Having hair loss and receding hairline is worrisome for many people and so is premature greying and hair thinning. Almost everyone is concerned about their looks and in today’s world, it reflects your confidence and personality. Hairs are an integral part of your personality and define your overall outlook. Let’s learn about these hair problems, causes, treatment options, and handy tips for hair care.
Hair loss
Also known as alopecia, hair loss is quite common and its prevalence increases with age so it will eventually affect almost everyone; although younger people can also experience it. Usually, a person loses around 50-100 hair every day and if you are losing more than this, you might be having a hair loss. Hair loss could be gradual or abrupt and depend on various factors including genetics, disease conditions, use of medications, and lifestyle. Hair loss can present as patchy hair, receding hairline, or widening of hair parting.
Causes
You could experience hair loss due to various causes such as:
- Androgenetic causes (hereditary hair loss)
- Alopecia areata (an autoimmune disorder leading to baldness)
- Exposure to radiotherapy or chemotherapy
- Endocrine disorders
- Malnutrition (e.g. hair loss vitamin D deficiency)
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause
- Too much pressure on hair or injury
- Fungal infections such as Tinea capitis, Malassezia (causing dandruff) can lead to itchy scalp and hair loss
- Chronic illnesses
Preventive tips
- You should keep loose hairstyles to avoid pressure on your hair
- Eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet will help in the nourishment of hair roots
- Doing regular yoga, exercise, and meditation helps to increase blood supply and flow of nutrients to hair follicles
- You should dry your hair after washing and avoid towel rubbing as it could lead to excessive pressure on your hair.
Treatment options
You can try various home remedies for hairfall such as using Amla, fenugreek seeds, coconut milk, beetroot juice, licorice root, aloe vera, and onion juice on your hair as pastes or mixtures. These hair loss natural treatment methods are completely safe and free from chemicals.
Additionally, you should include nutrients such as biotin, vitamin D, Vitamin B12 in your diet to induce hair regrowth.
If the above-mentioned options are not working, then you can use medications such as minoxidil for hair regrowth or opt for hair transplants/ scalp reduction.
Hair thinning
Hair thinning is a gradual process in which the hairs lose volume and thickness and is mostly age-related. Hair thinning can lead to sparse hair and eventually lead to hair loss. However, it will not necessarily lead to baldness but is presented as excessive hair thinning and split ends.
Causes
Causes for hair thinning include the following:
- Using harsh chemicals
- Overtreatment of hair with colors and other products
- Stressful conditions
- Impaired thyroid functioning
- Wearing tight hairstyles
- Deficiency of nutrients such iron, folic acid, calcium, biotin, etc.
- Hereditary factors
- Emotional or physical trauma
Preventive tips
- Always try to keep loose hairstyles as they help prevent excess pressure on the hair
- Eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet including biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, zinc, and other essential nutrients
- Reduce stress by mindfulness
Treatment options
You should start with a scalp massage as it is very effective in increasing blood supply and keeping hair in good health. In addition, you should try using anti-thinning shampoos and aromatherapy with essential oils to promote hair health.
If the scalp massage and oils are not effective in preventing hair thinning, then you can use medications such as minoxidil, corticosteroids, finasteride, etc. in consultation with your doctor, or opt for laser therapy for hair thickness.
Premature greying
Premature greying of hair is the condition when your hair starts to turn white as early as in your 20’s or 30’s. Although greying of hair is a natural phenomenon associated with aging and is related to melanin reservoirs in your body, premature greying can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
Causes
Premature greying could be due to the following causes:
- Hereditary factors- this is the most common cause
- Low melanin production
- Deficiency of nutrients- esp. vitamin B12
- Stress
Preventive tips
- Quitting smoking helps to reduce oxidative stress and promote hair health
- Take a nutrient-rich diet
- Avoid excessive use of hair dye or colors
Treatment options
You should use natural ingredients such as Alma, curry leaves, tea, coffee, Shikakai, Amaranth, black sesame seeds, etc. on your hair as pastes and mixtures. Application of these natural home remedies give black look to your hair and mask the grey hair.
Alternatively, you can use various dyes or hair colors for instant color but they could cause allergic reactions or hair loss.
Having learned about the science behind hair problems, prevention tips, and treatment options, you should take good care of your hair. Haircare will help you to strengthen your hair and reduce the chance of premature greying, and also delay hair loss from lifestyle-related factors. HealthAssure has dedicated health plans for good hair care and customized treatment options.
