Information about hair loss

Hair loss can be stopped and growth reactivated by first identifying the causes

Hair loss and weakened hair growth can be divided into three categories based on their causes:

• Hormonal / Metabolic
• Chemical
• Physical

 

 

Heredity

(Hormonal / Metabolic)

Male and female pattern hair loss are hereditary forms of hair loss caused by male hormones, affecting up to 50% of men and 30% of women. About 20% of men begin the process by the age of 20 or even earlier. By age 30, 30% of men already suffer from the condition, and so on. In women, the process often begins around the age of 30. The speed of progression of baldness and hair loss varies between individuals. Often, the process takes years or even decades. The younger the hair loss begins, the faster it usually is. The majority of Finns aged 40-65 suffer from hair loss to some extent.

The cause of hereditary hair loss is the male hormone DHT, or dihydrotestosterone (5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone). It is produced from testosterone and the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the testes and prostate, as well as in the hair follicle. Both men and women can lose hair due to changes in the body caused by this hormone. DHT shrinks hair follicles, weakens hair, and shortens the hair growth phase. If the DHT level is high during the hair's resting phase, it may completely prevent the formation of new hair.

Aging

(Hormonal / Metabolic)

With age, the amount of hair decreases steadily as the hair growth phase shortens and the resting phase lengthens. Hair becomes thinner and finer, and also does not grow as long as it did when younger. Particularly in women, thinning hair may affect volume even more than the reduction in the number of hairs.

Aging also affects hair color, texture, growth, and density. The aged hair follicle produces less melanin, resulting in graying hair. Hair graying can sometimes begin before the age of thirty, usually from the temples and crown. The speed of graying partly depends on genetic factors. By the age of 40, 40% of people have some gray hair. People of European descent gray earlier than Asians. Hair also thins as a person ages, partly due to the reduction of the pigment melanin.

Menopause and hormones

(Hormonal / Metabolic)

With menopause, a woman's body's estrogen production decreases and eventually stops altogether. The amount of estrogen is clearly linked to the good condition of hair and scalp as well as other skin. As the amount of estrogen that maintains the good condition of skin and hair decreases, the relative proportion of male hormones that promote hair loss increases and may accelerate hair loss. Due to menopause, the skin and scalp dry out and thin, losing elasticity. Changes in the skin cause the hair follicle to become lazy and the blood circulation in the scalp to slow down.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

(Hormonal / Metabolic, Physical)

During pregnancy, blood estrogen levels are very high. As a result, many expectant mothers' hair is in good condition and grows more vigorously than usual. 1-3 months after giving birth, estrogen levels decrease to nearly menopausal levels, and more hair begins to fall out than usual. Changes in hair condition after childbirth are therefore very common. Breastfeeding Length, the diversity of nutrition, and individual factors that strain the body affect when the estrogen level returns to normal. After childbirth, the hormonal balance returns to a normal state.

A healthy and diverse diet, as well as supplements, help the body recover from the changes brought by pregnancy and breastfeeding and also promote hair growth. Hair growth can also be enhanced with products that extend their growth phase.

Stress, rush, and insomnia

(Hormonal / Metabolic, Physical)

Stress and lack of sleep strain the body, raise stress hormone levels, and weaken blood circulation in the scalp. As a result, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles and roots deteriorates, and the hair does not receive the building materials to develop.

Dieting, a one-sided diet, and nutrient absorption disorders

(Chemical)

For the hair follicle to function actively, it must receive sufficient amino acids, vitamins, iron, and minerals daily. Dieting, a one-sided diet, absorption disorders, and soil depletion may affect the availability of nutrients and protective nutrients in the scalp. Hair is about 80 percent protein, which emphasizes the importance of protein in the diet. If necessary, the diet should be supported with supplements and vitamin preparations.

Diseases and treatments, surgeries, and traumas

Severe general illnesses, autoimmune diseases, infections, high fever, as well as traumas and surgeries, may trigger hair loss, as can scalp skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopy, fungal dandruff, and fungal infections. Strong treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and for example, X-ray examinations, also affect hair loss.

Often, hair grows back when the disease is treated, but it may be thinner and lighter in color.

Medications

(Chemical)

Some medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. Cytostatics used in cancer treatment, antidepressants, painkillers, contraceptive pills, blood thinners, and blood pressure medications may cause hair loss and thinning. Certain medications, such as cortisone, affect the scalp by drying and thinning, thus indirectly weakening the well-being of the scalp and hair growth.

Environmental factors, smoking, and alcohol

(Chemical)

Air pollution, active and passive smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and processed food containing additives weaken the nutrition supply to the hair and may promote hair loss.

The burden of styling products on the scalp and repeated strong hair treatments

(Chemical)

Residues of styling products, impurities, sweat, sebum, and dead skin cells are a much greater strain on the hair and scalp than washing, as they can hinder hair growth. Disturbances are removed with careful and gentle daily washing. If the scalp is dry, sensitive, itchy, or burning, special attention should be paid to its care and product selection.

Hair treatments such as coloring strain the hair and scalp. Therefore, it is advisable to extend the intervals between treatments to 6-8 weeks and always have it done by a hairdresser. At home, it is advisable to wash the hair gently daily, brush gently with a brush with rounded bristles, and let it dry naturally or dry and style gently at low temperatures.