Hair Loss
Written by Melanie Dixon
Hair Loss
When we’re talking about hair loss (the medical term is alopecia), many people think about losing the hair on their head but it can affect other parts of your body too. Hair loss is usually temporary and will regrow with simple diet and lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medications. It can affect anyone at any age, although it tends to be more common in men (male pattern baldness) and with ageing.
More permanent hair loss can be trickier to manage depending on what’s causing it. It may be a sign of a more serious health condition and can be emotionally distressing, so seek help early to encourage regrowth and prevent further loss.
Common Signs
Without even noticing, it’s completely normal to lose between 50-100 strands of hair every day, especially when brushing or washing your hair. If you’re worried that you’re losing more hair than this, it’s advisable to see your GP. Common signs that your hair loss isn’t normal are:
- Bald patches
- Gradual thinning on top of the head
- Hair that’s easy to pull out or comes out in clumps
- Loss of body hair
- Itching or burning of the scalp
Common Causes
- Age
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Stress or trauma
- Sudden weight loss
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Health conditions, after an illness or cancer
- Medications, chemotherapy or radiation treatment
- Tight hairstyles and chemical treatments
Common Signs
Without even noticing, it’s completely normal to lose between 50-100 strands of hair every day, especially when brushing or washing your hair. If you’re worried that you’re losing more hair than this, it’s advisable to see your GP. Common signs that your hair loss isn’t normal are:
- Gradual thinning on top of the head
- Hair that’s easy to pull out or comes out in clumps
- Bald patches
- Loss of body hair
- Itching or burning of the scalp
Common Causes
- Tight hairstyles and chemical treatments
- Age
- Family history
- Pregnancy
- Stress or trauma
- Sudden weight loss
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Health conditions, after an illness or cancer
- Medications, chemotherapy or radiation treatment
Top Tips for Hair Loss
Make sure you regularly eat plenty of hair-friendly nutrients and make a few simple changes to how you look after your hair to keep it in good condition.
Eat plenty of protein, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. These foods boost your levels of biotin, zinc and iron – all key nutrients when it comes to hair growth and strength. Food comes first, but supplements can help to fill any nutritional gaps in your diet.
Let your hair loose! Don’t wear tight ponytails and take a break from damaging treatments.
Don’t crash diet. Sudden weight loss makes the body enter starvation mode and slows hair growth.
Balance hormones. Hair loss is common in conditions such as polycystic ovaries, thyroid issues, menopause and pregnancy. Your GP or a nutritional therapist can support you with this.
Keep calm. Stress can cause hair loss and greying. Find inner peace through meditation, yoga, spending time in nature and do things you enjoy to restore happiness.
