Have you been seeing strands of hair in your pillow in the morning lately? Hairfall is a condition that a lot of men face, especially older men. It can be very nerve-wracking to see a part of you disappear so suddenly. Several factors cause hair loss and shedding. Fortunately, by identifying these factors, we will find the treatment and prevention for this nuisance.
In this article, we will discuss shedding, its causes, and how to prevent it. But, first, we will proceed to the causes of shedding to point out how we can avoid them.
Is Shedding A Disease?
It is typical to lose up to 100 hairs every day. However, excessive hair shedding occurs when your body creates an extreme amount of hair and must remove it to avoid clogging pores. Shedding is a worrying scenario, mainly if there is no regrowth of the lost hair. Some people have hair regeneration, while others may experience both shedding and hair loss at the same time.
Telogen effluvium is a scientific term that refers to excessive hair loss or shedding. This condition primarily affects premature hairs. Telogen effluvium is a reaction that happens when the body is subjected to undue stress, causing it to hold the hair loosely.
Possible Causes Of Hair Fall
>> Genetics
If you have a family member who is cursed with having hair loss, you are likely to be at risk. Genetics plays a significant part in how our bodies will age and develop, which includes our hair. The effects of this will most likely appear during your older years. This is the most common cause of shedding in men that is almost inescapable.
Though it may sound unfortunate, you can control it to the point where the effects are minimal. You could at least delay or lessen its impact by following some of our tips in the next section. So take time to observe your family tree and if any of your male relatives developed hair loss.
>> Nutritional Deficiencies
A deficiency in vitamins can cause shedding and even malnutrition. Usually, the vitamin responsible for hair growth in men is Vitamin D. This vitamin is also responsible for aiding in the testosterone production, affecting body hair. You can take Vitamin D supplements or multivitamins to prevent deficiencies.
Besides Vitamin D, hair loss can also be caused by a deficit of iron and protein. Fortunately, there is one typical snack that can cover all of these nutrients. This snack is the boiled egg, which contains reasonable amounts of vitamin D, protein, iron, along with small amounts of calories. So the next time you get concerned with your hair loss, eat a good old boiled egg.
>> Underlying Medical Conditions
Excessive hair loss and shedding can become alarming for this reason. These symptoms could be an indicator that you have an underlying medical condition. If you think that the other listed reasons do not cause the shedding, you should see your GP. These conditions could cause hair loss:
✅ Thyroid Disease
☑ Ringworm Infection
✅ Alopecia Areata
>> Stress
Stress can affect the body’s chemicals which can eventually lead to shedding. Though it may be temporary, long-term stress can cause irreversible effects. Therefore, it is essential to prevent the buildup of stress as much as possible. Not only can it cause shedding, but it can cause various health problems as well.
>> Sudden Changes In Diet
Changes in your diet can cause various effects on your body. Some foods trigger hormonal changes and even imbalances that could eventually lead to shedding. However, it is worth noting that this usually happens to unhealthy diet changes. Restricting your calorie and nutritional intake is typically the cause of hair loss due to diet changes.
>> Using Harsh Hair Products
Not all hair products will be suitable for your hair. Each individual can react differently to a particular hair product, so be careful with what you choose. If you noticed that the shedding started when you tried that new shampoo you bought, it might be the culprit. It would be good if you also watched out for certain ingredients that may have triggered the shedding. These ingredients would include paraben, sulfates, triethanolamine, and diethanolamine.
Treatment And Prevention
✅ Maintaining A Healthy Diet
Considering that your health consists of what you eat, this one is a vital factor. Maintain a balanced diet that has all the nutrients you are going to need. You can consult nutritionists or look up healthy diets online. Though it may be expensive and quite discomforting at first because of the change, it will do your hair wonders. Below are some nutritious foods you can add to your diet that prevent hair loss:
🐟 Fatty Fish
🥬 Leafy Vegetables
🍇 Fruits
🥜 Nuts
🦐 Shrimp
🌱 Beans
This method can ensure that you have minimal loss despite the effects of aging. Long-term shedding can often be inevitable, but this could at least hinder its effects.
✅ Using Mild Shampoo
Using mild shampoo products can lessen the damage brought by harsh hair products. Always try mild shampoo if you are planning to change the current one. You never know what kind of effects the unfamiliar chemicals of certain brands have.
✅ Lifestyle Changes
If you are smoking, quit smoking. If you do not exercise regularly, start doing so. These lifestyle changes may be hard at first, but they are very beneficial for your health. It would be best if you also try to relieve yourself from stress as much as possible. You can do this through meditation, recreation, hobbies, or simply taking a break.
✅ OTC Supplements
Certain OTC supplements (supplements that do not require a prescription) can prevent shedding. They will either provide the proper nutrients or reverse the damage caused to your hair by stress or hormonal imbalances. Contrary to the next solution, this option is convenient for people looking to try supplements without going to the doctor.
✅ Seeing A Dermatologist
These medically trained professionals specialize in hair, skin, and nails. They should be able to provide treatments for your condition. Dermatologists may also detect any underlying diseases once they recognize specific symptoms. This option can become quite costly because of the medical charges and the medicine you have to buy. However, it is also the most effective because these professionals have experience treating shedding and hair loss.
Vitamins For A Healthy Hair
⚕️ Vitamin A
Men should regularly take 900 mcg of Vitamin A every day, which is the dietary recommendation for healthy growth. Vitamin A also aids in the production of an oily compound called sebum, which hydrates the scalp and aids in the maintenance of healthy hair. Because vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is suggested that you take it with a meal that contains fat to ensure the best possible absorption.
⚕️ Vitamin D
It is possible to promote its growth and repair by consuming enough levels of vitamin D. This vitamin is available in many forms, one of which is calcipotriol. This type of vitamin D helps combat alopecia in some individuals. Male adults should consume 600 IU of vitamin D every day. However, you can get the likely effect by exposing your body to sunlight first thing in the morning or eating food rich in vitamin D like mushrooms and cod liver oil.
⚕️ Vitamin E and C
Vitamin C and E may be beneficial in keeping it healthy from root to tip since they have natural antioxidant properties that may aid in the maintenance of hair development. In addition, the antioxidant characteristics of the vitamins may be able to help minimize the severe effects of stress in a human’s body. They’ve also been acclaimed as a remedy for uneven, brittle, and unruly hair.
⚕️ Iron
When a person lacks iron, the body is unable to form hemoglobin, which is found in the blood. Hemoglobin transports oxygen throughout the body, as well as to the receptors that encourage healthy hair growth. Oxygen is needed for the critical stage of hair development and healing damaged cells throughout the body. Iron deficiency or anemia and hair loss can be both reversed with iron treatment.
Bottom Line
Hair is one of the assets and distinctive traits of our physical appearance. Many men face insecurity and frustration because of shedding and hair loss. Though there are causes and preventions to these causes, our general health should always go first. A healthy body and mind are all you need, and all your other physical traits will eventually follow. Of course, everyone wants to keep their hair, but we need to go through much effort to make it stay.
He is originally from England and now lives in the United States. He has a degree in cosmetology and is a resident style expert.
However, his experience came from working in many different salons and spas for over 10 years, so he knows a lot about different grooming products and techniques.
He is also an expert on men’s hair, and he has helped countless men find the perfect hairstyle for their face shape.
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