Suffering From Hair Loss Doesn't Have to Be a Curse

The clinical term for hair loss is alopecia. This condition is readily visible on the head, but it can also manifest in other parts of the body. Hair loss can occur uniformly, or it might display as bald patches. Symptoms can be successfully treated in some cases, and preventative measures are always recommended. There are different types of hair loss, so getting accurate information is necessary.

There is a normal amount of hair loss that happens every day. Hair loss is a symptom; however, it can give your medical provider information about how to treat an underlying issue. Hair loss could be caused by specific behaviors. This is good news because making simple changes can reduce hair loss. The alopecia might even be temporary, so stay hopeful. Always seek qualified medical advice to get an accurate diagnosis.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Underlying issues are often present in cases of hair loss, so identifying them accurately is important. Once you determine the cause of the hair loss, you can decide what steps to take next. The most common causes of hair loss are summarized here:

1. Medical issues: Alopecia areata, thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders and fungal infections are often accompanied by hair loss.
2. Congenital: Bald spots, hair thinning and hair loss might be connected to hereditary traits.
3. Traumatic hair loss: The body might react to physical or emotional trauma resulting in hair loss. The hair might start falling out during washing or brushing.
4. Medical treatments: Certain medical conditions require treatments that cause hair loss as a side-effect. The most recognized medical treatment that results in hair loss is chemotherapy for cancer.
5. Hormonal changes: Any sudden changes to the body’s hormones can increase hair loss. This includes age, trauma, pregnancy, menopause, medications and hormone replacement therapies.

Hair Loss for Women

Hair loss in women often presents as a general thinning of the hair. The cause of the hair loss might be hereditary, but it could also be linked to specific lifestyle habits. Consuming products or medicines that cause the immune system to react can exacerbate hair loss. The immune system might attack the hair follicles during an inflammatory response, for example.

Hair treatments and salon products may contain harmful chemicals that can increase hair loss prematurely. This includes products like hair dyes, perms and items used to bleach hair. It can also include common salon treatments using curling irons, blow dryers and hot rollers. Hairstyles that are extremely tight and pull the hair from the scalp also contribute to hair thinning. Identifying and changing these habits can help to reduce hair loss.

Preventing Hair Loss

Prevention is always the preferred option. Fortunately, there are specific actions you can take to prevent hair loss. Even the hair loss caused by hereditary or medical conditions can be mitigated or reduced by making simple changes. Here are three things you can do to prevent hair loss:

1. Lifestyle changes: Avoid any hair styles that pull the hair tightly from the scalp. This includes ponytails, buns and braids. Wash the scalp regularly using vigorous circular motions with the fingers. This improves the local circulation of blood, which promotes healthy hair volume.
2. Diet changes: Dietary changes can reduce the amount of hair loss even when the main cause is hereditary or medical. Eat natural, unprocessed foods that are found in the Mediterranean diet.
3. Vitamins and supplements: Vitamin deficiency contributes to hair loss. A doctor can test for deficiencies and make recommendations on which vitamins and minerals you need to take. Multiple vitamins, iron and zinc are often taken to improve hair growth and volume.

There are other reasons that hair loss might occur; only a few are listed here. For example, sudden weight loss might increase the amount of hair being shed daily. Insufficient amounts of dietary proteins or vitamins can make the hair loss much worse even if it's not the main cause. Always consult with a qualified professional to find out what specific actions you can take to reduce or even prevent hair loss.