If you’ve been noticing more hair falling out than usual, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people experience hair thinning or loss but never talk about it due to insecurity or embarrassment. Hair expert Dr. Omar explains some common causes of hair loss and offers a proven solution.
For many, hair is a big part of our identity and confidence. Yet, around 8 million women in the UK deal with some degree of hair loss or thinning at any time. Normally, we all shed between 100 to 150 hairs a day as part of the hair growth cycle, which consists of three stages: growth, transition, and resting. In the resting phase, hair falls out to make room for new growth. So, a bit of hair shedding is perfectly normal.
However, if you notice a significant increase in hair loss or that your hair isn’t growing back, it might be time to investigate. Hair loss can be sudden or gradual, and it presents in various ways. A disrupted hair growth cycle is a common factor in all types of hair loss. Dr. Omar explains that hair loss usually shortens the growth phase and extends the resting phase, leading to more shedding and weaker regrowth.
One major cause of hair loss is genetics. Known as male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss, hereditary hair loss happens when our hair follicles are sensitive to certain factors. For this type, rebalancing the hair growth cycle with specific treatments, like proteoglycan replacement therapy, can help. Proteoglycans are biological molecules crucial for hair growth.
Another cause is hormonal imbalance. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affects hair follicles’ health, often leading to a condition called androgenic alopecia. This type of hair loss is common in men and women, especially as they age or during menopause.
Stress is another significant cause of hair loss. Today’s high stress levels from work and daily life can lead to increased hair shedding. This happens because stress heightens cortisol levels, which can affect hair growth. Managing stress is key to maintaining healthy hair.
Medications for various health conditions, like diabetes or cancer, can also lead to hair loss. This type of hair loss usually stops once you adapt to the medication or stop taking it. Other health conditions, like thyroid issues and nutritional deficiencies, can affect hair growth too.
Pregnancy can also impact hair. Although many women experience thicker hair during pregnancy due to high oestrogen levels, some may see hair thinning due to the body’s stress. After childbirth, 50% of women experience hair loss, which is usually temporary until hormone levels stabilize.
If you’re seeing more hair loss than normal, it might be due to these factors. Consult a healthcare provider and explore treatments like Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy, shown to be effective in clinical trials. Nourkrin, a supplement rich in proteoglycans, is one such option that has helped many women see improvements in hair growth and quality.