Robust and shiny hair is a sign of good health, but the daily loss of a few locks is completely normal. However, it is difficult for some people to distinguish normal hair loss from pathology. To see more clearly, discover everything there is to know about hair loss in this article.
Understand the normal hair growth cycle
The life cycle of the hair is a process that lasts several years: the hair is born under the skin of the scalp then follows a slow growth process and ends up suffering the inevitable fall. All this happens in three main cycles.
Anagen phase: hair growth
The anagen phase concerns 85% of the hair: it corresponds to the period during which the hair continues to grow. It lasts on average two to five years depending on the individual and during this period the hair is alive. This means that its keratin growth is constant and its root fills the hair follicle to its base. The anagen phase of hair tends to shorten, causing hair to be thinner and grow more sparsely.
Catagen phase: the end of hair growth
This is the phase that concerns 3% of the hair and during which hair growth ceases for fifteen to twenty days. The growth is completely stopped and the root rises towards the epidermis while all activity is suddenly interrupted. Although the hair stops growing, it remains attached to the hair follicle.
Telogen phase: hair maturity
It corresponds to the resting phase of the hair and lasts six to seven months. During this telogen phase, the hair follicles gradually retract and this concerns 12% of the hair. When the hair shaft detaches from the follicle, the latter begins to produce new hair.
After the telogen phase, the hair is at the end of its life and falls naturally to make room for a new one. You should know that the hair follicles are programmed to perform a total of about 25 cycles.
Take note of unusual hair loss patterns
If it is normal to lose a few strands of hair every day, some patterns should still alert. There are indeed distinctive signs that may indicate an underlying problem requiring hair loss treatment or medical attention. Let’s identify these patterns to help you determine when it’s time to worry.
The first abnormal sign is the progressive thinning of the hair on the whole scalp, which is moreover a revealing symptom of baldness or androgenetic alopecia. It is a hereditary condition that particularly affects men, but in some very rare cases, women can be affected.
Another red flag is hair loss in circular patches which can be a sign of alopecia areata. It is an autoimmune disease affecting the hair follicles. This condition manifests at a very rapid rate and causes distinct bald areas. A medical examination is essential to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatments.
In cases of extreme stress or hormonal upheaval, you may experience hair loss beyond normal. It is a symptom that underlies a more serious condition that requires consultation with a medical professional to precisely identify the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
A major event such as childbirth, surgery, or emotional trauma can trigger temporary hair loss called “telogen effluvium”. The hair then moves more quickly from the growth phase to the resting phase, resulting in diffuse loss. In most cases, this condition is temporary and the hair regrows once the cause of the stress has been addressed.
See a doctor for a professional evaluation
Hair loss is a condition that requires a lot of vigilance and requires adequate measures. In case of worrying about unusual hair loss patterns, it is imperative to consult a dermatologist or a doctor specialized in hair health to be prescribed the appropriate treatment.
During your consultation, the doctor will carefully review your medical history, perform a physical examination of your scalp and hair, and may even recommend tests to identify possible medical conditions. Based on this information, you will be offered a personalized treatment plan, ranging from lifestyle changes to specific medical therapies. Don’t wait for hair loss to become a concern. The sooner you see a healthcare professional, the sooner you can take steps to maintain healthy hair.
Control your diet and lifestyle
If you are dealing with abnormal hair loss, it is essential to integrate the fact that diet and lifestyle have a big role to play in your hair health. The first thing to do is to adopt a diet rich in essential proteins found in lean meat, eggs, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. You should know that the amino acids they contain are in a way the building blocks of hair and contribute to their growth and strength.
It is also necessary to ensure that you consume enough essential vitamins and minerals to maintain good hair health. Vitamin A, vitamin C, biotin, zinc, and iron are especially important for hair growth. Oily fish, green vegetables, fruits, and nuts are excellent sources of these nutrients.
Hydration is very important to ensure healthy hair. Water indeed helps transport nutrients to the hair follicles and maintain the elasticity of the hair fiber.
Chronic stress contributes to hair loss, and practicing techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and regular exercise can halt symptoms. Stopping hair loss also involves maintaining a good hormonal balance to reduce the effects of stress.
Consider medical treatments to stop hair loss
If hair loss persists despite dietary and lifestyle improvements, it may be time to take more targeted action. There are medical treatments and hair care options that play a crucial role in managing hair loss depending on the underlying cause.
The dermatologist is a specialist who can give you specific medical recommendations depending on the cause of your hair loss. This specialist may prescribe topical medications that contain minoxidil, low-level laser treatments, or other types of dietary supplements that promote hair growth and may slow hair loss.
For people with advanced hair loss, hair transplantation may be an option to consider. This procedure involves transplanting healthy hair follicles into bald areas, allowing natural hair regrowth.
Each individual is unique and a personalized approach is essential to achieve the best results. Consult a healthcare professional to assess your options and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
