Have you noticed more hair falling out than usual? Dr. Omar, a hair loss expert, shares five causes of hair loss and a solution that works.
For many of us, hair is a key part of our identity, giving us confidence and personality. However, around 8 million women in the UK deal with hair loss or thinning at some point. If you’re facing this issue but haven’t discussed it, you’re not alone. Nearly half of women with hair loss feel too embarrassed or insecure to talk about it.
Losing between 100 to 150 hairs a day is normal. Hair loss is a natural part of life. Your hair follicles go through three stages in the Hair Growth Cycle, and one of these stages involves shedding hair.
Contrary to what many believe, hair loss is often treatable. Instead of relying on unproven supplements and vitamins, it’s important to understand your hair growth cycle and the causes of hair loss.
The Hair Growth Cycle has three stages:
1. Growth (Anagen) Phase: 85-90% of the hair on your head is actively growing. This phase can last 3-5 years.
2. Transition (Catagen) Phase: About 1% of your hair is in this phase, which lasts 1-2 weeks. Here, hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle.
3. Resting (Telogen) Phase: 10-15% of your hair sits inactive in the follicle for about 3-4 months before shedding.
If you notice more hair shedding than usual or it doesn’t seem to be growing back, it might be time to worry. Hair loss can happen suddenly or gradually and can vary in degree across the scalp.
Hair loss, or alopecia, happens when the Hair Growth Cycle is disrupted, leading to a shorter growth phase and longer resting phase. This results in more shedding and weaker regrowth.
One of the main causes of hair loss is heredity. Male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss is genetic, causing gradual thinning and receding hairlines. Genetic predisposition means some hair follicles are sensitive to hair loss while others grow continuously.
Rebalancing the Hair Growth Cycle with specific treatments, like Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy, can help. Proteoglycans regulate hair growth and can be found in treatments like Nourkrin, which uses Marilex, a fish extract rich in key nutrients necessary for hair follicle cycling.
Hormonal imbalance is another cause of hair loss, affecting both men and women. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a by-product of testosterone, can shrink hair follicles, leading to androgenic alopecia. Hormonal changes, especially in post-menopausal women or those with conditions like PCOS, can also result in hair loss.
Stress is a significant factor in hair loss, causing inflammation from heightened cortisol levels. Managing stress is crucial for reducing its impact on hair health. Stress can also lead to telogen effluvium, causing a sudden thinning of hair.
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect, interfering with hair follicles. Types of drug-induced hair loss include telogen effluvium and anagen effluvium, most common in chemotherapy patients.
Pregnancy can cause hair to become thicker due to high oestrogen levels, but some women may experience thinning, especially in the first trimester. Postpartum hair loss is also common due to hormonal changes after childbirth. Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy can also lead to hair thinning.
For those experiencing hair loss, consulting a doctor or exploring treatments like Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy might be beneficial. Products like Nourkrin have shown positive results in clinical trials for hair growth and quality.
Managing hair loss involves understanding its causes and seeking effective treatments, ensuring healthier hair growth and maintenance.
