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YOU MAY SHED MORE THAN
YOU THINK:
It’s not a perfect measure, but some experts estimate that we may
shed up to 100 or more hairs a day. That’s not cause for alarm, nor
does it mean you’re going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair
follicles are growing at any given time. The other 10% are in a
resting (telogen) phase, and the hair falls out after about 2 to 3
months. It’s replaced by new hair, and the growth cycle starts over
again.
WHAT
CAUSES TELOGEN EFFLUVIUM?
A shock to your system -- surgery, giving birth, some medications,
crash diets, severe stress, thyroid problems -- can push hair into
its resting, or telogen, state. About 2 months later, you may see
hair falling out -- a condition called telogen effluvium, sometimes
described as hair “coming out in handfuls.” In most cases, new hair
starts growing right away. Your doctor should determine if your
telogen effluvium needs treatment.
AN ATTACK
ON HAIR FOLLICLES:
In alopecia areata, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair
follicles, causing hair to fall out -- often suddenly. Most people
will have one or two bald patches, but in some cases all body hair
falls out. Alopecia areata isn’t harmful, but it can be tough
psychologically. Hair may grow back on its own or with treatment.
Unfortunately, some people don’t respond to treatment and may
experience repeated hair loss and regrowth.
GENES
CAUSE 90% OF MALE HAIR LOSS:
Though hereditary, the trait may be more influenced by your mother’s
family than your father’s. So a look at your maternal grandfather’s
locks may give you a better clue about the future of yours. Male
pattern baldness often starts with receding hair at the temples,
then on the crown, leaving a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair around
the sides of the head. Medications to slow hair loss include Rogaine
(minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).
HOW FEMALE-PATTERN
BALDNESS HAPPENS:
Hair loss in women tends to mean hair thinning all over the head.
Unlike men, women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more
slowly than men do. Other myths: Longer hair won’t put a strain on
the roots, causing more to fall out. Nor will shampooing pull hair
out -- it just gets the ones that were falling out already. Women’s
Rogaine (minoxidil) or prescription medications may help preserve
hair.
AVOID SUN
DAMAGE TO HAIR:
Too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry mop that breaks
and splits easily. And if you already have thinning hair, you risk a
sunburn on your scalp. Choosing hair care products with sunscreen
provides some protection, although it can be hard to coat your hair
evenly. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear a hat when you’re out in
the sun -- especially if your scalp is exposed.
LUSCIOUS
LOCKS NEED NUTRIENTS:
Could a crash diet cost you your hair? In extreme cases, it could.
Your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, along with omega-3
fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A. Very low-cal diets are often
lacking in these nutrients and can stunt hair growth or leave hair
dull and limp. If the nutritional deficiency is big enough -- like
for someone with an eating disorder -- hair can fall out.
PREMATURE
GRAY HAIR IS GENETIC:
Going gray isn’t always related to aging. If you’re not yet 40 and
see more than a few gray hairs, chances are it runs in your family.
Gray usually isn’t a sign of poor health, though anemia, thyroid
issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, and vitiligo can cause premature
graying. You can highlight or color hair to cover the gray, but
beware: some people are sensitive to the dye’s chemicals. The result
is an itchy, burning scalp.
TRACTION
ALOPECIA DAMAGES FOLLICLES:
Pulling hair too tight -- as can happen with ponytails, braids, and
cornrows -- can damage hair roots and cause hair to break or fall
out. Hair extensions and hairpieces can sometimes cause traction
alopecia, too, because their extra weight pulls on existing hair.
Changing your hairstyle usually lets hair grow back. Pulling hair
back tightly for a long time, though, can lead to permanent hair
loss.
OVERSTYLING WEAKENS YOUR HAIR:
Blow drying, using a flat iron, bleaching, even over-brushing -- all
can damage the outer layer (cuticle) of your hair. When the inner
core of hair is exposed, your locks become dry and dull. Although it
doesn’t cause any permanent health damage, you can overstyle to the
point that your only option for healthy hair is to cut it off and
start over. When it comes to your hair, doing less leads to
healthier tresses.
A
SURPRISING SIDE EFFECT:
Among the medications that list hair loss as a side effect: Coumadin
(warfarin); Lopid (gemfibrozil); antidepressants; beta-blockers;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); and drugs for gout,
arthritis, birth control, and high blood pressure. Usually, hair
grows back when the medication is stopped, but some drugs may cause
permanent hair loss, or trigger male or female pattern hair loss.
Ask your doctor about possible side effects.
SCALP
MASSAGE FEELS SO GOOD:
There’s no evidence that massaging your scalp will slow hair loss or
improve any scalp conditions -- but it can do wonders for your brain.
Your scalp is covered with nerve endings that make it super-sensitive
to touch. Rubbing your scalp increases blood flow and releases
tension. It also triggers your brain to release feel-good hormones
like dopamine and serotonin.
HAIR
ANALYSIS NOT RELIABLE:
Some companies claim they can analyze hair clippings to see if you
are deficient in vitamins or have health problems. While hair
analysis can detect some poisons like lead or arsenic, there are no
testing standards. Labs may report different findings from the same
hair sample. And everything from air pollution to shampoo can change
your hair’s mineral makeup. The American Medical Association is
against hair analysis to determine treatment. |