Noticing more hair in your brush lately? Dr. Omar, a hair loss expert, digs into five reasons why this happens and explores an effective solution.
For many of us, our hair is more than just a part of us—it’s a major part of our identity, giving us character and confidence. Yet, in the UK alone, about 8 million women deal with hair loss or thinning. Considering that nearly half of these women feel too embarrassed to discuss their symptoms, you’re definitely not alone if you’re going through it in silence.
It’s normal to lose between 100 to 150 strands of hair a day. Hair loss is just one phase of three that your hair goes through in its growth cycle, so shedding is part of everyday life, explains Dr. Omar.
Many people think hair loss can’t be treated, often turning to unproven vitamins and supplements. But before you get too worried about whether your hair loss is normal, first understand your hair’s growth stages.
1. Growth (Anagen) Phase: This is when 85 to 90 percent of your hair is actively growing and can last three to five years.
2. Transition (Catagen) Phase: Growth stops, and the hair disconnects from the follicle. Only about one percent of hair is in this stage at any time, and it lasts just a couple of weeks.
3. Resting (Telogen) Phase: Here, 10 to 15 percent of hair is inactive for three to four months before it sheds.
After shedding, your hair should naturally cycle back to the Growth phase. If it doesn’t, or if shedding increases, there might be a problem. Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, happens when this cycle is disrupted.
Dr. Omar points out that hair loss, no matter the cause, usually involves a shortened Growth phase and extended Resting phase, accelerating shedding and weakening regrowth. While it can be shocking to see your hair thin, understanding the causes can help.
There are lots of triggers for hair loss, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause. While styling tools and poor nutrition can contribute, Dr. Omar highlights five main causes:
1. Genetics: Commonly known as male or female-pattern hair loss, hereditary factors can lead to gradual thinning or bald spots.
2. Hormonal Imbalance: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a testosterone by-product, can shrink hair follicles, particularly impacting women post-menopause or those with PCOS.
3. Stress: Modern-day stress increases cortisol levels, leading to hair loss. Short-term stress might resolve naturally, but long-term stress requires intervention.
4. Health Conditions & Medications: Certain diseases and medications can interfere with hair growth, sometimes leading to both Telogen and Anagen Effluvium.
5. Pregnancy: Although hormones during pregnancy often thicken hair, post-birth hormonal shifts can cause shedding. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can also lead to hair thinning.
If you’re experiencing excessive shedding or think your hair growth cycle is off, it might be time to consult a doctor or look into treatment options like Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT). This therapy, using products like Nourkrin, reintroduces key nutrients to balance the hair growth cycle and promote regrowth.
In PRT, essential molecules called proteoglycans work to push hair follicles stuck in a dormant state back into growth, eventually normalizing the Hair Growth Cycle. Clinical studies show that treatments like Nourkrin, which use a specific blend of nutrients, can significantly improve hair growth and appearance, with most seeing results within three to six months.
So, if you’re grappling with hair loss, considering the underlying factors and seeking effective treatments can make all the difference in restoring your hair and confidence.
