Hair growth, as well as hair loss, is influenced by a number of factors: from hereditary predisposition to stress, psychological discomfort, poor nutrition and hormonal imbalance.
However, in addition to genes, regular, proper care and diet can also influence everything.
Hair thinning or cessation of hair growth can happen to absolutely anyone, regardless of gender and age. This is due to a number of factors that, in addition to hereditary predisposition, can be influenced in most cases.
Hair typically grows at a third of a millimeter per day, an average of 1.25 cm per month, which is about 15 cm per year. While some people grow longer hair in 2 years, others in 7 years.
Hair growth always stops for 2-3 weeks from time to time. This usually happens once every 9 months. However, after that, the hair starts changing again gradually.
Hair falls out every 5-7 years. At the same time, hair loss is continuous and depends on the phase of the hair life cycle. The first growth phase affects the final hair length, which is determined genetically.
The second stage is transitional. It lasts from two to three weeks, during which the hair does not grow and does not produce pigment. The last stage is hair loss.
Between 50 and 80 hairs can fall out per day. However, on the day of washing your hair, this number can increase to 300. Hair renewal begins to slow down with age, when the period of active growth begins to shorten and the hair changes its quality.
What Affects Hair Growth, Loss and Quality
• Stress weakens the scalp.
• While in men, heredity plays a role in hair loss, in particular so-called androgenetic alopecia, when hair falls out due to a drop in testosterone levels. In women, it is more often due to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, childbirth or menopause.
• Thyroid function. Excessive activity of the gland is not good for hair. In addition to noticeable hair loss, the quality also deteriorates. They become softer, break easily, and the scalp becomes more oily.
• Anemia
• Hair loss may begin after infection. This may also occur after 3 months.
• Medicines can have an effect, according to experts, problems arise after the use of cytostatics, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, antiepileptics or cholestatics. Incorrect contraception also affects hair loss.
How to Stimulate Hair Growth and Stop Excessive Hair Loss
First of all, you need to find the main reason why your hair is thinning and not be afraid to contact a specialist - a dermatologist or trichologist.
One method of mapping hair loss is digital dermatoscopy with the ability to save a photograph and compare the condition of the scalp over time.
If it is necessary to verify the diagnosis, a biopsy with subsequent histological examination may be performed.
The next step in treatment is usually a blood test, which can reveal the presence of endocrine diseases, low iron levels and other important minerals and vitamins.
Proper nutrition is the key to hair growth. Deficiencies of nutrients, including certain B vitamins (riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12), vitamins D, C, iron, and zinc, contribute to hair loss.
Cosmetic products that support hair growth
The key factor when using cosmetic products is regular and consistent use. Also, people need to realize that nothing works right away, so they need to arm themselves with patience, especially for more serious problems.
If it is caused only by mechanical damage to the hair (blow drying, coloring, straightening, careless washing, etc.), products and proper care will work relatively quickly.
If the problem is related to poor blood circulation of the scalp, it takes much longer for it to function, as well as more intensive care. In addition to lymphatic massage of the head, it is good to use special serums to enhance blood circulation.
If you are suffering from massive hair loss or suspect androgenetic alopecia, i.e. a serious disease, you should first visit a dermatologist who will offer a comprehensive solution.
Earlier we reported on how to remove cracked heels .
Expert: Elena Gutyro
