What Causes Hair Loss?
There are numerous potential causes for hair loss including stress, recent illness, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (This study breaks down the most common nutrient deficiencies that can lead to hair loss). To determine the exact cause of your hair loss, you may need to consult with your doctor, however a good deal of hair loss cases can be helped with the following methods.
My Hair Loss Journey
I’ve experienced hair loss of every kind; from stress to HG (hyperemesis gravidarum) induced hair loss, to the common postpartum hormonal shifts that cause the hair to fall in clumps and grow back as the dreaded fluffy bang look. Stress is the number one factor behind most hair loss, whether that be mental and emotional stress, the shock of a sudden physical stress like a surgery or illness, or the stress that occurs when our immune systems are fighting something big. Either way, the key is to replenish what our bodies have lost so that the shedding stops and new growth can form.
De-Stress
Easier said than done, I know, but the bottom line is that we’ve got to get those stress levels down or the hair will just keep on falling. My favorite way to de-stress is to do light but energizing exercises like taking a walk or doing a dance that incorporates a bit of HIIT. Whatever takes you out of your negative thought patterns— do more of that! Drawing, writing, whatever it is, I encourage you to make a little time every day for it.
Things To Avoid When De-Stressing
- 1. Too much screen time- Just put the phone down, you’ll feel so much better. Do one of those things that makes you happy, even if its something simple like taking a walk (walking is incredible for your brain btw; don’t underestimate the power of a good walk.)
- 2. People- Not all people, but if there are individuals in your life that give you that immediate kick of stress every time you see them, do everything you can to limit exposure. You’ve got to put yourself first, even if it’s a family member we’re talking about. Your healing is priority.
- 3. Negative Environments- This one is tricky, because it may literally be the place you work or live that’s stressing you out. If that’s the case then you have two options: either find a way to make peace with it, or make a solid action plan to get the heck out. Even if getting out is a long way off, you’ll feel better the instant you put pen to paper and make a map of what you need to do to get yourself to a better place. Focus on small actions that will lead you to where you want to be. Can’t you feel the stress already dissipating? Just a little?
Increase Circulation
The easiest step you can take to mitigate hair loss is increase circulation to the scalp. You can do this with manual massage as well as with the help of different oils such as peppermint and castor oil, both of which increase blood and lymph flow to the scalp, thereby allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair follicles and promote growth.
For added circulation benefits (if its comfortable for you) massage your scalp in circular motions with your fingertips while your head is upside down. Try a mix of proven hair-growth promoters like peppermint oil (always dilute this one well and avoid accidental eye contact), rosemary, and lavender. Add these to about 1 tbs of castor oil, massage into scalp, and let it sit for at least twenty minutes. I’ve had a lot of success with this method, especially for promoting the growth around the hair line. I love using a scalp massager while distributing the oil into my hair.
Collagen
The number one hair health supplement, and the only one I’ve tried that really worked, is collagen. Studies have demonstrated that oral CP (collagen peptide) administration can improve micro-circulation and increase blood supply, which could have an effect on the metabolism of the hair cells and subsequently lead to increased hair thickness. This study confirmed that oral fish CP administration promoted the expression of hair-growth-promoting factors while suppressing the expression of hair growth inhibitory factors, thereby positively affecting hair growth. Fish CP intake can promote hair growth by inducing the anagen phase, delaying the telogen phase, and increasing the hair thickness.
Up Your Vitamin C
A common cause of hair thinning is insufficient iron. Instead of throwing iron supplements at the problem, try simply increasing your body’s ability to absorb the iron in your diet, which vitamin C is absolutely essential for! Vitamin C also boosts your body’s collagen production, leading to new hair growth. Some great sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits. Supplements like amla berry powder can provide you with well over your daily requirement. In fact amla berry, or Indian gooseberry extract, is commonly used in Thailand to promote hair growth, and some evidence shows that it may inhibit an enzyme that contributes to hair loss.
Some studies to Check Out
- This study discusses the hair benefits of amla berry.
- Study on stress and hair loss
- Study on peppermint oil for hair growth
Bod Electrik 