If you’re experiencing hair loss, just remember that you’re not the only one going through this. According to NYU Langone Health, more than 80% of men experience hair loss over the course of their lives. While nearly 50% of the women face hair loss, which according to the experts, may start from middle age.
Hair loss is frequently thought of as a hereditary condition, called androgenetic alopecia. Although, according to the researchers it the causes may extend beyond the genetic blueprint.
Following is the some of the most common leading causes for hair loss:
If you’re experiencing hair loss, just remember that you’re not the only one going through this. As per NYU Langone Health, more than 80% of men experience hair loss over the course of their lives. While nearly 50% of the women face hair loss, which according to the experts, may start from middle age.
Hair loss is frequently thought of as a hereditary condition, called androgenetic alopecia. Although, according to the researchers it the causes may extend beyond the genetic blueprint.
1. Medications
Several medicines have side effects that lead to hair fall and some similar problems. Examples of such type of medications are:
- Accutane, used for the treatment of acne
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as the Lopid
- Blood thinners, like warfarin
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants, such as Zoloft and Prozac
If anyone thinks their medications are leading them towards hair fall or other similar problems, it's extremely important to visit a doctor as soon as possible, The doctor will be able to change the dosage of the medicine or might even switch the patient to a medication that will suit you better.
2. Natural deficiencies
Having an imbalanced diet and food that lacks nutrients often lead to hair fall out and other such problems. Extreme diets lacking in nutrients such as iron, vitamins, protein may sometimes lead to excessive hair fall and shedding. Seeing a doctor and going for a blood test to check for natural deficiency is highly recommended for the ones that have been taking imbalanced diets and going through hair fall problems.
This is the reason a balanced diet is extremely important to have healthy hair and prevent hair problems.
3. Telogen effluvium
A condition during which hair continues to remain in the telogen (natural shedding) phase of the growth cycle is known as Telogen effluvium. This leads to an increase in the falling out of hair, sometimes in handfuls. It is usually not a permanent condition and hence, resolves overtime very often. Although, if one has been experiencing this condition for a vast period of time, seeing a doctor is advisable.
Some possible causes of this condition:
- Rapid weight loss
- Surgery
- Severe amount of stress
- Childbirth
- Certain medications
- Thyroid problems
A doctor will be needing to treat the underlying cause in order to treat Telogen effluvium.
4. Anagen effluvium
The condition of Anagen effluvium causes huge amounts of hair to fall out very frequently. This takes place during the anagen(growth) phase of the hair cycle. During this condition, hair fall takes place from the head and as well as from the other parts of the body, including eyelashes and eyebrows.
Common causes of Anagen effluvium:
- Radiation
- Fungal infections
- Autoimmune disease
- Chemotherapy
The solution of this problem also varies from one cause to another but might include the topical solution of minoxidil. Cooling the scalp is recommended for people that have been taking radiation or such treatments.
5. Birth control pills
The chances of people experiencing loss of hair while using birth control pills are extremely high. However, many might even go through hair loss after many weeks or months of stop taking these pills. If anyone has to use birth control pills, scouting the one with a low androgen index is highly essential and advisable. This will help in decreasing the risk of hair loss and other such problems.
Examples of such pills -
- Ortho-Cyclen
- Ortho Cept
- Desogen
Loestrin and Ovral are pills that have a high androgen index. Implants and skin patches are other methods of hair fall that affect the hormones and leads to hair loss. The Hair Loss Association of America advises that people who have a huge risk of genetic hair loss opt for the non-hormonal method of birth control.
Ayurveda for hair loss:
There are numerous treatments and remedies available in the Ayurvedic world regarding hair fall problems. Thorough cleansing with different types of oils has proved to be quite beneficial. Following are a few methods that can make you have a well-endowed head!
1. Shiro Abhyanga
In this technique, oils like Bringamalakadi Taila, coconut, and til (sesame seed) are used to massage the head. This also assists in preventing the greying of hair and provides nourishment to the sensory organs. Through this Ayurvedic method, one can counter the woes of hair loss by improving the blood circulation towards your nerves.
Brahmi Bringaraj Taila - Made up of herbs, this oil is a highly effective remedy for hair growth. It provides nourishment to the roots and prevents the scalp from dryness. Hence, preventing and reducing hair fall.
Bringamalakadi Taila - Made out of nutritional herbs, this oil acts as a tool against premature greying of hair. It provides growth to the hair and is also beneficial in treating back pain and arthritis.
2. Shirodhara
Shiro means head and Dhara means flow. This method requires you to pour warm oil on your head to give your head a gentle massage. The leads to an increase in blood circulation and to better growth of hair. It is one of the most highly effective remedies for problems related to hair loss.
3. Hair Cleansers
Shikakai - Shikakai is known to be one of the best cleaners provided by the nature. It helps in washing off the extra oil and dirt sitting deep in the scalp. Using shikakai mixed with hibiscus, reetha and amla have become a solution to the problems faced by people having dry hair. The improvement and impact this combination will cause will be very significant.
Aloe Vera - Fresh Aloe vera gel can be used directly on the scalp. Use normal water to wash it off after applying it for 10-15 minutes. Since it’s a soothing and cooling scalp cleaner, it has numerous benefits for the scalp associated with scalp pimples, itching, rashes, and redness.
Besan or gram flour - This can be mixed with water and then used to wash off your hair after an oil massage.
4. Herbs
Ayurveda herbs are globally renowned and are rich in several beneficial nutrients. One may use herbs such as curry leaves, hibiscus, coconut oil, til (sesame seeds) oil, methi (fenugreek leaves), amla (gooseberry leaves), and Aloe vera. These herbs can be consumed as well as applied to the scalp/head. These can also be used as hair cleansers or made into hair packs.
5. Ayursoundarya Program
This method consists of a workshop that helps women to follow healthy practices to pursue beauty and healthy changes in their skin and hair. Beautiful and healthy hair is usually a result of eating and breathing right and using natural nourishment products on them.
Self-care for hair loss management:
- Avoid harmful chemical treatments that lead to hair damage
- Hair and scalp oil massage on a consistent basis
- Never brush on wet hair
- Limit the use of heating processes that may damage the hair
- Avoid wearing tight hairstyles very frequently
- Make changes in your lifestyle to cut down on the stress
- Go for lightweight shampoo and conditioner to prevent weighing down the hair
- Having a balanced and nutritious diet that includes minerals, fats, certain vitamins, and proteins.
- Indulge in natural and nourishing hair care products/treatments
- Increase the water intake and always stay hydrated
