Does excess hair fall in shower clogging the drain worry you? Are your starting to notice receding hairline and a bigger forehead? Is there hair on the pillow after you wake up? All of these issues can be worrying when you don’t know the reason for sudden hair fall on daily basis. While some hair loss is a natural part of the hair growth cycle, excessive or abnormal hair fall can be a cause of concern and may indicate an underlying issue. In this article we will delve into the reasons for hair fall in female and males and reasons for excessive hair fall.
Delving into the ‘Root’ Causes from Scalp to Tips: The Basics
Hair fall can be distressing and can impact one’s self-esteem and confidence. By understanding what is the main reason for hair fall, it can help individuals address the issue effectively. Common concerns of hair fall include visible thinning, bald patches and receding hairline. This can result in the fear of losing hair permanently. People with hair fall concerns might also feel uncomfortable in social situations and may avoid social gatherings.
Understanding the underlying causes of hair fall allows for more targeted and sustainable solutions. Treating symptoms of hair fall without addressing the root cause may lead to temporary relief, but the problem is likely to resurface. Knowing the root cause enables you to select the right hair care products and treatments that suit your specific needs.
Hair Anatomy: From Root to Tip
Hair is made up of a protein called keratin and is composed of three main layers – cuticle, cortex and medulla. Cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair shaft and cortex (beneath the cuticle) contains the pigment that gives hair its colour and provides strength, elasticity and texture to the hair. Medulla is an innermost layer and is most commonly found in thicker hair strands.
The hair growth cycle consists of three main phases – Anagen Phase (Growth Phase), Catagen Phase (Transition Phase) and Telogen Phase (Resting Phase). At any given time, approximately 85-90% of the hair on the scalp are in the anagen phase, about one to two percent are in the catagen phase and around 10-15% are in the telogen phase.
A scalp plays a crucial role in hair health as it serves as the foundation for hair growth. Hair follicles are tiny structures within the scalp that produce hair. A healthy scalp provides essential nutrients, good blood circulation and oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting their growth and function.
Common Culprits: Identifying Reasons for Hair Fall
The most common cause of hair loss is called androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. It is hereditary and is influenced by genetics and hormones. One of the major reasons for hair fall in females can also be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. Inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc and biotin can affect hair health and lead to hair loss. Other causes could be age, stress, excessive use of heat styling tools and certain medical conditions.
Scalp Conditions and Hair Fall
Some common scalp issues that may cause hair fall are dandruff, scalp psoriasis, fungal infections and excessive oiliness. A dry scalp can also disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and weaken the hair follicles, making the hair more prone to breakage. Nourish your scalp with Dove Hair Therapy Dry Scalp Care Shampoo. This sulphate-free shampoo is infused niacinamide, known to improve and relieve scalp dryness.
Hair Care Practices and Hair Fall
A harmful hair care routine can lead to hair fall and damage the hair and scalp. Some common harmful hair care practices that cause hair fall are excessive heat styling, tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, over brushing and using wrong hair products.
To reduce hair loss and promote healthier hair, it’s essential to adopt a hair care routine that focuses on nourishing the scalp and strengthening the hair.
1) Scalp Massage: Improve blood circulation by regularly massaging your scalp with nourishing hair oils. Use Indulekha Bringha Ayurvedic Oil which is clinically proven to grow new hair and reduce hair fall. The key ingredients are bringharaj, amla, vatadha and svetakutaja. Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and is known to increase blood circulation in the scalp.
2) Gentle Washing: Choose mild shampoo that are free from parabens, sulphates and other harmful chemicals. We suggest using Love Beauty and Planet Onion, Blackseed & Patchouli Shampoo. Onion oil is known to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth and strength to hair. While blackseed oil nourishes the scalp for healthy, strong hair.
3) Protective Hairstyles: Opt for loose and protective hairstyles that do not cause excessive tension on the hair follicles, thus, reducing hair fall.
Maintain Great Hair Care
Embrace holistic solutions for healthy and vibrant hair. Involve taking care of your overall well-being, addressing both internal and external factors that influence hair health. Eat nutritious and balanced diet rich in vitamins, mineral and proteins that support hair growth. Chronic stress can contribute to hair fall, so managing stress is crucial for maintaining healthy hair.
FAQs about Delving into the ‘Root’ Causes from Scalp to Tips
Q1. How does age affect hair fall?
A. As people age, hair growth may slow down and hair follicles may become less efficient at producing new hair strands, leading to hair thinning and a gradual decrease in hair density.
Q2. Is hair fall reversible if the root cause is addressed?
A. If hair fall is the result of nutritional deficiencies, stress or treatable scalp conditions, it can be reversible once the root cause is addressed. However, genetic hair loss may have more limited treatment options for complete reversal.
Q3. What are some home remedies to reduce hair fall?
A. Apply onion juice to the scalp and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing to promote hair growth and strengthen the hair. You can also mix lemon juice with olive oil and apply it to the scalp to control dandruff and nourish the hair.
In excessive or unusual hair loss, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist to determine the cause and explore appropriate treatment options. Addressing the issue proactively can help improve the overall health of your hair and alleviate concerns related to hair fall.
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Written by Sania Dhirwani on 1st Aug 2023