Hair is an integral part of our body; it is the living extension of our being and also a reflection of our general state of health like the nails and skin. They grow, live, and fall. But sometimes, the fall is essential and exceeds the growth of new hair; it is at this time that we speak of abnormal hair loss.
Did you know? : The life cycle of the hair consists of 3 phases:
- The growth phase (anagen) lasts 2 to 7 years and concerns 85% of the hair.
- The involution phase (catagen) lasts 2 to 3 weeks and problems 1% of the hair.
- The fall phase (telogen) lasts a few months and problems 14% of the hair.
Each hair is at a different stage; it is customary to lose 30, 50, or even more every day.
Hormonal Imbalance and Hair Loss
For women, several phenomena can cause hair loss, including hormonal imbalance :
- At menopause,
- After childbirth,
- After taking contraception
- After taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the event of menopause,
- In the case of a thyroid disorder ( hypothyroidism ).
We observe a drop in female hormones, and suddenly the male hormones take over since the ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone. In this particular case, male hormones take over and weaken the hair, which becomes thinner, grows less, and falls a lot more.
Also Read: Hair Loss: When To Worry About Your Hair?
Stress, a Common Cause of Hair Loss
Stress is a common cause of hair loss and acts in three ways:
- The focus will release hormones in the blood, which can induce inflammation; the hair’s life cycle will be accelerated and will fall faster.
- Stress will cause the production of male hormones by the adrenal glands, which will disrupt the follicle in people who are sensitized to this testosterone by heredity.
- In chronic cases, stress will generate overconsumption of minerals, trace elements, vitamins and antioxidants, which will create deficiencies. The body will find itself short of materials to make new healthy and thick hair.
Deficiencies in food, chemicals and tobacco damage the hair
Dietary deficiencies in iron, zinc, magnesium, amino acids, vitamin B5, vitamin B8, vitamin D and omega 3 are also causes of hair loss.
Finally, shampoo, conditioner, straightening products, fixers, conditioners, colouring and discolourations or other chemicals damage the hair and intoxicate it since it is a living element.
- The tobacco is also highly oxidizing and damages the hair follicle.
Natural Remedies for Hair Loss
The Beauty of Hair Begins on the Inside
We must have a healthy diet or supplement as needed to have strong and thick hair; it is the basis for strengthening our ground. Whether it is our skin, our teeth, our nails, our hair and of course our hair, they are protective organs characterized by the formation of keratin, a fibrous protein that helps build these structures in our body.
This is why hair problems go hand in hand with nail and skin problems.
Bringing in a supplement that synthesizes this keratin and therefore protects and maintains the hair will be necessary for the event of excessive loss once the medical causes have been ruled out.
Also Read: Why Does The Hair Turn White?
It is therefore essential to choose a diet rich enough in:
- Amino acids: they are found in meats, legumes or even eggs.
- Iron: it is found in foods rich in iron such as red meats, but also spirulina. It is imperative to know your iron status because an excess of iron ( hemochromatosis ) will be more dangerous than a lack of iron.
- vitamins B5 and B8: essential for beautiful hair, they are found in brewer’s yeast, calf’s liver, eggs and also in oysters and avocados for vitamin B8 (or biotin )
- Zinc and magnesium: a sufficient intake is also highly recommended.
- Zinc is found in oysters, calf’s liver, pork liver, red meats, lentils, wholemeal bread, egg yolk.
- We opt for legumes, nuts, oilseeds, whole grains, dark green leafy vegetables, dark chocolate, and mineral water for foods rich in magnesium.
- Omega 3 : to reduce inflammation and cleanse the scalp to have a healthy follicle. we are found in rapeseed oil, linseed oil, hemp oil, sardines, mackerel, anchovies
Hair Loss: yes, but Natural and Organic Products!
When applied to the hair, we will favour natural and organic products to avoid chemicals and endocrine disruptors. For example, we can use:
- Virgin coconut oil before shampooing. It has the advantage of penetrating the hair shaft and strengthening its structure. We apply it as a mask from roots to ends.
- Green clay, indicated to detoxify hair abused by chemicals. It will be applied as a mask twice a week.
Did you know? : Coconut oil has been used for a very long time by Indian women for hair care. Coconut oil was used in particular in the preparation of several remedies. They applied it to the scalp to restore life and health to the hair, repair it and prevent hair loss.
Hair Loss: What if it was a Disease?
Finally, it is essential to point out that hair loss can be a sign of illness. Therefore, we prefer to consult a doctor to rule out possible pathological causes and then turn to a naturopath who can advise a nutritional intake adapted to his habits and state of health.
Also Read: Experts Advice To Fight Stress