Everybody loses hair on a daily basis. The reason is neither alarming nor threatening, but rather a natural “top-end” renewal process. The following occurs: the life expectancy of each individual hair is between four and six years. After that they die and fall out. As long as the hair follicle is intact a new hair will form and grow. It is completely normal to lose between 80 – 100 hairs a day. This does not qualify as excessive hair loss. Often long hair tends to be deceptive as it can easily look like a large amount of hair which is no longer growing on your head. If you’re worried about the volume of hair which is disappearing down the plug hole, then it’s a good idea to make the effort to count. In addition our hair has seasons. This means that it passes through a growth, transition and resting phase. After the resting phase is completed it falls out.
Not only do pets “moult” in springtime, their masters or mistresses also leave somewhat more hair on the brush than is usual. There is no cause for panic though: the scalp knows what it is doing and the crowning glory grows again.
The reason hair loss severely stresses those concerned is rooted in antiquity. From the beginning of time to the present day hair has been a symbol and external token of vitality, power, personality and health. The way you wear your hair imparts messages and a so-called “Bad Hair Day” is just as bad for a woman as is not having anything suitable to wear. In German-speaking regions about 60% of men suffer from hair loss, as far as women are concerned it is estimated that 1 in 10 suffer at one time or another.
„So, what type are you?“ – The various types of hair loss and their causes.
Basically there are two types of hair loss:
Irreversible hair loss:
Irreversible hair loss covers in particular androgenetic hair loss (alopecia androgenetica) – this is often genetic and is a type of hair loss which is especially burdensome to those concerned. It is the typical, age-related hair loss of both men and women, but here it can start during childhood or youth and get progressively worse from middle age to the chagrin of the sufferer. This irreversible, hereditary form or hair loss is caused by hormones and genetic disposition. Among men it often starts with a receding hair line at the temples and develops to a completely bald pate. Hereditary hair loss can already lead to significant bald patches at an early age. It is slightly different for women: here the hair begins to thin on the top of the head along the parting.
Hair loss in cases of androgenetic alopecia is caused by a hair root sensitivity to the male hormone testosterone. There are also indications that there could be a connection between smoking and hair loss among men. In this case we recommend consulting a specialist and inquiring about possible forms of therapy.
Reversible hair loss
Reversible hair loss – as the name implies – can be treated. This covers such hair loss types as diffuse hair loss (alopecia diffusa)and spot or circular baldness (alopecia areata), which are both described in detail in the following. In these cases is possible to take remedial action.
The causes of diffuse hair loss (alopecia diffusa), where hair falls out in clumps but the hair follicle remains intact, are as many and varied as the respective diagnoses and therapies. Frequently observed factors deemed responsible for diffuses hair loss are: hormone fluctuations (pregnancy, birth), stress, climatic fluctuations, thyroid disorders, cancer therapies, iron deficiency and radical diets, e.g. eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia). The good news is that in most cases of diffuse hair loss it can be successfully treated and resolved.
Firstly it is necessary to recognize possible causative disorders, or simply to change effecting lifestyle habits in order to avoid certain toxic substances (e.g. nicotine) and medications, eat healthily and balanced and to allow both body and soul to recover following stress situations. There are also a few external measures which can help reversible hair loss by strengthening and improving hair growth:
- regular, gentle head massage
- activating substances in hair care products (essential oils, caffeine, ginseng).
Spot or circular baldness (alopecia areata) is an extremely intimidating phenomenon. It is believed that this frequent form of reversible hair loss is triggered by a malfunction of the immune system. The body’s natural defense mechanism regards components of the hair as foreign bodies, which prematurely inactivates the hair root by putting it into hibernation mode. It sounds fairly relaxing, but in reality causes utter dismay, as alopecia areata can practically happen overnight and it effects men and women equally. It can be recognized by round spots on the scalp – or among men sometimes within their body hair – on which no hair grows. These spots gradually expand. Constant pressure or friction to the scalp (head wear, pony tails) can also lead to alopecia areata. Often, however, this form of hair loss is a reaction of the body to particularly stressful and emotionally burdensome stages of life.
Treatment is difficult. There is no standard course of therapy and the effectiveness of many of the therapeutic approaches is questionable. It is essentially favorable however that hair regrowth can occur on the circular bald patches after a time. In such cases it can also be helpful to be positively influenced by external experience as the probability of self-healing for alopecia areata is relatively high. In 30% of cases there is a spontaneous hair regrowth within six months, a further 30% discern a return of hair growth within a year.
Special herbal extracts and essential oils have a positive influence on the stimulation and re-activation of hair growth. That is why scalp massages with activating hair tonics and tinctures can also help this type of hair loss. Essentially, should circular baldness be detected, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist, with various diagnostic methods at his disposal.
An eye for an eye, a hair for a hair – every single one counts!
Crises, illnesses, and excessive bodily and psychological stress – it seems to be the less enjoyable and difficult moments and times of life in particular which proverbially wear not only the nerves thin but also the hair. In severe cases a psychotherapy or at least relaxation exercises can also be an effective way of combatting hair loss. Otherwise it is possible to deal with dwindling hair in various ways: with medication, cosmetic aids and/or a change in lifestyle. Medication is taken either orally or applied to the specific area of skin. It is true for nearly all of these products that if you stop the treatment, the newly grown hair will soon fall out. It means you have to take or apply the medication consistently and over a long period of time to achieve sustainable success. To start with you have to be patient. It takes at least two months before the situation improves because the active ingredients need a certain time period to have an effect on the hair root and produce visible proof.
Nutrition generally plays an important role with regards to hair. In everyday life and in the general hectic of our Western world often only a few people manage to eat a truly healthy and balanced diet. Yet the positive influence of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on all bodily functions, including hair growth, is not insignificant. Hence the evidence of incorrect or poor nutrition can always be seen on the skin, hair and nails. The building blocks and nutritional substances necessary for bodily cells are a basic prerequisite for a healthy organism. A balanced diet, supported if necessary by nutritional supplements, is essential not only for good health but also for (hair) beauty. Too much coffee, nicotine and alcohol can over-acidify the body. It is believed that if this is the case over an extended period of time, it can have a negative effect on the nature of the hair root.
With hair loss: safeguard what’s there and promote regrowth!
No matter why you suffer from hair loss, the remaining hair needs to be carefully nurtured. Sufficient sleep, stress reduction and a stable psychological constitution are as elementary as the aforementioned balanced diet. Additionally you can use conditioning products and compounds which are mild and non-aggressive on the scalp. Washing hair with activating ingredients can support the hair growth as much as regular gentle massaging with hair tonics and tinctures. These improve the circulation in the scalp thereby improving the nutrient supply to the hair roots. Both the hair roots and the scalp are sustainably strengthened.
