Hair loss is a common concern for many people, both men and women. It can happen for a variety of reasons and can have a significant effect on a person's mental health.
"More Than 80% of Men and Nearly 50% of Women Experience Hair Loss. While it's difficult to pin down exactly how many people experience hair loss worldwide, NYU's Langone Medical Center estimates that more than 80% of men and nearly 50% of women will experience “significant" hair loss in their lifetime."
Why does hair fall happen?
There are several ways in which hair loss can occur. One of the most common causes is genetic, also called androgenetic alopecia. This type of hair loss is inherited and can occur in both men and women. Other causes of hair loss can include hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or menopause, medical conditions, such as alopecia areata or thyroid problems, over use of chemical treatments and certain medications.
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Genetic or androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss and is inherited. Men and women can both be affected by this condition.
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Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes can cause hair loss, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or from hormonal imbalances.
3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can lead to hair loss, such as alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder, and thyroid problems.
4. Medications: Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and some blood pressure medications.
5. Stress: Physical or emotional stress can lead to hair loss, as the body goes into a "resting" phase of hair growth and the hair falls out.
6. Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet can cause hair loss.
7. Traction alopecia: This is hair loss caused by tight hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as braids, cornrows, and ponytails.
8. Scalp infection: Fungal or bacterial scalp infection can lead to hair loss.
9. Chemical Hair Treatments: In some cases, over treatment of certain hair treatments such as chemical straightening, Keratin, hair bleaching etc, can lead to thinning hair, alopecia and
It's important to note that hair loss can be a symptom of an underlying condition and it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and find the best treatment options.
What can you do & what are your options in hair loss?
Treatment options for hair loss vary depending on the cause. For genetic hair loss, medication such as minoxidil and finasteride can be effective. Hair transplantation is another option. However, for other causes of hair loss, treatment may include addressing the underlying medical condition or changing medication.
It's important to note that hair loss can have a significant effect on a person's mental health. Hair is often seen as a symbol of youth and vitality, so losing it can be devastating. It can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It's important for people who are experiencing hair loss to seek support from loved ones, and professional help if needed.
In summary, hair loss can happen for a variety of reasons, and can have a significant impact on a person's mental health. Treatment options vary depending on the cause, but seeking support is important. If you are experiencing hair loss, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and find the best treatment options for you.
Between us gals at Slayed Beauty, we have all in some way experienced some form of hair loss at some point. From medical conditions, pregnancy and over doing the keratin treatments. Whatever reason for our hair loss, we have been affected severely, and our confidence definitely took a hit. The thought of even leaving the house causes anxiety, and getting distressed from the thought of washing our hair, where we would be forced to physically feel where the hair was gone, and seeing yet more hair in between our fingers when rinsing out the shampoo.
From our collective experience in hair loss, we can recommend are few things that helped us through this traumatic time.
Just take note, it is always our advice to see your doctor first, there could be an underlying cause that may need attention.
What are some options & what you can try, to reduce your hair loss?
Take a look at some of our tried & tested remedies:
Jess - "I personally take Biotin now, its just a little capsule once a day. It helps in me not losing reams of hair, and keeps the majority of my hair firmly on my head!"
We love Viviscal for hair growth, its certified and actually decreases hair fall, and makes your hair feel thicker.
Chloe - " I stopped all chemical treatments, and bleaching my hair. It was overdue anyway! My hair was dry and brittle, and stopping the excess chemicals helped me get my shine back, as well as growing out all the snapped hair I had. I also switched to just blow drying, rather than direct heat use that comes with hair straighteners".
We love The Blow Dry brush and Hot Air Styler. Both use moderate heat.
So hair is not damaged from extreme direct heat.
Ella - "I used straighteners less, and used used a hot brush instead after a hair wash day. Stuck rollers in and my style lasts for a week now, with NO retouching with excess heat".
We are slaves to our Sleep In Rollers, and Velcro rollers, for mega bounce and volume. They allow you to reduce the amount of heat used on your hair, as the rollers create curl and bounce.
Aliya - " Weekly oiling helped me a lot, turns out having a healthy scalp helps your hair grow! So, I go in with Rosemary oil and Argan oil once a week before I wash my hair, and oh my the shine is unreal! My hair has grown a good couple of inches in the past few months, so I am putting it down to the regular oils".We love Rosemary Oil. Its 100% natural! But take care using it, as you will need to mix it with your own shampoo or carrier oil, such as Argan Oil when you apply to your head. Make sure you rinse well, to avoid product build up on the scalp.
We hope some of our advice has been of some help to you, and remember to always check with your doctor if you feel concerned over hair loss.
Leave us a message if you would like to share some of your experiences with how you dealt with hair loss, and what works well for you. We'd love to hear from you!