Hair Fall: Causes, Treatment and How to Prevent

It is common for hair to shed, particularly as the weather changes. This seasonal phenomenon can be disheartening, requiring extra attention to maintain hair health during these transitions. Almost everyone loses some hair every day. On average, people lose around 50 to 100 hair strands a day. Though this seems like a lot, considering the scalp has more than 100,000 follicles, it is usually okay. If you notice more hair fall than average, medically called alopecia, paying attention to lifestyle or other symptoms of the underlying disease is crucial.

Both men and women can experience hair fall, and the numbers can increase as you age. Seeing more hair on your brush or floor can be disheartening. Finding the causes of hair loss is crucial so you can take appropriate measures. Let us have a detailed discussion to find the answer to the most pertinent question in today's world: "How to prevent hair fall?”.

Symptoms of Hair Fall

Hair shedding can manifest in many ways, appearing suddenly or gradually or affecting your whole body or only your scalp.

• Visible Hair Strands: Increased hair on pillows, brushes, floor, or shower drains
• Gradual Thinning of Hair: For individuals dealing with alopecia, the gradual reduction in hair density becomes evident over time, causing the texture to become finer. In men, thinning hair is frequently characterized by a receding hairline or crown balding, while women may observe a broadening of their hair parting.
• Bald Spots: Localized areas of hairlessness may appear suddenly or develop gradually, and they can vary in size. The presence of bald spots often indicates a more advanced stage of hair loss.
• Itchy or Irritated Scalp: Persistent itchiness can exacerbate hair fall by causing individuals to scratch their scalps, further damaging hair follicles.
• Emotional Distress: Individuals grappling with hair loss may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, or even depression.

Causes of Hair Loss

Before discussing how to stop hair fall, let’s understand some of the common hair fall causes:

• Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia): Hereditary factors are one of the most prevalent causes of hair loss. It can affect both men (male-pattern baldness) and women (female-pattern baldness).
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormonal levels due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can contribute to hair loss.
• Medical Conditions: Various conditions, including thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, and certain infections, can lead to hair loss.
• Medications and Treatments: Some medicines, including drugs for arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout, high blood pressure, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, can cause hair loss.
• Inadequate intake of essential nutrients: A deficiency of essential micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, vitamins, and protein, can negatively impact hair health and contribute to hair loss.

Other factors:

• Emotional stress and psychological conditions, such as trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), can cause hair loss.
• Wearing tight hairstyles, such as tight buns, ponytails, or braids, can put undue pressure on hair, causing hair loss.
• Excessive use of harsh hair treatments, like frequent coloring, perming, or straightening, can damage the hair shaft and contribute to hair loss.

Diagnosis of Hair Loss

For diagnosing hair fall, dermatologists assess the scalp, hair patterns, medical history, lifestyle, and stress levels. They may conduct laboratory tests to check for hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying medical conditions contributing to hair loss. A pull test gauges daily hair shedding, while scalp biopsies or trichoscopy offer microscopic insights. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe imaging tests to determine the root cause.

Hair Fall Treatment

While dealing with hair fall, everyone is eager to search for ways to avoid hair fall naturally. Hair loss prevention and treatment involve a multifaceted approach depending on the type and cause of hair fall. Some of the common ways to control hair fall for men and women are:

• Adopt a healthy hair care routine. 
• Minimize heat and chemical exposure.
• Manage stress
• For androgenetic alopecia, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as minoxidil and finasteride, to stimulate hair growth and inhibit further loss.
• For hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, you can adopt lifestyle changes and take supplements per your doctor's recommendation.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and laser treatments may stimulate hair follicles.
• Targeted therapies are essential for hair loss due to underlying medical conditions.

How to Decrease Hair Fall Naturally?

To reduce hair loss naturally:

• Consume a healthy, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, focusing on iron, zinc, and biotin. Healthy dietary habits help reduce hair loss naturally.
• Regular scalp massages with coconut or castor oil stimulate blood flow.
• Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemicals.
• Manage stress through practicing relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep.

When to See a Doctor?

If you're experiencing sudden or severe hair fall or notice additional symptoms like scalp itching, redness, or pain, it's crucial to consult a doctor. Seeking early intervention helps identify and manage any potential health issues contributing to hair loss.

Conclusion

Shedding 50-100 hair strands daily is not concerning, but understanding and addressing hair loss requires a holistic approach. Early intervention is key, irrespective of the cause of hair health. Consultation with healthcare professionals, adoption of a healthy hair care routine, and lifestyle adjustments contribute to effective management and promote hair health.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between normal and excessive hair shedding? 

Hair shedding is a normal phase of the hair growth cycle; individuals lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. Excessive hair shedding, on the other hand, goes beyond this range and may lead to noticeable thinning, bald spots, or more hair on pillows.

2. How do you stop hair fall immediately at home in men?

There is no definite way to prevent men’s hair loss immediately. Still, some measures, such as lifestyle modification, a balanced diet, scalp massages, and avoiding undue chemical and heat application, can improve hair health in the long run.