Hair Loss Myths and Misconceptions

Posted by ableadam on November 11, 2007

There are many myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings on the causes of Hair Loss. Understanding the root and cause of your Hair loss can lead to appropriate actions to be taken, such as seeking early treatment. Normally, Hair growth lasts for 2 to 6 years and about approximately 1cm per month before shedding off. It is therefore normal to shed some hair everyday, usually about 30-60 strands daily. Hair Loss affects about 30% of people starting from 30 years old to close to 60% of the people by the time they reach 50 years old. The condition can affect all races and to both male and female.

• A common type of Hair Loss can be related to stress. This type of hair loss prevents the hair from growing and the hair growing process remains dormant for a period or 3-6 months. Afterwhich, usually in a period of 6-9 months, there is a high possibility that the hair will starts to grow back once the single event stress is over. In other cases the hair loss will continue until the stress is fixed. A second and more serious stress related hair loss is known by the scientific name “alopecia areata“. It actually involves the white blood cell attacking the hair follicles, so much so that the hair falls out by large quantity. This could start with a small patch anywhere on your head (it does not necessary starts from the forehead) and ultimately spreads to the entire scalp. Exercises, meditation, yoga and change of job or environment, while common, are the most effective cure to stress related hair loss. The others being medication which may help one relax and stay calm.

• Hair Loss can also be hereditary. This affects men or women who has a genetically condition that have their hair follicles more susceptible to DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). The way to tackle this type of hair loss is thereby to block DHT affecting the hair follicles. Proper medication available in the market can help to slow or totally stop this condition.

• Having a poor diet that is lacking in iron and protein could also cause Hair Loss. In such an instance, the body system is not able to sustain the blood flow to nourish the hair thereby leading to Hair Loss. A balanced diet with proper nutrient would prevent this type of Hair Loss condition from occurring.

• Artificial chemical treatment done on the hair can also be the cause for Hair Loss. Hair styling procedures such as Rebonding, coloring and perming will lead to weakening of the hair shafts and damage to the Hair Shafts and scalp which will in turn cause Hair Loss. If you notice that your hair starts to thin or the volume of hair loss every day starts to increase, you should stop such artificial chemical treatment to prevent the condition from deteriorating.

• Disease (such as thyroid gland infection, lupus disorders, diabetes, anaemia) and the side effects of the medications or medical treatments may also be the cause of your Hair Loss. Usually Hair growth will continue once the disease is cured or one is no longer undergoing treatments.

There are many causes for Hair Loss, it is therefore most pertinent one seeks proper treatment and takes appropriate measure to tackle the root cause of leading to your Hair Loss. Early identification will minimize anxiety and emotional stress one may face.

Adam Able is a trained Health Coach and a certified Nutritionist. He currently resides in Orlando, Florida and can be reached at his Men’s Health Blog http://www.ableadam.com/ or you can email him at adam@ableadam.com.

No tag for this post.