What are possible causes of that extra hair loss?
Are you seeing more hair in that bush everyday? Or maybe you notice your part getting more noticeable. I see everyday women asking why am I shedding so much and how do I stop it. I know men as well are concerned with hair loss but with short hair they often do not notice shedding changes as quickly as women. Which mean often times women can attack it faster than their male counterparts. So I wanted to to drop some common and uncommon reasons you can experience hair loss and what are some remedies.
Stress
This is number one in what I see behind my chair. Stress releases the cortisol hormone which causes inflammation in the body. And the stem cell that builds the hair follicle sees that inflammation in the blood and says “hey there is some crazy things going on and we need to conserve all energy for that other problem RIGHT NOW!” How it does that is letting go of any hair that would have fallen naturally in the next 2-3 months in a VERY short time. This type of hair loss can occur 3-6 months after the stress event so its not often considered. Stress can be related to internal stress or trauma.
Deficiencies in the body
Knowing of any deficiencies we have in through a comprehensive blood screening can show underlying health issues that can lead to hair challenges and hair loss. The first question I always ask in a hair loss consultation is when my client had their last physical and blood work. This gives us an understanding of possible issue with their bodies that can also cause the hair to slow production of new hair or build hair that is not in good quality.
People who take antibiotics long-term or use anti-seizure drugs can be biotin-deficient. An over or under active thyroid nay cause hair loss and dry and brittle hair strands. Iron deficiency aka anemia can create dry and brittle hair. What’s more, iron deficiencies have been linked to hair loss. Studies have shown that taking a zinc supplement can reverse the effects of hair loss caused by a zinc deficiency. Interestingly, studies have linked vitamin D3 deficiency to hair loss. Deficiencies in protein and iron have been linked to hair loss.
Hormonal Imbalances
Our bodies work best when everything is in balance. However, when we have swings in our hormones or changes it can effect our hair. We see this is in post-pregnancy, menopause, increased testosterone and other abnormal swings in estrogen levels. Short term imbalances can cause temporary hair loss but if you are experiencing long term imbalances in your hormones its important to take action with hair loss solutions.
Extreme Changes in Diet
If you suddenly change your diet to reduce carbs, fats or start a calorie deficient diet your hair will suffer. Our hair needs protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D and more. So when you make a big change it can cause sudden hair loss or a change in the strength and luster of your hair and scalp.
Changes in Medications
There are medication that come with warnings of possible hair loss as a side effect. So make sure you are reading all the possible side effects for any new medications. That hair loss can occur 2-4 months after taking the medication. Common medications than have been thought to cause hair loss are as follows: acne medications containing vitamin A, antibiotics & antifungal drugs, antidepressants, anti clotting drugs, drugs that suppress the immune system, cancer treatment drugs, epilepsy drugs, high blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy, mood stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Parkinson’s disease drugs, steroids, thyroid medications, weight loss drugs and many others. If the drugs are for short term usage often it will be temporary hair loss and over time you will regain your hair back. If you will be remaining on the new medication speaking to your doctor and hair loss specialist to help your hair buffer those medications may be needed.
Environmental Factors
Newer research is showing that our environment can affect our hair and scalp. Air pollution and minerals in the water can impact the quality of the hair and contribute to buildup on the scalp and hair loss.
Treatments
So now you know you have one of the above mentioned issues and you would like to start treatment to slow, stop or prevent hair loss. Topical hair loss treatments are a way to take control of your hair loss. I personally use Zenagen Evolve for my clients who need to reduce shedding, regrow hair that has been slowed or stopped and grow stronger hair. The benefit of Zenagen is that it is used at the most every 2 days, is plant based and does not contain minoxidil either (which you can not take with any blood thinners).
Laser therapy is also a fantastic way to jump start and grow stronger hair. I offer Theradome’s at home laser for my clients as a solution as well to ensure your receiving all the possible options for regrowth as well. And as it is an at-home treatment that only needs to be use for 20 minutes 2 times a week. Laser phototherapy (LPT) is the most powerful and effective treatment for hair loss.
As a hair loss specialist I am here to support my clients and guests with proven resources to help their hair to be the best it can be. If you would like more information or to schedule a consultation on my hair loss services head to my website www.charlottehair.com and click on the Hair Loss Solutions tab to see products and to schedule zoom or in-salon consultations. Of if you have any questions feel free to email me at tabitha@charlottehair.com