Shedding a few strands of hair every day is normal, but if it is significantly more than normal, it might be a matter of concern. Having luscious and healthy hair is everyone’s dream. But with the increasing pollution and busy lifestyle, maintaining hair health becomes a struggle on its own. Hair becomes vulnerable to many concerns like hair fall, breakage, dandruff, frizziness, etc. Before you find the right hair care routine for controlling hair fall, first understand the reasons or causes of it.
Read below to understand the science behind hair fall, and the precautions one can take to prevent it.
7 Major causes of hair fall
1. Genetics
One of the most common reasons for hair fall is genetic or hereditary, which happens as you age. Commonly known as androgenic alopecia, it occurs gradually and in a predictable pattern. For men, it is usually followed by a receding hairline and bald spots, whereas in women it starts with thinning hair along with the crown of the scalp in women.
2. Age
With age, hair growth is slow, so most people notice hair loss. At some point, hair follicles stop growing hair, causing the hair on our scalp to thin. Hair also starts to lose its color.
3. Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a medical condition, an autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss. It causes patchy hair loss, the hair-pulling disorder also called trichotillomania or scalp infections such as ringworm.
4. Poor hair care
Just like the other body parts, our hair also requires special treatment and care. This can include oiling, regular washing, and more. Not following a healthy hair care routine can also be bad for your hair and lead to hair fall.
5. Lifestyle choices
You are a reflection of your lifestyle choices and the same is reflected in your hair. A happy cheerful life leads to healthy strong hair, however, a stressful life event can cause general thinning of hair. This hair fall however is temporary and a healthier life choice switch can reverse it.
6. Excessive hair styling
Styling your hair very frequently is also one of the major causes of hair fall. Pulling your hair tight in a pigtail or cornrows can cause traction alopecia, a type of hair fall. Even heat styling to straighten or curl your hair can cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, then the hair loss could be permanent.
7. Pollution and weather
The increasing pollution and changing weather conditions cause scalp irritation, dandruff, and itching, and are also one of the major reasons for hair fall these days.
Note - These are some major causes of hair fall. If the hair fall is less, then home remedies and topical treatments can be of help, however, if your hair is widening, you are shedding more than 125 hairs per day or you find bald spots, it is time to see a dermatologist.
7 Effective tips to control hair fall
1. Maintain scalp and hair hygiene
One of the important things to remember is to keep your scalp clean. When you don't clean your scalp, dirt, sweat, and impurities clog your hair follicles. This results in a reduced supply of blood and nutrients to your hair follicles, leading to poor hair growth and hair fall. Experts suggest washing your hair twice/a week and if you indulge in sports or activities that involve sweating, wash more frequently.
2. Condition your hair
Conditioning your hair after every hair wash, or co-washing your hair improves the feel, manageability, and appearance of hair. Conditioning reduces the friction between hair strands and allows smoother combing, which can otherwise cause hair damage. Ingredients like murumuru, pea protein, ceramides, and babassu work well to repair hair and prevent breakage and hair fall.
You can also update your hair care regime with a hair mask because it forms a protective structure around hair strands and prevents further loss of nourishment. It locks in moisture and prevents frizziness. Hair masks hold the potential to go deeper into your hair strands, ultimately protecting hair from breakage and healing damaged hair. Here are a few ingredients to look for while choosing a hair mask to boost hydration and keep hair nourished - Ceramides, Pea Protein, and Omega 3 fatty acid.
3. Update your hair care regime with anti-hair fall ingredients
We use a lot of products on our hair that directly or indirectly impact our hair health. To ensure healthy growth and to avoid hair fall, give your hair only the best, so make sure that your hair care regimen is -
- gentle on the scalp and hair
- dermatologically tested
- backed with science not fads
- free from silicone, sulfate, and paraben
- Non-comedogenic
While dealing with hair fall issues, follow a hair care routine comprising ingredients that specifically curb hair loss. Opt for serums and shampoos that can strengthen hair strands, boost hair growth and provide nourishment to the scalp.
To ensure that your hair stays healthy, here are some hair care ingredients that can enhance your anti-hair fall regimen.
- Choose a mild shampoo with the right anti-hair fall ingredients
Opt for mild shampoo backed up with gentle cleansing action and non-comedogenic labels. Because a shampoo with strong surfactants and harsh ingredients can strip off essential oils from your scalp and hair causing more hair breakage.
- Look for advanced topical formulas like hair fall control serum to rebalance the hair growth cycle
4. Use wooden combs to avoid abrasion/ breakage from regular plastic combs
A wooden comb is practically more suitable for your hair than plastic combs. They are lighter in weight with softer bristles, which minimizes the damage to the scalp and improves blood flow. The wooden comb will help you relax and produce more oil naturally, removing the scalp's itchiness and dryness. It also helps prevent static which avoids the development of frizz in your hair.
5. Avoid tight hairstyles
For healthy hair, experts suggest minimizing the use of hair accessories and avoiding continuously wearing hairstyles that pull on your hair. When you use hair accessories, make sure to select clips with rubber padding, hairpins with balled ends, and fabric hair ties instead of rubber bands.
6. Exercise to increase the flow of nutrients to hair roots
Exercise is not just good for your body, but also for your hair. It helps increase blood flow and circulation through the body, increasing the nutrients and oxygen in the scalp. Experts believe that 30 mins of cardiovascular exercise at least three times per week, can lead to healthy hair
7. Enrich your diet with proteins and vitamins like biotin
What you eat plays an important role in your hair growth. So, for stronger hair, include proteins, fruits, green veggies, vitamins, and iron-rich food in your diet.
Takeaway
Noticing hair fall at first and then taking the right preventive measures for the same is a necessary step toward maintaining hair health. We know that it is a common concern, know that it can be prevented with some home remedies and effective topical solutions. Follow an anti-hair fall regime backed up with ingredients like pea protein, babassu, murumuru, aminexil, and ceramides religiously.
