OH, HAIR NO!
Hair loss and how to prevent it
By Agnes Aui
Some may say that hair loss is a natural thing, and it might be true in some cases. However, when the amount of hair you lose becomes too much, you may just be suffering from hair loss. But don’t panic just yet, because we’re here to help you figure out some triggers of hair loss and how you can prevent hair loss in the future. If you’re someone who suffers from this, keep reading as we list out the types, triggers and ways you can prevent hair loss.
TYPES OF HAIR LOSS
- Gradual thinning on top of head – Known as the most common type of hair loss, gradual hair thinning affects people as they age. For men, the hair often recedes at the hairline on the forehead while women experience broadening of the part in their hair.
- Bald spots in circular shape or patches – Some lose hair in circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp. If your skin becomes itchy or painful before the hair falls out, then you might have spot balding.
- Sudden loosening of hair – This is when handfuls of hair come out when you’re combing, washing your hair or after gently tugging it. This type of hair loss usually causes overall hair thinning but is temporary.
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Patches of scaling spreading all over the scalp – This type of hair loss is usually a sign of ringworm • and may be accompanied by redness and swelling.
TRIGGERS OF HAIR LOSS
- Heredity (family history) – One of the most common causes of hair • loss is a hereditary condition. This happens with ageing and is commonly known as androgenic alopecia or male-pattern baldness / female-pattern baldness. This trigger is mostly difficult to avoid but possible with the right care from a young age.
- Hormonal changes – This trigger typically causes temporary hair loss and occurs mostly in women. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, childbirth or menopause may cause women to lose more hair than usual.
- Medical conditions – Conditions like alopecia areata and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania may cause hair loss. Alopecia is an immune system-related condition that causes patchy hair loss and scalp infections.
- Medications or supplements – Taking certain medications or supplements can cause hair loss as a side effect. You may experience hair loss if you’re taking medications for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.
- Stress – This is another common cause of hair loss. Many people experience general thinning of hair a few months after a physical or emotional shock. However, this type of hair loss is temporary.
- Hairstyles – Styling your hair excessively or having hairstyles that pull your hair tightly can cause hair loss. Avoid having your hair up in a ponytail or having cornrows for a long period of time.
WAYS TO PREVENT HAIR LOSS
- Treat your hair gently and avoid pulling it when brushing or combing your hair (especially when it’s wet). Try using a wide- toothed comb to comb your hair instead.
- Avoid anything that heats up your hair, like hot irons, hot rollers and permanent perming or rebonding.
- Limit tension to your hair by avoiding tying up your hair or braiding it for extensive periods of time.
- Check through medications and supplements that might cause hair loss. Talk to your doctor about this if you need to.
- Protect your hair from sunlight.
- Try a scalp massage that may help improve blood flow to hair follicles, increasing hair density.