Editor’s Note: This article was initially published on Davines. Tousled Online Magazine editors have done minor edits.
Hair shedding is a part of everyday life. In fact, it’s normal to shed up to 100 strands per day. But if you’re losing clumps of hair at a time, have bald patches, or have a receding hairline, you’re likely experiencing hair loss. Lots of things can cause your hair to fall out, and to stop it; you’ve got to get to the root of the problem — literally! If you’re wondering how much hair loss is normal, Davines will break down the most common causes of shedding hair. Read on to understand why you’re experiencing hair loss and what to do about it.
What causes hair loss?
Hair loss can affect just the scalp or the entire body and can be temporary or permanent. So what causes hair shedding? As it turns out, lots of things. And getting to the bottom of your hair loss is the first step in treating it. The following are some of the most common reasons for hair loss and hair shedding.
Post-pregnancy
Hormones play a massive role in regulating the hair growth cycle. So anything that sends your hormones out of whack can lead to hair loss. This includes the hormonal changes during peri-menopause, menopause, and post-partum.
Aging
People as young as 30 can experience hair loss of 10 to 15 percent. By age 50, it goes up to 25 percent; by age 70, it’s at 50 percent. As we age, the scalp becomes drier and tighter, affecting blood circulation to the scalp and the growth of your hair follicles. So with aging comes a natural progression of hair loss.
Nutritional deficiencies and diet
Nutritional deficiencies can take a toll on your entire body, including your hair. Deficiencies in nutrients like iron, copper, zinc, Vitamin B12, and protein can cause excessive hair shedding and hair loss. Similarly, dramatic weight loss and restrictive diets have been linked to acute telogen effluvium, one of the most common causes of widespread hair loss on the scalp.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can also lead to hair loss. People with Lupus, Hashimoto thyroiditis (hypothyroidism), autoimmune diseases, Grave’s disease, (hyperthyroidism), and diabetes will often experience hair loss. Hair loss is also one of the common side effects of many medications, including chemotherapy, high blood pressure medicine, blood thinners, beta-blockers, oral retinoids, and thyroid medications.
Anemia
One of the most common causes of hair loss is anemia. This is a condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia signs and symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity, although hair loss is often experienced.
Hyper or hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid (when it produces too much thyroid hormone). Hypothyroidism is an under-active thyroid (when it does not produce enough). Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism. Although the two conditions have different signs and symptoms, sometimes they overlap. Any thyroid imbalance can affect the hair follicles so hair loss can happen in both types of thyroid disease. Plus, if hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can result in anemia, which we just discussed can impact hair loss.
Physical or emotional stress
Any type of physical or emotional stress can lead to loss, though you may not experience it until 3 to 5 months later. Stressful events send hairs into a degenerative phase where they are rapidly shed. This is known as sudden hair loss. It is often accompanied by a sensitive scalp and occurs quickly and all at once.
When to see a doctor about hair loss
If the part in your hair is widening, you find bald spots, or you notice excessive daily hair shedding for longer than 3 months, see a dermatologist or trichologist to rule out underlying factors that need to be addressed. To determine the cause of your hair loss, your doctor will examine your scalp to check for inflammation, redness, sores, or scarring. They’ll look closely at your hair to determine how much is being lost, the pattern of the hair loss, and whether there is hair breakage. Your doctor will also ask questions about when the hair loss began, what the patterns of hair loss are, what kind of hairstyles you usually wear, whether hair loss runs in your family, and other details about your symptoms to determine the best course of action for your treatment.
How to help treat hair loss
The goal of treating hair loss is to encourage the hair follicles to function to the best of their ability, encouraging hair growth. If you’re wondering how to stop your hair from falling out, these are the best ways to do it.
Increase your protein intake
Hair is made up of protein, so your hair will suffer if you’re not getting enough of it. Getting an appropriate amount of protein in your diet is essential for strong and healthy hair growth. Vegans and vegetarians experiencing hair loss likely lack the amino acids in the form of animal protein and may need to supplement with extra plant proteins.
Increase vitamin and mineral intake
In addition to the foods in your diet, increasing your vitamin and mineral intake will help strengthen your hair from the inside. Supplements like iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, copper, zinc, selenium, essential amino acids like L-Lysine and L-Methionine, and hair vitamins usually contain biotin and collagen to help combat hair loss.
Try scalp therapies
Platelet-rich plasma, PRP is a scalp therapy that requires a patient to draw blood so enriched cells can later be injected into the scalp. PRP can stimulate the growth of follicles, reversing hair loss, and must be done by a professional. Less invasive hair treatments include manual exfoliation with a sea salt scrub cleanser, P1,550, or a follicle-stimulating product like a gel for thinning hair, P1,750.
Increase your complex carb intake
Carbs provide your hair with the energy it needs to grow. So if your diet doesn’t include carbs and you’re experiencing excessive hair shedding, it’s time to add them. Add healthy carbohydrates like fresh fruit or whole wheat crackers in between meals longer than four hours apart — the energy available to your hair cells drops after this time.
Increase your exercise
Exercise can help with hair growth by increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Increased blood flow means more nutrients and oxygen are reaching the scalp. Keep your hair follicles nourished and healthy by doing 30 minutes of cardio at least three times weekly.
Change up your hairstyle
Over-processing and over-styling your hair can weaken your strands, resulting in damage. This includes using heat, wearing tight hairstyles and choosing your styling products for hair loss wisely.
Try at-home remedies
Onion juice is thought to help with hair regrowth by rejuvenating the hair follicles. Boil water and a chopped, medium onion for 10 minutes. Let it cool, then strain it and add some honey to thicken it. Apply the solution to your dry scalp and leave it under a shower cap for two hours. Rinse it out with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar to neutralize the odor, Or try a head massage with an energizing oil like our serum for thinning hair, P4,200. Apply a small amount to your fingertips. Apply light to medium pressure with your fingers while gently massaging your scalp in small circular motions. Keep massaging for three to five minutes, working your way up and around the head and covering all areas.
No matter how you choose to combat hair loss, rest assured that all Davines formulas are free of harmful toxins and made from natural ingredients. Davines products are made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact. Davines’ hair care isn’t just good for your hair; it’s good for the planet.
