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Some degree of hair loss is normal. As people get older, their hair may naturally start to lose volume and strength. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) point out that people lose 50–100 hairs each day. New hair then regrows from the same hair follicles.
Over time, however, some follicles stop producing hair, and hair shafts become finer. The hair also starts to lose its color. If a person notices significant hair thinning or the development of bald patches, they may be experiencing hair loss. According to the ADD, people can stop or treat most causes of hair loss.
Male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are together called androgenetic alopecia. Genes and hormones cause androgenetic alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia is a frequent cause of hair loss. It affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States.
According to the Genetics Home Reference, the likelihood of experiencing androgenetic alopecia increases with age. Although it can affect teenagers, over half of males aged 50 and older have some degree of hair loss. It is most likely to affect females following menopause.
Often, people who have androgenetic alopecia have family members with the same condition.In males, hair thinning tends to occur from the hairline to the back of the head. In females, it tends to affect the crown of the head.
Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss in round patches on the scalp. It can also affect the eyebrows, beard, and other areas where hair is present. People in the U.S. have a 2.1% chance of developing alopecia areata in their lifetime. It often occurs during childhood. Genes and environmental factors are the main causes.
In alopecia areata, the hair follicles are still alive, and the hair can regrow. Doctors may treat alopecia areata with an injection into the scalp every 4–6 weeks for up to 6 months. The body needs nutrients in order to create new hair strands and maintain healthy hair follicles.
Protein is an essential component of hair. Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, play a key role in the hair follicle growth cycle. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can cause hair loss. Eating a healthful, varied diet can help promote the continued growth of strong, healthy hair.
Eating a nutritious diet can also prevent the following signs of damaged hair:
- brittle hair shafts
- a dull appearance
- dryness
- dandruff
Vitamin D stimulates the hair follicles, resulting in hair growth. When a person does not get enough vitamin D, they may experience hair loss, alongside other symptoms. Some research has linked vitamin D deficiencies with alopecia areata.
After a long period of significant stress, people may notice that their hair feels thinner than usual. This is called telogen effluvium. When stress causes thinning hair, people usually notice their hair returning to its normal volume once the stressful situation begins to pass.
Healthcare professionals can help people manage significant times of stress. Talking and behavioral therapies can help. People can also try natural remedies for dealing with stress and anxiety.
Diet plays an important role in the strength and health of a person’s hair. Proteins, fats, and certain vitamins and minerals are especially important for hair health.People may notice improvements in hair growth when they increase the amount of certain foods in their diet.Foods that may boost hair growth include:Eggs: These contain protein, which is essential for hair growth.
They also contain biotin, a B vitamin that may boost hair growth, though research results are mixed.Brazil nuts: These are a source of selenium, a mineral that may improve hair health. Fatty fish: This is a good source of omega-3, which may also improve hair growth.Walnuts: These also contain omega-3. Get more vitamin DVitamin D deficiencies can contribute to hair loss. Addressing this deficiency could improve thinning hair.
People get most of their vitamin D from exposure to sunlight and their diet. Foods high in vitamin D include:fatty fishbeef livercheeseegg yolksmushroomsfortified foods, such as milks, cereals, and juicesTry essential oilsSome people use essential oils to boost hair growth. There has been little research into how effective these oils can be, but they are unlikely to be harmful.When using essential oils, people should always dilute them in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil to avoid irritation.
Aromatherapy practitioners may use the following oils to boost hair growth:Rosemary oilSome animal studies have suggested that rosemary oil may increase blood flow and could therefore improve scalp health. A healthy scalp is important for healthy hair growth.