HAIR LOSS-HOW IT CAN BE PREVENTED
Hair loss is one of the dreaded results of aging, but this is an inevitability that most people can live with. Premature hair loss, on the other hand, is 100 times more distressing since the young are not supposed to have thinning hair. However, there are several factors that do bring about premature hair loss, and the accompanying loss of self-confidence for most people.
There are two types of hair loss: permanent and temporary. People who have the ill luck to suffer from the permanent kind can blame their genes for the condition. If you have a history of baldness in your family, it is inevitable that you will become prematurely bald too.
Permanent hair loss is also known as pattern baldness or, in medical speak, androgenetic alopecia. Both men and women can suffer from pattern baldness but how the condition develops is different between the two. Pattern baldness in men usually starts at an early age and is in the form of thinning hair or a receding hairline, which occurs at the temples and the crown. As they get older, men can become partially or completely bald. Women, on the other hand, develop pattern baldness at a later age than men, usually during their mid20s or early 30s. The hair usually recedes starting from the forehead and complete baldness does not occur.
Temporary hair loss is brought about by one or a combination of several factors. Certain illnesses which weaken the immune system, like lupus and cancer, eventually lead to temporary hair loss. Invasive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which are usually necessary for the same baldness-causing diseases, also cause the hair to fall out. Hormonal changes, which may be the result of pregnancy or the taking of birth control pills, may produce the same outcome. Using too much harmful hair products and undergoing frequent hair treatments can be damaging to the scalp so much so that new hair growth becomes hindered.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
People who suffer from permanent alopecia cannot totally prevent themselves from getting prematurely bald. However, there are treatments available that can reduce the rate of their hair loss. Temporary hair loss, on the other hand, can be prevented from progressing into complete baldness. The same treatments for permanent alopecia, as well as simple lifestyle changes, can slow the progress of hair loss or completely stop it.
PROPER DIET. Undernourishment is a contributing factor in hair loss. People who have eating disorders, especially, run the risk of developing hair loss. A well-balanced diet, one especially rich in nutrients that promote normal and healthy hair growth, like proteins and iron, is very effective at preventing hair loss.
HEALTHY HAIR CARE HABITS. Even the simple act of brushing one’s hair can be damaging when done incorrectly. If you are using the wrong kind of brush or are using excessive force when brushing your hair, excessive hair loss can occur. Wet hair is especially more prone to breaking and getting pulled out by the roots. It is better to opt for natural air drying methods rather than using a hair dryer because the intense heat can also cause too much hair fall. Using the right kind of hair products is also very important.
MAINTAIN A SINGLE HAIRSTYLE. Frequent hairstyle changes can be very damaging to the scalp and can affect healthy hair growth. If you want to change hairstyles, it is better to do it at longer intervals so you can let your hair undergo normal growth cycles. In addition, try avoiding hairstyles that put too much stress on your hair and scalp; these include tight buns, ponytails, and braids, among others.
HANDLE YOUR HAIR WITH CARE. Again, the hair should always be handled gently. If you are the kind of person who obsessively twists, rubs, or pulls their hair, you should find a way to break the compulsive habit. Try developing a different and harmless habit when you get stressed, like counting backwards from 100 or doing breathing exercises.
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DISCLAIMER: All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a guarantee of any success. This information has been previously researched but you should do your own research to expand your knowledge. This should not be consider as medical advice.