Thinning Hair: Why is my hair falling out and what can I do about it?

  
      Hair loss is a traumatic experience for most people.  One of the most helpless feelings is looking down in the shower and seeing your hair go down the drain. 

We're going to explore some of the reasons for hair loss, the expectations of growing new hair,  and some of the treatments available for different types of hair loss.

     What causes      thinning hair? 

       Androgenetic hair loss is seen in both men and women but is more dramatic in men.  There are many different reasons for hair loss, some of the reasons include -thyroid disease, anemia, protein deficiency, chemotherapy, and low vitamin levels.   There are also medical conditions that can cause hair loss include thyroid disease, alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles), and scalp infections like ringworm. Diseases that cause scarring, such as lichen planus and some types of lupus, can result in permanent hair loss because of the scarring.  Make sure you consult a physician for diagnosis for this type of hair loss.  Be sure to check any medication you may be taking,  hair loss can be a side effect of some medications.


     One of the most common causes of hair loss is hereditary-pattern baldness.  Hereditay-pattern baldness is not really a disease, but a natural condition caused by some combination of genetics, the aging process and hormone levels.  At some point in their life, almost all men and women will notice some sort of hair loss or thinning, especially as they age.

       Can stress cause hair loss?

        Stress can definitely be a factor in hair loss. When stress occurs in the body, the immune system attacks your hair follicles and can result in hair loss.  Hair loss is not all the same.   The hair can grow back and fall out repeatedly over a period of time.  You may not even notice your hair thinning after a stressful event, it could take up to three months before you realize what is happening.

   How long does it take for my hair to grow back?

     Your hair will usually grow back in a few months,  Hair grows in three stages:  anagen, catagen, and telogen phases.    The anagen stage last the longest, from 2-5 years,  the catagen stage is considered a transition stage that last 2-3 weeks, and the telogen stage is a resting stage that last 2-4 months.  If the stress continues, you can expect that the hair loss can continue also.

What type of treatments are available for hair loss?  

      There are many treatments available, both over the counter, and by prescription .   Minoxidil (Rogaine) is available without a prescription.  You spray or rub it into your scalp 2 times a day.  It can be used be both men and women.  Finasteride (Propecia) is a daily pill and is available by prescription.  

     For many people experiencing hair loss for the first time, they will start with an over the counter treatment shampoo and conditioner,  such as Nioxin.  This product comes in a variety of formulas and is also available for color treated hair. 



The Nioxin Hair ReGrowth Treatment contains minoxidil.  It is FDA approved and can be used to treat male and female pattern baldness.  Be sure to contact your salon or stylist for availability and price.

What home treatments are available for thinning or baldness?

   There are many things that we can do at home to try and prevent of slow down thinning hair.  

 
1.   A healthy diet is extremely important for healthy hair.  A lack of the right nutrients including vitamins A, C D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss.   Fortunately, correcting these deficiencies may help treat hair loss and encourage hair growth.
2. Exercise goes hand in hand with diet.  Yoga and meditation can be very effective in preventing hair loss.
3. Choose the correct shampoo for your hair.  Over shampooing can lead to hair loss, be sure to schedule shampoo days according to your scalp health!  Choose a shampoo that is sulphate and alcohol free.  These ingredients are very drying on your hair and scalp.  
4. Use a conditioner.  Stay away from conditioners that have silicone.  Silicone can weigh down the hair and needs sulphate shampoo to rinse out.  Instead look for conditioners that contain amino acids.  Amino acids help to repair the hair and keeps your hair smooth.
5. Chemical treatments such as perms, hilights, color and straightening treatments can be damaging to your hair. Also heat in the form of  curling irons, straightening irons and blow drying can be very damaging to your hair, especially wet hair.  Air dry instead of blow drying.  If you have to blow dry, use the lowest setting possible and be sure to use a heat protect before drying,  such as Joico's Lusterlock Multi-Perfector Daily Shine and Protect spray.  This is a light weight heat and uv  protector while adding strength and shine, plus is color safe. 
6. Massaging your scalp on a weekely basis can be very beneficial.  The increased blood flow is very nourishing to the roots.  Be sure to use an essential oil, such as Rosemary.

Hair Loss can be caused by many factors.  Be sure to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis.

Feel free to leave any comments or questions below.