Hair loss has become one of the most common health problems these days irrespective of age, sex and community. Androgenic alopecia is a scientific term primarily used in Europe commonly used for baldness or hair thinning.
Causes of hair loss:
A well accepted fact is that each person has 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head. Strands normally lost in a day vary for each individual, but studies show an average of 100. To maintain a good volume, hair lost must be replaced at the same rate. The most common place where hair loss is noticed is while using our daily hair brush or during shampooing.
Straightening, highlighting, blow-drying and other hair styling on frequent basis also cause problems to the hair, leaving them damaged and unmanageable. Excessive heat and styling make the hair dry and can also result in split ends.
The health conditions that often cause the excessive loss of hair include infections, thyroid, surgery, hormonal changes, childbirth, pregnancy, high levels of stress and medications(e.g. those of high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, acne, steroids, antidepressants, NSAIDs, contraceptive pills, etc). Hair loss also occurs as a side effect of chemotherapy & radiotherapy. When the loss of hair is caused due to medication, discontinuing the same can prevent further loss and with time, it will be in a position to grow back. Poor nutrition and deficiency of certain nutrients (e.g. Biotin, protein, zinc ) can also lead to loss in hair. Gradual hair loss occurring with age and genetic hair loss is also common.
Preventing hair loss:
Massage your scalp everyday to increase blood flow with the use of scalp massager. Choose milder shampoos and avoid products that can be harsh to hair and scalp. A healthy scalp is very helpful in making hair strong and healthy, thus preventing hair loss. Stress reduction can be helpful in reducing hair loss. Hair loss due to genetic or hormonal causes has no prescribed permanent treatment. If one has major hair loss problems, it would be best to consult a dermatologist for treatment. A healthy diet in the end will also help prevent hair damage.