Consult a Doctor to Stop Hair fall

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Hair Fall

Hair loss is defined as the thinning of hair on the scalp and the medical term attributed to it is alopecia.

Causes of Hair Fall

The main causes of hair fall are

  • Aging
  • Hereditary
  • Medical conditions (e.g. anemia and thyroid disorders)
  • Hair lice (Pediculosis), dandruff
  • Hormonal changes
  • Stress
  • Metabolic imbalances, illness or improper nutrition

Types of Hair Fall

The types of hair fall are listed in the below table.

Types of Hair Fall Symptoms Causes
Involutional alopecia Thinning of hair Aging
Androgenetic alopecia Thins at the top just behind the hairline Genetics Hormonal imbalance
Alopecia areata Patches of hair loss Autoimmune disease
Alopecia Universalis All hair fallout from the body Genetic, autoimmune, environmental
Telogen effluvium Accelerated shedding Stress, fever, After surgery
Anagen effluvium Rapid hair loss Chemotherapy medication
Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial alopecia) Permanent loss of hair Scarring due to inflammation(acne, cellulitis)
Trichotillomania Irresistible urge to pull out own hair from the body Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Traction alopecia Thinning of hair Force pull hair away
Loose Anagen Syndrome Short sparse hair Disorder in the hair growth cycle

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

The hair growth cycle consists of three distinct stages – Anagen, Catagen and Telogen phases.

Phases Characteristic Events Duration
1. Anagen Active hair growth 2 to 8 years
2. Catagen Transitional hair growth 2 to 3 weeks
3. Telogen Resting phase 2 to 3 month
The cycle repeats once the hair is shed and replaced after resting phase


The lifecycle of hair growth(source)

Each of these follicles goes through the growth cycle at different times.

You only shed a certain number of hairs in a day – up to 80 hairs on a healthy head of hair.

Symptoms of Hair Fall

The most common type of hair fall causes

  • Gradual thinning on top of the head
  • Circular or patchy bald spots
  • Sudden thinning of hair

Home Remedies for Hair Fall

  • Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo. Prevent and treat dandruff
  • Regular exercise, work-life balance, no smoking and getting adequate sleep
  • Avoid too many treatments such as coloring, perming, etc
  • Avoid  hairstyles that pull hair very tight
  • Have a proper diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and proteins as shown in below table

Essential Nutrients for hair growth

Essential Nutrients Sources
Vitamin A Carrots, pumpkins, spinach
Vitamin B (Biotin) Whole grains, fish, dark, leafy greens
Vitamin C Citrus fruits, guava, lemon
Vitamin D Fatty fish, cod liver oil
Vitamin E Spinach, almonds
Iron Spinach, lentils, eggs
Zinc spinach, pumpkin seeds, lentils

Certain oils are also beneficial for hair growth such as olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, argan oil, other essential oils (peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, etc)

Consult a doctor if your hair-fall is consistent and does not respond to regular home care treatment.

FAQ

Take a balanced diet, wash and condition hair regularly and ask the doctor if severe hair fall is there.

Heredity, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications can cause hair fall

Hormonal changes (pregnancy, childbirth, menopause) and anemia.

80 to 100 hairs per day

Olive oil, coconut oil, tea tree oil, and essential oils such as peppermint oil, etc are good for hair.

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