General Causes of Hair Loss

Truth be told, however, the general causes of hair loss (apart from hormonal considerations) are very similar in both men and women. There are a number of general factors to consider that can help you to understand hair

loss and to take steps for hair loss prevention. Always consult a dermatologist before beginning any natural hair loss treatment as it is critical not to cause further damage to either your hair or your scalp.

DRINKING AND SMOKING

Both a high consumption of alcohol and smoking can greatly accelerate hair loss in addition to simply being bad for your overall health. Alcohol compromises the body's major filtration system, the liver, making it more difficult for the body to remove toxins. This overall poisoning effect is felt in all major systems of the body including the hair.

The regular use of tobacco damages the smoker's lungs compromising the body's ability to take in and process oxygen. In addition, the nicotine found in cigarette smoke coats the hair forming a suffocating film that is rarely removed by normal shampooing. This makes the hair brittle and subject to damage from breaking and with the drying of the scalp also caused by the smoke, can prevent follicles from producing new hair as old hair dies.

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DISEASE

A number of diseases result in hair loss. Alopecia areata, although most common in children, can carry into adulthood. A condition called folliculitis occurs when the hair follicles become infected. It manifests initially with itching but soon acne like sores erupt on the scalp. Normally caused by staph germs that can be contracted in a gym or health club setting, the infection can cause hair loss if left untreated. (The medication of choice is tetracycaline.)

Scalp cancers can also cause localized hair loss especially after surgical or laser treatment. Any unusual bump or lesion on the scalp should be investigated immediately. It's a good idea to enlist the aid of your beautician or barber in checking for the presence of such irregularities.

SCALP INFECTIONS

The most common infection of the scalp is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition in which patches of the scalp become red and inflamed, itch, and may be covered with scales or acne like bumps. Unfortunately dermatitis is all too often caused by ingredients in popular shampoos or by the stress of modern life. Due to the excessive itching, people suffering from this condition tend to scratch and otherwise "fiddle" with the effected area putting further stress on the hair and leading to increased hair loss. The safest and most common remedy for seborrhea dermatitis is the use of pine tar soap in place of commercial shampoo.

Contact dermatitis is a similar condition that can occur anywhere on the body including the scalp but can usually be traced to "contact" with a specific substance. Essentially it is an allergic reaction and although it can be treated with antihistamines and soothing creams or lotions, it will not disappear until the irritant has been identified. If the dermatitis is on the scalp, all hair care products should be eliminated and re-introduced one at a time to determine which is causing the problem.

HAIR TREATMENTS

For women, an obsessive affection for various hair treatments, usually bleaches or dyes, places tremendous stress on the hair. With the harsh chemicals used in lightening dark hair with bleach, the hair becomes brittle and breaks easily which gives the appearance of thinning. If the hair is not allowed to recover, however, the follicles will begin to die and the thinning will be permanent. The same problems are present with any hair dye.

MEDICATION

By far the most common medical cause of hair loss is chemotherapies for cancer. Chemotherapy temporarily damages the growth cells in the follicles not just of the hair of the head but also of the eyebrows, eyelashes, and all body hair. Because hair loss has such a psychological impact for patients fighting cancer, preventing hair loss is of major concern. The use of cold caps during chemotherapy sessions to reduce blood flow to the scalp have proven effective, improving hair loss in about 85% of cases. (Other medications have been linked to hair loss including antidepressants, anticoagulants, gout medications, and birth control pills.)

POOR NUTRITION

One reason that there are so many natural hair loss cures is that much of hair loss can be simply traced to poor nutrition. The modern diet contains too much processed "fast foods" and chemical additives so that most physicians now suggest people take supplements as a matter of course.

A deficiency in the B vitamins can cause thinning hair. B6 is especially important. Foods that deliver a healthy dose of B vitamins include beans, peas, carrots, cauliflower, soybeans, bran, nuts, and eggs. The minerals magnesium, sulfur and zinc are also important to prevent hair loss. (Humans rarely get enough of these minerals from their diet and supplements are recommended.) Finally, adequate amounts of vitamin E are recommended. Foods rich in vitamin E include avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Preventing Hair Loss

While many so-called hair loss solutions are readily available it is important to understand that some degree of hair loss is a normal part of the aging process and that, particularly for men, genetics may dispose an individual to a degree of baldness. If abnormal hair loss occurs where strands of hair are coming out in clumps in the shower or in your comb or brush, consult a dermatologist.

In general, the best "hair loss remedy" is to eat well, avoid smoking and drinking and to use good quality hair care products with minimal chemicals. Reduce stress; don't worry obsessively about natural hair loss. Treatment for temporary hair loss is readily available and a healthy lifestyle is the best counterpoint to the natural aging process.

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