Causes of Hair Loss & How to Stop It

Hair loss is a part of everyday life. Yes, it clogs up your shower drain, and yes, it means you have to hoover every other day – or your carpet turns into a furry rug. But the fact is, hair loss is totally normal. However, when it comes to hair loss, there are so many […]

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Hair loss is a part of everyday life. Yes, it clogs up your shower drain, and yes, it means you have to hoover every other day – or your carpet turns into a furry rug. But the fact is, hair loss is totally normal.

However, when it comes to hair loss, there are so many potential triggers, which means it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact reason why your strands are falling out, and henceforth, how to remedy the situation. Don’t worry, though! All is not lost.

Whether your hair loss is the result of a health condition or pattern baldness, it turns out that there are things you can do to protect the hair you have. And we’ve put a few of our favourites together for you to take a look at.

Different Types of Hair Loss

First things first, there are two different types of hair loss we must consider – outlined below:

  • Genetic: If you see a progressive, gradual reduction in hair volume, odds are you’re genetically predisposed to thinning. In these instances, certain hair follicles are sensitive to male hormones – and this sensitivity causes the follicles to gradually shrink and produce slightly finer and shorter hairs with each passing growth cycle.
  • Reactive: This means your hair loss is the result of a trigger; it occurs due to an internal imbalance or upset, such as nutritional deficiency, severe stress, crash dieting or illness.

Common Hair Loss Triggers

Not many people know that hair loss can be triggered by a variety of external and internal factors (or more likely a combination of the two). We’ve identified a few things you’re probably not aware of that might be causing you to lose your locks:

  1. A hormone imbalance can lead to many annoying AF health and beauty issues throughout the whole body (and of course, that includes your hair). This puts those with conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (an endocrine disorder) at greater risk of hair loss.
  2. Perhaps you’ve heard it said that stress can literally make your hair fall out. Well, you’ve heard right! Stress often raises androgen (male hormone) levels, which in turn precipitate hair loss.
  3. Although hard to believe, one of the biggest causes of hair loss – especially in women – is iron deficiency. Because iron is essential for producing hair cell protein, without it, your strands will suffer.
  4. Having an over- or underactive thyroid is another leading cause of hair loss, as the thyroid gland helps to regulate the body’s metabolism by controlling the production of proteins and tissue use of oxygen, therefore affecting both hair shaft and follicle growth. Also, hypothyroidism can be linked to iron deficiency, which – as we’ve just discovered – certainly impacts the hair (or lack of it).
  5. By the same token, a lack of vitamin B12 can also take its toll on your hair. Affecting the health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues, vitamin B12 deficiency often leads to hair loss.
  6. Whether intentional or not, dramatic weight loss commonly causes hairs to fall out in excess. 6-12 weeks after a steep drop on the scales can seriously impact your tresses.
  7. Unfortunately, the ageing process also has a profound effect on your hair. As we get older, our hair naturally gets finer; it’s totally normal and nothing can really be done about it. Of course, you need look no further than our guide on how to look after mature hair if you want some tips for making the best of things.

Yes, your hair can disappear for many reasons. Luckily, we’re here to help!

What Can You Do to Fix It?

Now you know what’s causing your hair loss, here’s how to deal with it:

Recognise When There’s A Problem

Hair loss doesn’t just happen overnight; it can take as long as three months to fall out after a trigger occurs. However, if you notice excessive daily shedding for longer than this, please visit your GP; it could indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.

Make Changes to Your Diet

Eating more protein and healthy complex carbohydrates works wonders on relieving the symptoms of hair loss. That being said, if you are losing your hair because of something other than diet – like stress or illness – changing what you eat will not remedy it.

Start Taking Supplements

Supplementation can be very helpful in boosting levels of vitamins and minerals available to your follicles. Just remember to take them alongside a healthy, balanced diet. Look out for products containing the following ingredients: Iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Copper, Zinc, Selenium, and essential amino acids such as L-Lysine and L-Methionine.

Style Savvily

Yes, that messy topknot may look cool, but it could be stressing out your strands. Avoid styles that put too much strain on the hair and follicles, as well as heavy styling creams and serums – which can add unnecessary weight.

DON’T freak out!

Losing your hair can leave you feeling stressed, but it’s incredibly important to realise how common hair loss is – in men and women. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, nothing to hide, nothing to feel alone over. And with a few simple lifestyle adjustments – plus a little patience – you’re sure to see improvement across the board in no time!

If hair loss is purely an aesthetic issue for you, find your nearest Rush Salon and book a free consultation with one of our expert stylists to discuss your best course of action! (However, please consult your doctor for clarity on any health and medical matters.)