Have you been noticing more hair falling out lately? Hair loss expert Dr. Omar explains five common causes and offers a solution that actually works.
For many of us, our hair is a big part of our identity and gives us confidence. However, around 8 million women in the UK deal with some level of hair loss or thinning. If this includes you and you haven’t talked about it, you’re not alone—46% of women suffer in silence, feeling too embarrassed to discuss their hair loss.
We typically lose between 100 to 150 strands of hair daily, which is completely normal. Hair follicles go through three stages in the Hair Growth Cycle, including a shedding stage. Dr. Omar clarifies that it’s a misconception to think hair loss is untreatable; in fact, there are proven solutions out there.
Here’s a breakdown of the hair growth cycle:
1. Growth phase (Anagen phase): 85 to 90% of our hair is actively growing, lasting 3-5 years.
2. Transition phase (Catagen phase): Hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle; only 1% of hair is in this stage, which lasts 1-2 weeks.
3. Resting phase (Telogen phase): 10-15% of hair is inactive in the follicle, staying there for 3-4 months before shedding.
If you start shedding more hair than usual or it isn’t growing back, it might be cause for concern. Different factors can cause hair loss, appearing suddenly or gradually and affecting the scalp in various ways.
Common signs include disrupted Hair Growth Cycles. Dr. Omar mentions that any form of hair loss shortens the growth phase and prolongs the resting phase, leading to more shedding and weaker regrowth.
Several potential triggers cause hair loss, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact reason. Dr. Omar lists five main causes:
1. Hereditary Hair Loss:
Known as male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, this is the most common cause. Signs include a receding hairline and bald spots in men, and thinning hair in women. It’s largely a genetic issue, but hair growth supplements might help rebalance the hair growth cycle.
2. Hormonal Imbalance:
Hormonal changes, particularly involving the hormone DHT, can lead to hair loss in both men and women. Women, especially post-menopausal or those with PCOS, are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations that can trigger hair loss.
3. Stress:
High stress levels can negatively affect hair health, leading to hair loss. Stress-related hair loss often results from increased cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. It can also exacerbate androgenic alopecia or lead to telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition.
4. Medication and Health Conditions:
Medications for cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and heart problems can disrupt hair follicles and the hair growth cycle. This can lead to telogen effluvium or anagen effluvium, both forms of hair loss due to medication effects.
5. Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can sometimes lead to thicker hair due to high oestrogen levels, but some women may experience thinning hair, particularly in the first trimester. Postpartum hair loss occurs as hormone levels drop after childbirth, causing significant shedding.
If you’re dealing with excessive hair loss, you might need Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT). This therapy uses Nourkrin, a supplement rich in proteoglycans extracted from fish, which helps re-balance the Hair Growth Cycle. Dr. Omar notes that this can take between three to twelve months to show results, with a minimum six-month course recommended.
Proteoglycans are essential for healthy hair growth, and an imbalance can lead to hair loss. Nourkrin products provide the necessary nutrients to support and maintain the Hair Growth Cycle. Clinical research shows positive outcomes with PRT, with significant improvements in hair growth and appearance noted by participants after six months of treatment.
In addition to the above methods, managing stress and ensuring a balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. For those experiencing hormonal imbalances or medical-related hair loss, consulting a healthcare provider for personalized treatment is recommended. If you’re looking for a more immediate solution, products like Nourkrin might be worth considering.
