.
However, especially in the case of vitamins C and E, it may be the body is not getting enough from a normal diet. Supplements can be helpful although these should be used under proper medical supervision after consulting with your doctor if you are using other medications or have a specific health problem.
8. Exercise And The Hair Follicle
Pay attention to regular exercise. Walking is an excellent form of exercise which is easy to do and does not put an undue strain on the body.
Exercise contributes to a healthy circulatory system which delivers blood to the scalp so the blood vessels that feed the hair follicles have the proteins, nutrients and oxygen they need.
9. Stop Smoking
If you use tobacco seriously consider stopping. Evidence indicates smoking can negatively impact the circulatory system as well as reduce the oxygen carrying potential of the blood. The scalp and hair follicles suffer as do other parts of the body.
10. Educate Yourself
Finally, if you are concerned about hair falling out, educate yourself thoroughly and find out lifestyle factors that can affect your hair growth.
I personally have a copy of Jonathon E. Phillips' informative ebook "Hair Loss No More." In addition to providing much background information about hair and hair loss, this book contains a Step-By-Step Hair Power Regimen which ties together important strategies involving diet, nutrition, exercise and deep breathing. (See resource box below for details)
Hair falling out can result in anxiety and stress. Stress in turn can affect the body negatively so even more hair loss may result. Break this vicious circle by analyzing your own characteristics and develop a plan to combat hair loss.
No comments:
Post a Comment