The problem of hair loss is relevant for many people. She does not bypass not only women, but also men and even children. The causes of thinning hair can be very different, ranging from improper care of it and ending with serious illnesses. Why does hair fall out and what measures should be taken to stop this undesirable phenomenon? More on that below.
Causes of hair loss in women
If a woman begins to notice that her hair is losing its former density, she needs to know that this may be due to various reasons. These include the following.
- Wrong scalp care. The use of low-quality and inappropriate cosmetics, dyeing using aggressive compounds, frequent blow-drying and other factors negatively affect the hair shafts and roots, which leads to disruption of their nutrition and blood circulation in the skin. If we minimize this impact and resort to restorative procedures,you can stop the drop. Negative influences can also include ultraviolet radiation, bad weather conditions (snow, frost, wind). To protect your head from hypothermia and overheating, you need to wear an appropriate headgear and use protective equipment in hot weather.
- Diseases of the scalp. Another reason why hair falls out in women may be the development of diseases such as dermatitis, seborrhea, fungal infection. All these ailments contribute to the weakening of the roots and hair loss.
- Chronic diseases and unhe althy lifestyle. Insufficient blood supply to the bulbs is often due to certain ailments. These include osteochondrosis and cardiovascular pathologies. The condition of the hair is also affected by the abuse of alcoholic beverages, smoking.
- Weakened immunity. Diseases that require antibiotics, disturbed intestinal microflora often negatively affect the condition of the hair.
- Avitaminosis. The reasons why hair falls out include a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. In most cases, this problem makes itself felt in the spring or autumn. Women who are on diets or those whose diet consists of harmful foods are at risk of encountering it.
- Hormonal disorders. Disruptions in the hormonal system, unlike natural changes in the hormonal background, are not considered the norm. Thyroid diseases, imbalance of sex hormones are some of the common reasons why hair falls out on the head.
- Medicinal effect. Acceptance of certaindrugs can provoke a negative reaction of the body, which entails damage to the hair follicles. Antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, chemotherapeutic agents have a strong effect on the follicles.
- Anemia. Iron deficiency in the body manifests itself in the form of low hemoglobin, weakness, increased weakness and fatigue. Such he alth problems have a negative impact on the condition of the hair - they noticeably thin, become lifeless and brittle.
- Stress. Staying in constant stress is the main factor in hair loss. The reasons that they actively "climb" are associated with spasm of the vessels of the head and, as a result, insufficient nutrition of the follicles.
Physiological causes
Increased hair loss can occur due to natural causes. In women, this may be due to fluctuations in the hormonal background caused by pregnancy, taking hormonal drugs. Why does hair fall out during this period? It is worth noting that during pregnancy or at the time of taking oral contraceptives, the hair becomes thicker, and after completion, the opposite effect occurs. The thing is that during the period of bearing a baby, female hormones help slow down the development of follicles, and this delays the phase of their growth. As soon as the level of estrogen returns to normal, all the hair that should have fallen out begins to actively “crumble”. The same principle of operation of hormonal drugs.
Causes of hair loss in children
Hair loss in children is not uncommon. In some cases, it can be considered normal and natural. However, more serious reasons should not be ruled out. That is why it is important to find out why a child's hair falls out and take action. Possible reasons include the following.
- Wrong care. Often, many mothers are too keen on creating hairstyles for their children. However, even the most ordinary ponytail can lead to hair loss. Why does hair fall out after such hairstyles? If the tail is made tight enough, the follicles will not withstand the tension and the hair shafts will be damaged. In this regard, the hair roots will no longer receive nourishment, and the hair will begin to fall out. Incorrectly selected cosmetic products for the care of children's curls can also have a negative impact.
- Lack of vitamins. Avitaminosis is a common cause of hair loss in women and children. Deficiency of minerals and vitamins causes the follicles to weaken and begin to break down.
- Stress and nervous shocks. Children, like adults, are susceptible to nervous disorders. The period of experiences does not always pass without a trace. Against the backdrop of stress, the child may begin to actively lose hair.
- Ringworm. A similar disease is due to the activity of fungi. Its manifestations are the occurrence of foci of baldness on the head of a child. Redness and peeling may occur in these areas.
- Rickets. This disease is characterized by a lack of vitamin D, which is responsible for the absorption of calcium. Lastplays an important role in hair growth, so if the question arose why the hair on the head of a child falls out, it is possible that this is due to just such a pathology.
- Diseases of the scalp. Seborrhea and dermatitis are considered common culprits for hair loss not only in adults but also in children. With seborrhea, the sebaceous glands fail, which leads to damage to the follicles. Scales form on the skin, hair begins to fall out.
- Diabetes. If a child's hair begins to thin out, this may be due to a violation of metabolic processes.
You can often hear the question from new mothers: why does the hair on the head of a newborn fall out? First of all, this may be due to insufficient strength of the hair follicles. Secondary reasons include mechanical damage caused by constant friction - the baby constantly turns his head. In this case, there is no need to worry in vain.
If the hair began to "crumble" in a child of 4-5 years old, this may be due to changes taking place in his body. The level of hormones and other substances can change, thin baby hairs are replaced by new, thicker and stronger ones. This process is not considered pathological.
When school-aged children lose their hair, it can be due to stress, overexertion, lack of sleep and overwork.
Causes and types of early male pattern baldness
Hair Loss Problemrelevant enough for the stronger sex. Why does hair fall out in men? This may be due to various factors.
- Androgenic alopecia. This form of baldness is considered one of the most common (95%). Its cause is a hereditary factor. With this form of alopecia, hair thinning is observed in the parietal and frontal zones. The suppression of hair follicles is caused by the influence of the male sex hormone - dihydrotestosterone. As a result, new hair stops growing, old hair becomes thinner, loses pigment and begins to fall out.
- Diffuse alopecia. This kind of male pattern baldness is called symptomatic, because it occurs against the background of certain diseases. This baldness is characterized by uniform hair loss. There are two types of diffuse alopecia: anagen and telogen. The first is the result of the death of hair follicles, which are in the anagen phase, due to the negative effects of toxic substances, radiation, and chemotherapy. As for the second type, such baldness can be triggered by stressful situations, chronic diseases, genetic predisposition, diets.
- Focal (nested). Hair loss is quite specific: oval or round bald patches appear with clear contours. Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system malfunctions. Such baldness is often provoked by antibiotics, surgery performed under general anesthesia, antiviral vaccination.
- Scar. This damage to the hair follicles occurs due to injuryskin cover. It may be due to a mechanical effect on the skin, fungal and other lesions of the deep layers of the epidermis. As a rule, cicatricial alopecia manifests itself as a result of thermal or chemical burns of the skin. Scar tissue forms in the area of damage, hair growth in this area is no longer observed.
Other reasons why men lose hair on their heads can also include a lack of vitamins and minerals, improper hair care, an unhe althy lifestyle.
Pharmacology against hair loss
If alopecia has been diagnosed, it can be stopped by various means. In advanced cases, the following drugs may be prescribed.
- "Minoxidil". A drug of a steroid nature, which is intended for topical use. Stops age-related and hormonal hair loss in men and women.
- "Spironolactone". A remedy that is often prescribed for women who are faced with hair loss during menopause. The first results are felt in a few weeks from the moment you start taking it.
- "Propecia". Medicine for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Stops hair loss, activates the awakening of dormant follicles. Used in combination with Minoxidil.
Hormonal drugs for hair loss
Why hair falls out on the head and what to do are two main questions that women often worry about. If the causes of "hair loss" are associated with hormonalviolations, oral contraceptives will help to solve the problem. Such drugs reduce the production of male sex hormones in the ovaries, increasing the level of estrogen. As a rule, with hormonal instability, the doctor prescribes Janine, Yarina, Diana-35 to women.
General strengthening procedures
After the reason why hair falls out in large quantities is found, the situation can be improved by general strengthening procedures that help activate blood circulation in the scalp. In order for the follicle not to experience a lack of oxygen and nutrients, it is necessary to improve microcirculation. For this, massage, physiotherapy, a number of salon procedures are indicated - ozone therapy, cryotherapy, mesotherapy, plasmolifting, iontophoresis, myostimulation.
What treatments are good to do at home?
After finding out why hair is falling out in large quantities, and taking measures for the main treatment, a series of procedures should be carried out to stimulate the follicles and strengthen the roots.
- After washing, the hair should be rinsed not with plain water, but with herbal infusions. Plants such as nettle, St. John's wort, sage, burdock will provide a firming effect.
- To moisturize the scalp, remove peeling and saturate the hair roots with nutrients, base oils should be applied to this area: burdock, castor, olive. Before rubbing in the oil, it must be warmed up.
- The use of essential oils has a positive effect on the condition of curls and scalp. Such agents can be added to masks oruse for self-massage. For such procedures, essential oil of ylang-ylang, mint, lavender has proven itself from the best side.
- An excellent firming effect is observed from natural dyes in the form of henna, basma, amla. These powder products can dry out curls, so it is advisable to apply them to strengthen the hair only on the root zone.
Masks
If the hair is actively falling out, various masks prepared at home will help overcome the problem. As a basis, products that have a warming effect are suitable. Their action is to enhance nutrition and strengthen the roots.
To achieve a greater effect, it is recommended to apply the mask on a clean head, actively rub into the hair roots and wrap with a film. The entire course should consist of 8-10 procedures.
The following mask recipes will help to cope with hair loss.
- Onion. Chop one onion and squeeze out the juice. Combine it with castor oil and honey in equal proportions (1 tsp each). Mix and apply to the roots.
- Cognac. This alcoholic drink in the mixture helps to warm up the scalp. To prepare a restorative composition, you need to combine 1 tsp. cognac with honey and yolk. Apply the mixture to the roots, wrap with cling film and leave for half an hour.
- Mustard. For cooking, you need mustard in powder form. Pour 2 tbsp. l. product with boiling water, stir until a thick mixture is obtained. Supplement the composition with yolk, honey, burdock oil. Apply tohead, wait for a burning sensation, then rinse with warm water.
Prophylaxis of hair loss
In order not to face the question of why the hair on your head falls out so much, you should follow certain recommendations.
- Care for your hair with the right beauty products.
- Avoid staining with aggressive compounds.
- Minimize the use of hair dryers, curling irons and straightening irons.
- Eat well, take vitamin complexes.
- To wash your hair, use water with a temperature of 36-42 degrees.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you experience he alth problems.
- Take antibiotics and other serious medications only after consulting a doctor.
- Get your hormone levels checked regularly.
- At the first sign of hair loss, the cause of which is unknown, do not resort to the use of strong medications.