Hair loss – how to stop it?

It is estimated that a healthy person loses between 50 and 100 hairs every day – a completely natural process. However, increased hair loss should be a cause for concern. When you lose significantly more than 100 hairs each day, your hairstyle starts to lose volume. What can cause hair loss? How can you stop this process?

How long does hair „live”?

Every hair has a certain „lifespan” and will eventually fall out naturally. If you lose between a dozen and a hundred of them every day, this should not worry you, because in parallel, completely new strands begin their growth process and your hairstyle retains a consistently similar volume.

Learn about the three phases of the „life of the hair”:

1. The anagen phase – that is, the active phase of hair growth, which lasts about six years.
2. The catagen phase – is the transition period between the active growth phase and the telogen phase. This period does not last long, only two weeks. During this time, the remodelling process of the hair root takes place.
3. Telogen phase – lasts up to 3 months. During this phase, the hair gradually becomes thinner and weaker until it finally falls out.

As you can see, each of your hairs stays in place for no more than six to seven years. However, as individual hairs begin their growth at individual times, a healthy hairstyle should maintain a similar volume at all times.

Why does hair fall out?

There are a number of causes and factors that can result in increased hair loss. Depending on which phase the falling hair is in, it is said to be:

• Telogenic alopecia – is often linked to medical conditions (for example, thyroid disease) and external factors such as stress, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
• Androgenic hair loss – in this case, the causes are sometimes genetically and hormonally determined. This type of hair loss most often affects men, as well as elderly women and those suffering from hormonal disorders. Androgenetic alopecia is very characteristic – it usually starts with the formation of bends and a receding hairline.
• Anagen alopecia – this is often a side effect of medications taken (primarily chemotherapeutics, but also some acne medications or those used to treat the thyroid gland). Most often it is a reversible process – once the drug treatments are over, the hair should start to grow back.

If you notice increased hair loss, make an appointment for a trichology consultation. During the consultation, your doctor will take a close look at your scalp and hair to determine the likely cause of hair loss. This is because many different additional factors influence this process.

What else has an impact on hair loss?

• Severe stress – both one-off and chronic.
• Leading an unhealthy lifestyle – in particular dietary mistakes, but also exhaustion, stress and stimulants.
• Incorrect hair care.
• Other health problems – particularly scalp conditions, but also hormonal disorders and thyroid disease.

How to stop hair loss?

Hair loss or significant thinning of hair is a very distressing experience for many people. In order to try to stop hair loss, the cause must first be determined. This requires a visit to a trichologist and additional tests, if necessary. Most often, these are general diagnostic tests that will help verify possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies or other abnormalities.

Once the doctor has made an accurate diagnosis, he will also suggest treatment methods. What can modern medicine do for hair loss? Quite a lot! Among the available treatments, it is worth mentioning:

• Trichological treatments – use medications and specialised cosmetics (shampoos, ampoules, rubs) whose role is to strengthen the hair roots, stimulate hair growth and improve the condition of the hairstyle.
• Strengthening treatments – for example, scalp needle mesotherapy. This treatment involves the subcutaneous injection of a selected preparation. Depending on the condition of the hair and scalp, different active substances may be used, allowing the effects of the treatment to be tailored individually to the needs of the individual patient.
• Hair transplantation – is an eventuality worth considering if there has already been very significant hair loss on the head. There are various hair transplantation techniques, but a particularly recommendable option is the WAW FUE transplantation method, which involves taking and transplanting individual hair follicles using a specialised device. The procedure is quite time-consuming, but it allows for a natural hair thickening effect.

Although home methods for hair loss are no substitute for professional treatment, they are of great preventive importance. For the good health of your hair, also make some changes to your daily life and hair care.

How to prevent hair loss? Home remedies:

• Ensure a healthy diet – your diet must not lack products rich in iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins and fatty acids. If you are having trouble putting together a menu that is appetising and good for your hair, consult a nutritionist.
• Consider using hair strengthening supplements – don’t reach for them on your own. When you visit your trichologist or internist, raise the issue. Your doctor will select the best remedies if necessary and advisable.
• Use the hair and scalp cosmetics recommended by your trichologist – not only at the beginning when you are struggling with excessive hair loss, but also later on. The cosmetics should be selected according to the type and needs of your hair and scalp.
• Avoid frequent and intensive styling – heat, strong pulling and heavy styling products do not do your hair any favours.
• Protect hair from strong UV radiation and from radical temperature changes.

Hair loss is a common problem that can affect both men and women and at different age ranges. To eliminate it, it is essential to consult a trichologist, who will determine the cause and propose the most favourable treatment method.