What is Hair?

A hair is a thin, flexible shaft of cornified cells that develops from a cylindrical invagination of the epidermis, the hair follicle. Each consists of a free portion or shaft (scapus pili) and a root (radix pili) embedded within the follicle.
Collectively, these threadlike outgrowths that form the fur of animals or that grow on the human body is known as Hair.

Hair Cycle
Peculiar as it may sound, hair and nail are the dead parts, which still grow, and they have their various growth stages. Hair passes through four stages:

a Anagen (Growing Phase)
The growing phase lasts two to seven years and determines the length of our hair.

b Catagen (Transition Phase)
This is the transitional stage that lasts about ten days. The hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla.

c Telogen (Resting Phase)
This is the resting phase which lasts around three months. Around 10-15 percent of hairs are in this phase. Whilst the old hair is resting, a new hair begins the growth phase.

d Exogen (New Hair Phase)
This is part of the resting phase where the old hair sheds and a new hair continues to grow.

What is Hair Fall?

The loss of hair follicle’s from the scalp , is known as Hair fall and this rapidly increased if we don’t prevent it from the initial stage.

Important Tip: If hairs enter the resting phase too early, excess shedding and noticeable thinning of the hair can occur.
Each strand of hair counts! Hair grows from the follicle or root, underneath the skin, which helps in growth of the hair. The hair is, ‘fed’ by blood vessels at the base of the follicle, which gives it the nourishment it needs to grow.
Hairs are tiny shafts of a protein called keratin. They are anchored in a group of specialized cells called hair follicles, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the root (or bulb) of the hair and lubricate the hair with an oily substance called sebum.

1 Why does hair fall occur
Following are the main reasons of hair fall.

a. Stress
You must be wondering how stress affects your hair growth. Stress pushes your follicles into resting phase and this is turn results in stoppage of new hair growth! And you may be noticing that, many times hair falls by just combing, touching or while washing!

b. Hormonal changes
Hormones play a vital role, in our functioning and their effects are Vital for all Humans. They can make or break a deal. Every Individual undergoes a variety of emotions.
The changes in lifestyles, hectic roles, and other important duties are some unavoidable parts of our life and the hormonal changes related to it can’t be neglected. But, your hair shouldn’t suffer for it, isn’t it?

c. Certain medications
Hair loss can also be triggered as a side effect of some medications, medical treatments, and illnesses. It is also possible post major surgery, and after people experience sudden shock, such as bereavement.
Hair losses in these instances are usually temporary, but it can become chronic and can sustain for longer periods of time. These cases require early diagnosis.

d. Too much styling
Excessive hairstyling which is so common amongst youngsters today, be it college-goers or corporate world individuals who do not think twice before investing in these products (through straightening or blow-drying) or treatments (such as dying or bleaching) can cause hair loss.
The temporary looks and styles are definitely appealing but are harmful in the due course of time.

e. Improper Diet
“A man is known by the company he keeps and his health by the FOOD he eats.”
As discussed earlier, hair is made up of proteins and lack of protein in one’s diet can also be a reason for hair fall.

f Genetic problem
This problem may also be inherited from your parents.

2 Types of hair fall

Hair is in a constant cycle of growth, rest, and renewal. Hair grows and then shed, but because they grow at different rates they don’t all shed at once.
Types of hair fall are discussed below: (Select your type)
a Alopecia areata
It ca.n also be called as patchy hair fall. In this only a specific patch or patches become completely bald.

b. Alopecia universalis:
This condition is the most advanced form of alopecia areata. It results in the total loss of hair on the scalp and body.

c. Alopecia totalis:
It can be termed as intermediary condition between alopecia areata and alopecia universalis. It is a condition of complete loss of hair in the scalp.

d. Androgenic Alopecia
It can be seen in both men and women. Also known as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) for men, it is a condition where the hair gets thin and U-shaped pattern around back and side of the head can be seen.

e. Ophiasis:
This form of alopecia areata occurs in a wave pattern around the edge of the scalp, typically at the back of the head.

f. Traction Alopecia
It happens due to continuous pulling for a long time. When you are styling your hair or when you put on braids, it may damage your hair.

g. Telogen Effluvium
It occurs because of stress or illness. And there are many more like – Chignon Alopecia, Hypotricosis, Lichen Planopilaris, etc.

Hair fall & Baldness in Males

What is Male pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness refers to a loss of hair on the scalp in men. It happens as hormone levels change over a man’s lifetime, Genetics, Pollution and other factors especially in the later years
Fast facts on male pattern baldness here are some key points about male pattern baldness.

Male pattern baldness, or Androgenic alopecia, typically occurs later in life as a result of changing hormone levels.
Hair loss can be psychologically distressing for men, and they may seek a variety of treatments.
Other causes of hair loss include nutritional deficiencies, infections, and some psychological conditions.
Treatments include medications, laser and light therapies, and hair transplantation.

What is Female pattern Baldness?

Female pattern baldness, also called Androgenic alopecia, is hair loss that affects women. It’s similar to male pattern baldness, except that women can lose their hair in a different pattern than men. Hair loss in women is normal, especially as you age.
Up to two-thirds of women experience hair loss after menopause and less than half Trusted Source of women will make it past age 65 with a full head of hair.
Female pattern baldness is hereditary. It’s more common after menopause, so hormones are likely responsible. If you notice that you’re losing hair, consult a dermatologist. They will be able to determine if you’re experiencing female pattern baldness or another type of hair loss.

Key findings and Facts

In women, baldness can also be inherited and tends to affect post-menopausal women. It often starts with a thinning of the hair on the top of the head.
Alopecia can occur at any time in adulthood, or even, in the case of alopecia areata, as a teenager or young adult. It affects both men and women.
Researchers also claimed that in reaction to stress or medication, while scarring alopecia can be caused by other health problems like lupus.
We lose around 50 to 100 hairs naturally each day, but if you’re worried try the ‘tug test’. Hold around 15 or 20 hairs between thumb and index finger, and pull slowly and firmly. If more than six hairs come out, you may have a problem.
Be gentle when brushing and use a comb on wet hair. Wet hair is especially fragile, and brushing can cause damage.

Which Hormone responsible for Hair loss?

Hormones are the most common cause of hair loss for both women and men. In both Genders, the specific hormone responsible for hair loss is the same: dihydrotestosterone (known as “DHT”), a hormone that your body produces as a byproduct of testosterone. Both men and women need testosterone. In men, the body has a large amount of testosterone and a fairly small amount of estrogenic hormones. In women, this ratio is reversed, with a small amount of testosterone and larger quantities of oestrogen and progesterone hormones.

Diet and Hair Loss

What is diet?

A diet is a combination of healthy foods for the healthy body which gives proper metabolism by consuming carbohydrates, vitamin, proteins and other micronutrients as per nutritional values.
Interestingly, your hair grows around 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month, and 6 inches (15 cm) per year. How fast it grows depends on factors like age, health, genetics and diet. Although you can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is one thing you have control over. In fact, consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet with the right nutrients can help promote hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing hair loss due to poor nutrition.
Diet-related hair loss is most common in people who use extremely restrictive diets to quickly lose weight. If you only eat a small calorie deficit or exercise more to lose weight gradually, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any negative effects on your hairline.

Key Findings and Facts

Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, which are important for hair health and growth. A deficiency in either of these nutrients has been linked to hair loss

Berries are loaded with compounds like antioxidants and vitamins that may promote hair growth. For example, strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which aids collagen production and iron absorption, two factors that may promote hair growth

Fatty fish like salmon, herring and mackerel are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to improved hair growth and density. However, there are only a few studies in this area, so more are needed

Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, which helps aid sebum production. Additionally, it has other factors that may help speed up the rate of hair growth

Avocados are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that may promote hair growth. Additionally, they are a great source of essential fatty acids, which appear to be crucial for hair growth
Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc in the diet. This mineral helps support the hair growth and repair cycle.

Stress & Hair loss

What is Stress?

Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension. Stresses can be external (from the environment, psychological, or social situations) or internal (illness, or from a medical procedure).
Both men and women may experience hair loss in their lifetime. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it may be caused by stress. Not all hair loss is caused by stress. There are three types of hair loss that are associated with high stress levels:
Telogen effluvium (TE) occurs when there’s a change to the number of hair follicles that are actually growing hair. If this change occurs during the telogen — or resting — phase of hair growth, it can result in shedding.
Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease. It develops when your immune system attacks your hair follicles. This may be triggered by stress, and it can result in hair loss. Hair may be lost in round patches on the scalp, or across the entire scalp. In a more severe form of AA known as alopecia universalis, hair is lost from the entire body.

Trichotillomania is also known as hair pulling disorder. It involves the urge to pull out the hair from your scalp or other parts of your body. It’s considered an impulse control disorder.
You may find that hair pulling happens without much thought, like when you’re bored or distracted. The hair pulling may also be more intentional and used as a means to relieve stress or other negative emotions.

Pregnancy & Hair loss

What is Pregnancy?
Pregnancy, also known as gestation, is the time during which one or more offspring develops inside a woman. An embryo is the developing offspring during the first eight weeks following fertilization, after which, the term foetus is used until birth.
Hair loss that is connected to pregnancy usually occurs after delivery. During pregnancy, an increased number of hairs go into the resting phase, which is part of the normal hair loss cycle. This condition is not serious enough to cause bald spots or permanent hair loss, and it should begin to diminish within 3-4 months after delivery. If you feel that you are experiencing unusual hair loss while you are pregnant, this may be due to a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

The most common period of hair loss occurs approximately three months after delivery. The rise in hormones during pregnancy keeps you from losing your hair. After delivery, the hormones return to normal levels, which allow the hair to fall out and return to the normal cycle.
The normal hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy may fall out all at once. Up to 60% of your hair that is in the growth state may enter into the telogen resting state. The hair loss usually peaks 3-4 months after delivery as your hair follicles rejuvenate themselves. As noted above, this hair loss is temporary, and hair loss returns to normal within six to twelve months
Hair loss may result from any one or more of the following:

• Discontinuation of birth control pills
• Hormonal type of birth control method
• Miscarriage or stillbirth
• Abortion
• Hormonal imbalance

Important tips for preventing hair fall

Not necessarily everyone should opt for a treatment; one can follow few tips to prevent hair loss! They are given as follows:

I. Try to keep your hair as loose as possible, as tighter hair may lead to hair fall.
II. Increase the blood circulation in the scalp by brushing your scalp; this will help in hair growth.
III. Have considerable amount of protein, iron and calcium in your diet.
IV. After using shampoo, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar and water mixture, so that any leftover debris is removed.
V. Drink ample amount of water. (Minimum 8 glasses)
VI. More stress, more hair fall. So, try to be happy and reduce your stress burden.
VII. Your body should get proper amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin B.
VIII. Anti-depressant can also be a reason to hair loss.
IX. Keep checking your hormones; it will help in monitoring your hair loss.
X. Stop over consumption of salt, alcohol, tobacco, etc.
XI. Comb and brush your hair regularly. But brush or comb only on dry hair and not on wet hair.
XII. Avoid using anti-dandruff shampoos.
XIII. People with long hair- if you see your hair falling then go for shorter hair cut or shave your head.
XIV. Usage of dye should be done once every 6-8 weeks.
XV. For woman- birth control pills also lead to hair fall.
XVI. Pillowcases you use should be of satin or silk.
XVII. Daily exercise of 60 minutes each day.
XVIII. As much as possible avoid going to polluted areas.
XIX. Don’t rub your hair hard, it may damage your hair.
XX. Don’t colour your too frequently. Minimum gap should be 6-8 weeks
XXI. Avoid styling products as they have lots of chemicals which may have an adverse effect on your skin. And if you use, it should be removed before sleeping.
XXII. While washing your hair, use cold or lukewarm water as hot water may reduce the level of oil on your skin.
XXIII. Try getting fresh air as much as possible.
XXIV. Dandruff is a threat to your hair.
XXV. Avoid caffeine, as it causes dehydration.
XXVI. Use natural products like – rub olive oil on your hair, massage with honey, etc.
These are some tips which you can follow for prevention of hair loss.