Losing hair is something everyone struggles with from time to time - c’mon, who hasn’t had to pick stray hairs
off the back of their coat or de-clog the shower? - but, we get it, it
can be pretty traumatic. The good news is, it doesn’t necessarily mean
you’re about to lose it all. Hair loss affects approximately 25% of
women and 75% of men at some point in their lives. Below, we talked to
Trichologist, Sally-Ann Traver, to find out why you might be shedding...
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Stress
Yes, chronic stress
can cause malting. Officially known as Telogen Effluvium, a sudden or
stressful event can cause certain hair follicles to prematurely stop
growing and enter into the telogen (read: resting) phase. The hairs
affected by Telogen Effluvium will then stay in the resting phase for
about three months after which time they will shed. The good news is,
unless it’s something more serious, your hair will grow back.
“Hair loss will increase approximately two months after the stress
begins and stop approximately four months after the stress stops,” says
Traver.
Sudden weight loss or diet change
Restricting your diet can result in hair loss as your body realises it’s not receiving the same nutrients as it did before.
One of the main food groups that help with hair is protein, so assess
whether you’re getting enough of that if you’re noticing an increase in
shedding.
Hairstyle
Tying your hair bobble too tight? You’re probably
breaking your hairs. Yes, even though your hair isn’t falling out of the
root, breaking the strands can mean you’ll malt. Next time, don’t
fasten so hard, OK?
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High fever
Fever can spell hairloss.
If you’ve had a high temperature (32c or over), hair follicles can
temporarily shut down as the body concentrates on fighting infection.
The higher and longer the temperature, the more hair is lost. But - and
this is what we didn’t know - you won’t see hair loss for around two or
three months after you were ill. “Many people don’t make the connection
between an illness a couple of months prior to hair loss, they tend to
think more about what they have done or changed recently to cause it but
it’s often just delayed,” says Traver. Bare that in mind next time you
panic you’re using the wrong shampoo.
Iron deficiency
Heavy
periods, vegetarianism or regular blood donation can lead to low
Ferritin levels, the protein that stores iron in the body. Low iron is
one of the most common mineral deficiencies in young women with hair
thinning. Iron levels can be increased by increasing certain foods in
your diet - red meat, spinach, legumes etc are naturally high in it -
but supplements are also available.
Vitamin deficiency
Vitamin B12 and D are
relatively common deficiencies in hair loss sufferers. Reasonable
dietary B12 can only be obtained from animal sources which is why the
deficiency is common in Vegetarians. Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise
as 85% is made via our skin during sun exposure. In recent years as we
have become educated on sun exposure; to cover up, seek shade and use
high SPF to prevent burning, hence the increase in deficiency rates. Taking supplements can really help to boost your Vitamin B12 and D levels.
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Birth control
If
you’re switching up your birth control or have just started the pill it
can have a negative effect on your hair. Generally birth control pills
with oestrogen are typically good for your hair, but ones with
progesterone only can contribute to hair loss. Before selecting the
right birth control, consult your doctor about possible side effects.
Thyroid conditions
Thyroid conditions,
particularly hypothyroidism, can cause hair thinning and is most common
in postmenopausal women. “The condition also causes hair to become dry,
lead to brittle nails, weight gain and tiredness,” says Traver. If
you’re concerned you may be suffering with Hypothyroidism, consult your
GP.
