Published: 11 Oct 2023, 20:30 pm IST
Thick and luscious hair is everyone’s dream, but the disheartening reality is hair loss is becoming increasingly common nowadays. We have a preconceived notion that only men suffer from baldness after a certain age, but it doesn’t exclusively happen to men! Female hair loss is a growing concern and women may lose tons of hair in the process. While aging could be one of the factors leading to hair loss, there are several other factors that play a pivotal role here! Once you know the cause, you might be able to stop hair loss as well!
Health Shots reached out to Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist, and Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai, to understand more about hair loss.
What are the common causes of hair loss in women?
The common causes of hair loss in women include:
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, thyroid problems, and menopause are some of the common hormonal changes that could lead to hair loss. Any hormonal imbalances can lead to hair loss in women. You may require hormonal therapy or medication to address the problem.
- Genetics: Androgenic alopecia is a hereditary condition that can affect some women.
- Stress: A physical or emotional shock can lead to hair loss in many females. Practicing relaxation techniques can also help manage stress and reduce risk.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A deficiency in biotin, folate, vitamin B12, and riboflavin are some of the common nutritional deficiencies that could lead to hair loss problems. Nutritional deficiencies can be addressed with dietary changes or supplements.
- Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as alopecia areata or scalp infections can be the cause of the problem which needs to be addressed by your healthcare provider.
- Medication: Certain drugs given for conditions including arthritis, depression, hypertension, high blood pressure, and cancer can increase hair loss risk. You would need to consult a healthcare provider to change the medications.
- Hairstyling practices: With so many hair styling products in the market, it can be hard to resist. But overusing these harsh hair products, tying your hair too tight, or certain hair treatments can damage hair. It is best to refrain from these problems.
How to stop hair loss?
Hair loss can be prevented if you follow these lifestyle changes as suggested by Dr Rinky Kapoor:
- Eat a balanced diet: Unhealthy eating and nutritional deficiencies can affect both your hair growth and hair structure, found a study published in Dermatology Practical and Conceptual. You need to ensure that you are including adequate nutrients, including protein, iron, and vitamins (especially B-complex vitamins) in your diet. It is one of the best ways to keep your hair health in check.
- Scalp massage: You need to nurture your scalp gently if you want your hair to be healthy and strong. Massage your scalp regularly to improve blood circulation, which will help promote the production of healthy hair. Studies have found that people who do regular scalp massages experience less hair loss.
- Gentle hair care: Do you spend a lot on hair treatments like keratin, hair coloring, and more? These harsh hair treatments could be the reason why you are experiencing hair loss. You should also minimize using heat styling products as they can make matters worse for people with hair loss. You should also avoid tight hairstyles as they can put stress on the hair follicles and may lead to hair loss.
- Stress management: Stress is one of the biggest contributors to hair loss. A study published by the National Institutes of Health found that stress hormones impair stem cells vital for hair growth in mice. Hence, it is important to practice stress-reduction techniques like yoga or meditation to ward off stress.
- Stay hydrated: We tend to undermine the importance of drinking water. It is vital to drink 2-3 liters of water every day for not just maintain hair health but maintain overall health as well.
Dr Kapoor says that the ability to reverse hair loss naturally depends on various factors, including the underlying cause, genetics, and the stage of hair loss. In some cases, natural methods may slow or partially reverse hair loss, advanced cases or certain conditions may require medical treatments and medication.
