Hair shedding is a part of everyday life in fact it’s totally normal. According to the American Academy of Dermatology on average we lose about 50 to 100 strands a day. If you end up losing a lot more or notice a big change like them not growing anymore that’s when you have to pay special attention. Whether you’re pulling fur balls out of the shower or vacuuming strands from your rug, there’s usually a very reasonable cause for your hair thinning or falling out. There are many potential triggers to why it’s happening but there’s no need to freak out just yet! If you are losing strands, your mane will likely recover with some simple solutions. In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about why this could be happening.
Scroll below to see the reasons why your hair is thinning:
1. Stress
Yes, it’s no myth that stress can literally cause your hair to fall out. Stress whether mental, emotional or physical is never good for your health. In this case, a stressful event or period in your life can cause certain hair follicles to prematurely stop growing, thinning, and eventually shed. The good news is, unless it’s something more severe, your hair will grow back eventually.
2. Weight loss or diet change
People don’t realise how much your diet doesn’t only affect your weight but hair loss too. Especially if you’re not getting the same nutrients it did before most notably like the lack of protein when you go vegan. Moreover, always munching on junk food or going on an extreme diet upsets the balance in your body leading to thinning of hair on the scalp. Along the same vein, any dramatic changes to your weight whether it be intentional or unintentionally can impact your tresses too! The best solution is to pay attention to what your body needs and follow a balanced, healthy diet that suits your lifestyle. If always consult a doctor or nutritionist about implementing changes in your diet.
3. Your hairstyle matters
Did you know when you tie your hair into a tight ponytail or topknot it’s not great for your hair health? Constantly tugging, tying or over-styling your hair can cause tension on the strands and roots. Which not only leads to hair breakage but eventual hair loss. The same goes with over-processing your hair with heat and hair dyes or chemical treatments that weaken the strands. Try alternative hairstyles like braids that are less stressful to your scalp to change up things once in a while.
4. Iron or vitamin deficiency
If you’re suffering from hair loss one of the common reasons is due to deficiencies in your body like iron, B12, or even vitamin D. Low iron is one of the most common mineral deficiencies in young women with hair thinning and can sometimes be hereditary. The best solution to this is by increasing certain foods in your diet or supplements. Always talk to your doctor first as they may recommend a blood test to confirm the correct treatment.
5. Not taking care of your scalp
A healthy scalp results in healthy hair. Due to many reasons like lifestyles, skin type or product usage, any kind of blockages or buildup on the scalp can suffocate it and not allow the hair cuticle to breathe. Use a clarifying shampoo regularly to avoid oil build-up and dirt at the roots. And once in a while give your scalp a little extra TLC and revive it with hair spas treatments.
6. Hormonal imbalance
Hormones play a huge role in the hair growth cycle. Any changes or imbalances can lead to multiple issues. Which in turn makes your body go out of whack and affects your hair too! This includes pregnancy or even if you are about to enter menopause.
7. Genetics
Our genes affect us greatly! Sometimes there’s a chance you’re genetically predisposed to hair thinning and because of this, you might see a progressive, gradual reduction in hair volume as you age.
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