Natural Hair growth cycle
The growth and loss of hair may seem like a simple process, but the hair growth cycle is actually composed of four distinct phases.
The first three phases anagen, catagen and telogen cover the growth and maturation of hair and the activity of the hair follicles that produce individual hairs.
During the final or exogen phase, old hair usually sheds and new hair gets ready to take its place.
How much is hair loss per day considered normal?
It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. When the body sheds significantly more hair daily, a person has excessive hair loss.
Why hair loss occurs?
Hair loss can result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of ageing. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it’s more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
Here are the few most common causes of hair loss.
1 Family history of baldness.
2 Nutritional deficiencies like low protein and iron intake or excessive intake of vitamin A.
3 Physical or emotional stress.
4 Infections and hormonal disorders.
5 Hair loss in women may be due to childbirth, menstrual cycle and menopause.
6 Improper hair care such as excessive use of chemicals and blowers etc.
The most commonly affected area of the head.
In male-pattern hair loss and thinning begin at the temples and the crown and hair either thins out or fall out.
Female-pattern hair loss occurs at the frontal and parietal.
People have between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs on their heads.
How long can hair loss last?
Typically, hair loss begins two to four months after the event that triggered the problem and lasts approximately six months. New hair begins growing immediately after the hair falls out, but significant growth may not be noticed for several months.
What is the relation between diet and hair loss?
It is essential to confine calories for weight loss but excessive restriction results in hair loss as lack of nutrition do not supplement hair growth. Hair loss after weight loss is usually associated with a condition called Telogen Effluvium.
Diet to support hair growth cycle.
The following things in your day-to-day diet should be considered
Proteins
Eating adequate proteins is important for hair growth because hair follicles are made of mostly proteins. A lack of protein in the diet has been shown to promote hair loss. Biotin is essential for the production of a hair protein called Keratin, which is why Biotin supplements are often marketed for hair growth.
Vitamins
Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals play an important role in normal hair follicle development and immune cell function. A deficiency of such micronutrients may represent a modifiable risk factor associated with the development, prevention and treatment of alopecia.
Iron
Iron is responsible for the production of Haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin carries oxygen for the growth and repair of cells in your body, including the cells that stimulate hair growth.
Eating habits and disorders
Crash diet and eating disorders like not having sufficient diet may lead to hair loss.
How to increase your hair growth cycle?
To increase your hair growth cycle you need to treat and take good care of your hair.
The treatment of hair loss depends upon its cause.
If you are observing excessive hair loss then immediately visit a doctor. Your doctor will identify the cause of hair loss and treat it accordingly. If your hair loss is because of nutritional deficiency, then your doctor will prescribe some nutritional supplements which can improve the situation of hair loss.
Do’s and don’ts for the hair growth cycle.
It is important to see your doctor if you observe excessive hair loss. Follow your doctor’s advice and take your medication regularly. For good care of your hair and to reduce hair loss and maintain the hair growth cycle, it is essential to consider do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
- Have a wholesome and balanced diet.
- Use a good shampoo and conditioner regularly to reduce damage to your hair.
- Consult a dermatologist to help you identify the cause of your hair loss and ways to prevent or treat it.
Don’ts
- Use of dyes and other chemical treatments like bleaching and perming.
- Tight hairstyles or elastic hair bands.
- Brush or comb when hair is wet.
- Excessive scalp message or brushing.
When results are visible of hair loss treatment?
Visible results of treatment for hair loss depend on the cause, and severity of hair loss and also vary from person to person.
It is important to understand that under normal circumstances also, hair grows to about 1 cm in one month.
Hence you need to be patient, follow the doctor’s advice and take medicines regularly as prescribed.
It may take a minimum of 3-6 months to see visible results. Some people tend to discontinue the treatment, as they do not see the results spontaneously. Compliance plays a vital role in the treatment of hair loss. You can contact us for consultancy services.