Hair falling out is completely normal and happens to everyone, however, if the hair loss is excessive it could be a sign of a problem.
When washing or combing your hair, it is completely normal for some strands to come out on the comb or in your hand. According to studies on the subject, a person loses around 100 strands of hair daily. Therefore, a number considered regular, as this is part of the hair growth cycle and hair loss is natural. However, hair falling out beyond that could be a sign that something is not right with your hair structure.
Therefore, hair loss can be caused by several reasons and be a cause for concern for many people, as it can lead to baldness. Among the main factors that influence hair loss, we can mention hair hygiene problems, vitamin deficiency, very aggressive chemicals, dandruff, hormonal problems, stress, among others.
Therefore, today we will better understand the possible causes of hair falling out and what to do to alleviate the problem.
Causes of hair falling out
As previously stated, several factors can affect hair health, leading to hair loss. It is important to emphasize that this can be related to specific problems, such as post-surgery, pregnancy, fever and infections or health treatments, such as chemotherapy, for example.
Also chemical procedures, such as straightening and dyeing that influence hair loss, as well as the lack of vitamins in the body. As well as hormonal changes, excessive use of hair dryers and straighteners, smoking and consumption of alcoholic beverages. All of this causes the hair to become fragile and brittle, influencing hair loss.
But beyond that, it can be an indication of health or hair and scalp care problems. Therefore, let’s look at the main causes of hair falling out below:
Medicines and antidepressants
Medications classified as antidepressants, anticoagulants or blood pressure medications may have hair loss among their side effects. This is more common at the beginning of treatment or after long periods of taking the medicine. Therefore, if you suspect that your hair is falling out due to a medication, it is recommended that you inform your doctor to assess the possibility of changing the medication.
Anemia
Anemia can have several symptoms, in addition to excessive tiredness, sleepiness and paleness, and hair loss. This is because the hair receives less blood, nutrients and oxygen, consequently becoming weaker and more brittle. In most cases, anemia is the result of a lack of iron in the body, but it can also be a decrease in vitamin B12. Therefore, treatment for both problems is supplementation of the missing nutrients through food.
Stress spikes
Excessive stress is bad for the entire body, and is one of the most common causes of hair loss. After peaks of stress, it is common for there to be a change in the hair cycle, causing them to fall out. Furthermore, in cases where stress is not the main cause of hair loss, it can worsen hair loss that already existed for another reason.
Therefore, in any case, the ideal is to look for ways to relieve stress, reducing the stress load, doing pleasurable activities and not simply treating hair loss. Because, if you don’t take care of your mental health, this problem will persist even with treatment.
Excess vitamin A or B
Although it is very rare, excess vitamins A or B complex in the body can lead to hair loss. But, the chances of this happening are greater in people who have been taking supplements with these vitamins for a long period of time. In this case, it is recommended to take supplementation only with medical recommendation, to avoid exceeding the doses of vitamins recommended for each patient. If you exceed the limit, the recommendation is to stop supplementation.
Hair falling out during pregnancy
Pregnancy can cause occasional hair loss. This is quite common in women right after giving birth, both due to hormonal changes and the stress of childbirth. So, hair loss normally appears in the first three months after giving birth and can last up to 2 months. Therefore, as it is a natural process, it will get better over time, what you can do is take measures to avoid being constantly stressed.
Hormonal changes
In addition to the gestational and post-gestational period, hormonal changes are linked to hair loss and can occur at various stages of life, especially during adolescence. This can also occur when women change contraceptives, causing temporary hair loss. So, if the hair loss is very intense, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. And if you are taking contraceptives, talk to your gynecologist about the possibility of changing the method.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the result of malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, which compromises the production of several hormones, many of which are important for hair growth. Therefore, the lack of these hormones can cause hair loss. Therefore, if you suspect any change in the functioning of your thyroid, it is very important to see an endocrinologist to obtain a diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
Hair falling out: care
As we have seen, hair falling out can be caused by several factors. However, regardless of the cause, some precautions must be taken to maintain hair health and reduce hair loss.
The ideal is to keep your hair strong and healthy, using products with anti-hair loss and strengthening properties. As well as keeping your hair always clean and free of dandruff. And of course, have a healthy diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins, which are essential for the health of your hair.
But beyond that, these other precautions can make all the difference to hair health:
Wash your hair regularly
Going long periods without washing your hair doesn’t help with the problem. In addition to leaving the hair opaque and porous, the scalp becomes dirty due to the accumulation of sebum and residues, which can cause seborrheic dermatitis, known as dandruff. This is also one of the factors that causes hair loss. Therefore, one of the essential care for your hair is to wash it regularly, every other day and using specific products for hair loss. Additionally, a scalp exfoliation once a week can also help with the problem.
Take a break from chemical procedures
Chemicals in the hair can make the strands more fragile and lead to hair loss. Therefore, if you are in the habit of doing straightening, coloring and other chemical procedures very frequently, it is recommended to take a break between one procedure and another. In addition, a week before, deeply moisturize your hair to alleviate chemical damage.
Avoid tying your hair every day or styling your hair too tightly.
Hairstyles that are too tight can end up causing traction alopecia, and this can have an impact on hair health. This is because the strands lose elasticity and end up breaking more easily. As with those who braid, braid or keep their hair tied up for a long time. Try leaving your hair looser and free for a while.
Hair falling out: treatments
To treat hair loss, a person can use specific products, such as medicines, shampoos and lotions. However, if that alone doesn’t work, there are still some treatments that can be recommended by a dermatologist to deal with the problem. Among the main medical treatments for hair loss are:
- Low Power Laser: The procedure stimulates the regeneration of the lost hair matrix and prevents healthy hair from falling out. The laser application must be done once a week, for a minimum period of 10 weeks for an effective result against hair loss.
- Carboxytherapy: The technique increases blood supply to the scalp region and promotes the penetration of hair loss remedies.
- Capilar implant: consists of a surgical technique to implant strands of hair directly into the scalp.
- Hair transplant: This method removes a strip of hair from the back of the head and places it in the frontal region or wherever it is most needed. However, this option is only recommended for people who are going bald.
Remembering that before opting for any of these treatments, it is important to consult a dermatologist to assess whether or not it is necessary.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also check out Anti-Hair Loss Shampoos – How to choose the best one against hair loss?
Sources: Derma Club ADCOS Tua Saúde
Images: Ana Maria Braga Vix Tua Saúde CB Lifestyele ao Minuto YouTube
