Understanding Hair Loss: A Comprehensive Guide for Men and Women
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
Losing hair and experiencing thinning can be quite upsetting, for both male sand females affecting self-confidence and self-esteem. Over the last 35years within the hair industry, I have seen and helped countless people with this problem. This detailed guide will explore facets of hair loss and a few common reasons behind it. Let us know your concerns through the comment box below and our team (hair stylists, trichologists and nutritionists) are happy to help you.
Baldness was once seen as a hereditary trait of unfortunate men, who followed their father or grandfather on a path of thinning, first at the crown and / or the temporal region, which eventually escalates into receding and a monk-like bald patch at the crown. This progresses until inevitably, the two balding areas meet causing a large area of balding at the top of the head.
Back in the post war days, men disguised their baldness with a hat or cap until the mid 60’s when Bobby Charlton popularised the sweepover.
The 70’s changed the game when a lollipop sucking cop asked “who loves ya baby?” Yes, Kojak with his completely shaven, smooth shiny bald head led the way to men braving the shave.
The women appeared to love it. Maybe it was the confidence exuberated by the clean-shaven baldies who, unlike Sansom, did not fear losing their strength along with their hair.
While Male Pattern Baldness is well-documented, female hair loss presents a more complex picture. From hormonal imbalances to genetics, various factors can contribute to thinning hair in women.
Thinning hair in women has always existed, and the creativeness used to disguise thinning and hair loss is fascinating. From wigs to hats and hairbands to scarves. Styles that require backcombing for height and fullness or pins for securing long hair over thinning scalps, one thing is for sure – thinning hair and hair loss is not considered an attractive look. But unlike ‘Male Pattern Baldness’ that runs a fairly predictable course, other forms of thinning and hair loss have remained a fairly elusive phenomenon. Furthermore, as time goes on the event of thinning and hair loss is on the rise. It’s a cliché but a great truth – your hair is your crowning glory – the gown you never take off. It’s arguably the first thing people notice about you. So, it’s no surprise that when one first notices the signs of thinning and hair loss it can trigger feelings of stress, panic and loss.
Now that we've talked about hair loss, let's shift our focus to the factors that play a role in this issue. It's essential to grasp these root causes to identify triggers and find remedies. Whether its inclinations or lifestyle decisions a range of factors can impact the well being and strength of your hair. Let’s explore these elements and how they relate to hair loss.
Hair miniaturisation is the process in which your hair gradually becomes finer and shorter over time. It is associated with androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. The process involves the hair follicles progressively shrinking therefore leading to thinner and weaker hair.
There are types of alopecia such as androgenetic alopecia (female pattern baldness), alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) and telogeneffluvium (temporary excessive shedding). Medications like minoxidiland finasteride can be used to slow down hair miniaturisation andencourage regrowth. Eating a diet in nutrients like iron, zinc andprotein can also promote good hair health. Stress reduction, avoidinghair treatments and refraining from hairstyles that stress the hairfollicles can minimise shedding. Early detection and consistenttreatment play a role in preventing hair loss and potentially regrowinglost hair.
Nutritional deficiencies can also manifest as hair loss in women.Inadequate levels of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, B vitamins and vitamin D, and protein can compromise the health of hair follicles, leading to weakened strands and increased shedding.
Certain medications and high-stress levels can contribute to hair loss, exacerbating existing conditions or triggering new ones.Here are some ways to identify if medication or stress is the culprit behind your hair loss:Identifying the cause:
● Medication-induced hair loss usually starts 2-4 months after beginning a new medication.
● Stress-related hair loss often presents as excessive daily shedding or diffuse thinning a few months after a highly stressful event or period of ongoing stress.
The need to seek help and a solution kick in and it is likely many turn to auntie Google. A search for ‘hair loss’ offered 2,420,000,000 results which is fantastic news – help is at hand, but If you want some guidance and advice from experts, let us know your concerns through the comment box below..Your hair is your crowning glory, and understanding the factors that contribute to hair loss is the first step toward reclaiming control over your hair health. By exploring the causes, treatments, and preventive measures outlined in this guide, you can embark on a journey toward healthier, fuller-looking hair with confidence and empowerment.
"Feel free to drop your questions or concerns as comments below and we will be happy to help you."