Why Is Your Hair Falling Out?

Hair shedding is a normal part of everyday life – on average, we lose around 80 strands a day. But if you start to notice that you’re losing more hair than usual, it can be a cause for concern.

When we think of hair loss, genetic factors usually spring to mind, such as male pattern baldness. But hair loss is just as prevalent in women, with around 80% of women experiencing hair loss by the age of sixty. Hormones, thyroid problems, and other diseases can all cause hair loss too.

So, what are the possible reasons behind your thinning hair and is it possible to reverse the damage?

Hormones

Hormone changes due to pregnancy and menopause can have a significant impact on the hair. When we’re pregnant, we experience a rise in oestrogen levels, giving our skin a beautiful glow and our hair looks thick and luscious. Unfortunately, post-pregnancy, it can feel like it’s falling out at a scary rate as our oestrogen levels decline.

Menopause can affect your hair in a similar way. As we age, almost everyone will experience some degree of hair loss, and hair growth will slow down. This process is accelerated in perimenopausal women, thanks to a significant decrease in oestrogen levels – an essential hormone for hair growth.

Stress

It’s no secret that stress can cause your hair to fall out. Chronic stress can increase androgen (male hormone) levels, which in turn can cause hair loss. When we are stressed, we may also skip meals or eat more processed foods than usual – giving minimal nutritional benefit. Stress can impact digestion and your body’s absorption of vital nutrients, both of which can negatively impact the hair.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is a very common cause of hair loss in women. Iron is vital for producing haemoglobin in your blood which carries oxygen for the growth and repair of cells in your body, including the cells that stimulate hair growth. If you think your hair loss could be related to an iron deficiency, consult a doctor to measure your iron levels.

Thyroid conditions

The thyroid gland helps to regulate the body’s metabolism by controlling the production of proteins and tissue use of oxygen. When this process is disrupted, it affects the development of hair at the root causing the hair to fall out.

If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it may also result in anaemia, which over time can cause baldness.

Poor scalp health

Scalp health is crucial to the growth and condition of hair. Any blockages or product buildup on the scalp’s surface can suffocate the hair follicle and prevent the hair from growing to its full potential.

The HydraFacial Keravive is excellent for maintaining scalp health. It works by deeply cleansing and exfoliating the scalp and unclogging the follicles before delivering nourishing growth factors and proteins deep into the skin, helping to stimulate new hair growth.

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin B12 and D deficiencies are relatively common in hair loss sufferers. Vitamin B12 deficiency often causes hair loss as it can affect the health of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your tissues. Reasonable dietary B12 can only be obtained from animal sources, making it most common in vegans.

The majority of the UK population has suboptimal Vitamin D levels, so we recommend that everyone take at least 2000iu per day. However, some people require more than this.

How to increase hair growth

It all starts with recognising the problem. If you notice excessive daily hair shedding, make an appointment to see a specialist or your GP, as there could be an underlying factor that needs to be addressed.

In many cases, the hair will begin to grow back as usual once any internal imbalance is put right.

If underlying health conditions have been ruled out, there are several treatment options available each designed to address a wide variety of hair loss conditions.

Calecim Professional stem cell serum contains a potent mixture of proteins, cytokines and growth factors to improve skin and scalp health and promote new hair growth for lasting results. The proteins strengthen the tissues, whilst growth factors increase cell turnover for faster hair growth.

This can be used in conjunction with microneedling to open up the micro-channels in the scalp and allow for faster, more efficient absorption of the serum.

Microneedling can also be a very effective treatment used in conjunction with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Blood taken from the patient is spun in a special centrifuge to separate plasma rich in platelets, which release natural growth factors. The plasma is then introduced into the scalp to encourage cell turnover and improve overall hair health.

Hair supplements are another treatment option for hair thinning. Viviscal Professional uses a rich protein complex to promote hair growth, health, density and strength. It also contains biotin to encourage smooth, healthy hair and apple extract to promote a soft, healthy finish.

It is essential to consult your doctor for guidance if you are struggling to identify the reason for hair thinning or if your hair loss is worsening. That way, you can discuss your general health, determine your nutrition and hormone levels, and receive expert advice on whether something more serious is to blame.

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