How To Avoid Hair Loss

Hair loss (Androgenetic alopecia) refers to the reason behind the hair loss that is influenced by the androgen hormone, the genetic tendency for balding and aging. Because hair loss is caused by these hormones, treatment is available to immediately and dramatically help to  prevent the loss of hair.

Androgenic Hormones

In general, normal men and also women make male hormones. Testosterone, underestimation, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are the most common that they produce. Androgens are manufactured by the men’s adrenals and testicles, and in women, by their adrenal glands and ovaries. In both sexes, these hormones are very important but take place in varying concentrations and amounts.

When hair follicles are exposed to DHT, a genetically prone individual, over time, leads to androgenetic alopecia, or female and male pattern baldness.

In particular cells of the hair follicle, as with in the sebaceous glands, there are enzymes called 5-alpha-reductase that are in high levels, converting testosterone which is then carried to these areas by the blood, and into DHT.

Hair loss myths:

1. Any hair loss of an individual is inherited from the mothers side.

Not true. Genetics is  only one factor of hair loss, and can be inherited from either the father’s or the mother’s side.

2. Frequent cutting of hair will make it grow thicker.

Not true. Although when the hair is cut, it would appear thicker at first, after three days or so, your hair would drop off and new hair would grow, having exactly the same diameter as the pre cut hair.

3. Wearing a Hat Can Help To Cause Hair Loss.

Not true. The hat can help by blocking off the sun’s harmful rays. Although wearing a hat for a very long period of time may cause sebum accumulation due to temperature changes and can react with cholesterol creating a hardened sebum plug that will cut off oxygen circulation causing the hair to fall out.

4. DHT is the reason for hair loss.

Not true. Although an over production of DHT is a significant reason for hair loss, it is not the only cause.

5. Frequent shampooing and blow drying lead to hair loss.

Not true. Although heat can possibly damage the hair, (causing brittle hair), it does not harm the roots of the hair.

Things you can do to prevent hair loss:

- Minimise the amounts of times that you colour or perm your hair

- Limit exposure of your hair to chlorine
- Avoid exaggerated brushing or combing wet hair
- Use a conditioner each time you wash your hair to make grooming manageable and easier
- Reduce over exposure to heat. Blow-drying, hot-curling and exposure to straightening irons should be kept to a minimum as may damage your hair over time
- Avoid medications that can lead hair loss such as Vitamin A, testosterone products, beta blockers, certain antidepressants and certain cholesterol-lowering agents
- Try to avoid drinking too much alcohol. Be careful in choosing your hair care products as some contain alcohol and can contribute to hair dryness, brittle and hair that is prone to breakage.
-Wearing your hair in tight ponytails and braids can lead to hair damage
- Maintain a healthy diet, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water
- Birth control pills can also contribute to hair loss
- Consult your doctor if should you notice abnormal hair loss, as certain medical conditions such as lupus or having polycystic ovaries, or hyperthyroidism can cause hair loss

Vitamins you can take to prevent hair loss:

Thiamin ( B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Biotin (B7)
- Cobalamin (B12)
- Pyridoxine (B6).