Questions Answered About Hair Loss

Hair Loss has affected a large number of people worldwide. We have a few answers to common questions you may have regarding Hair Loss. Let's dive deep into the conversation to see who it affects, why they may be affected, and how you can prevent it.

Who is affected by Hair Loss?

Research and statistics show that 60% of men and 50% of women suffer from hair loss due to a number of reasons. That's 35 million men and 21 million women worldwide that suffer from this issue. It can affect women over the age of 40, women who wear their hair in tight ponytails or non protective styles that cause stress to the hair root, and women who have recently had children. In cases with men, they are affected is due to hereditary hair loss with age.

Here is a Hair Loss Myth: Wearing hats too often can cause hair to fall out.

This is a common myth that people claim to be true. It's False! 

The assumption here is that the scalp needs to “breathe” and that wearing hats can stifle that. Not true. Whatever oxygen your hair follicles need for growth is derived from the bloodstream, not the surrounding air. BUT I will say that of you are wearing a hat that is too tight cutting off proper circulation and blood flow to the scalp may cause an issue with oxygen properly flowing to the scalp. Correct me if I'm wrong in the comments)

What Causes Hair Loss?

Hair Loss can be caused by a number of things such as:

1. Family History (hereditary)
2. Hormonal Changes
3. Medical Conditions
4. Medications & Supplements
5. Stressful Events
6. Hairstyles & Treatments

Family History:

Family History is the most common cause to hair loss. It happens with aging and is also known as androgenic alopecia. Some examples of this type of hair loss is  a receding hairline, bald spots, thinning of hair along the crown of the scalp.

Hormonal Changes and Medical Conditions:

This type of hair loss may be permanent or temporary depending up on the specific cause of the hair loss. This usually happens due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or thyroid issues. Medical conditions include alopecia areata, which is an immune system related issue and causes patchy hair loss, scalp infections such as ringworm, and a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania.

Medications & Supplements:

Hair loss due to medication or supplements can be a side effect of certain drugs or supplements. Drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure. Some supplements, due to over-supplementation, reported to cause hair loss are selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D,  and Zinc. This is from over supplementation ( over dosing or taking over the dosage recommended) We recommend speaking with a physician before taking any supplements to clarify what side effects they may cause to your body.

Stressful Events:

Hair loss can also arise as an issue several months after someone has experienced a physical or emotional shock, and this is temporary.

Hairstyles and Treatments:

Excessive styling, or hairstyles that pull and tug on the hair, or pull the hair too tight, non protective styles, and excessive heat on the hair shaft ( causing breakage) will result in hair loss.

How Can You Prevent Hair Loss?

There are a few tips we can relay when suggesting how you can prevent hair loss such as:

1. Be gentle with you hair
2. Use a detangler when detangling hair
3. Use a wide tooth comb verses a small tooth comb when detangling
4. Avoid harsh treatments 
5. Ask your doctor about any medications or supplements that may cause hair loss
6. Smoking cessation (linked to male pattern baldness)

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