Have you been noticing more hair falling out lately? Hair loss expert Dr. Omar breaks down five causes of hair loss and shares a solution that actually works.
For many of us, our hair is a big part of who we are. Yet, about 8 million women in the UK experience hair loss or thinning. It’s common but not always talked about—nearly half of the women affected don’t share their struggles, feeling self-conscious or embarrassed.
Losing 100 to 150 hairs a day is actually normal. Hair naturally goes through a growth cycle with three stages, including a shedding phase. Dr. Omar explains that every hair follicle cycles through these stages and shedding is part of the process.
People often think hair loss can’t be fixed and turn to unproven supplements. But some solutions do work. To tackle hair loss, it helps to understand the hair growth cycle and the causes behind hair loss.
The hair growth cycle has three phases:
1. The Growth (Anagen) phase, where 85-90% of our hair is growing. This lasts three to five years.
2. The Transition (Catagen) phase, which is when hair stops growing and detaches from the follicle. This phase affects about 1% of our hair and lasts one to two weeks.
3. The Resting (Telogen) phase, where 10-15% of our hair is inactive before shedding. This resting phase lasts three to four months.
If you’re losing more hair than usual and it’s not growing back, it’s time to look deeper. Hair loss patterns can vary based on the cause, and hair loss (alopecia) always ties back to a disruption in the Hair Growth Cycle.
Dr. Omar notes that a shortened growth phase and longer resting phase lead to more shedding and less regrowth. The shock of thinning hair often leads people to search for solutions. However, with so many potential triggers for hair loss, it can be tough to identify the cause and find the right fix.
Common causes include:
1. Hereditary hair loss, known as male- or female-pattern hair loss, is the most common type. Genetics may cause a gradual thinning of hair, a receding hairline, or bald spots as you age.
2. Hormonal imbalances, particularly the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are another cause. In women, decreased estrogen levels during menopause can lead to hair loss.
3. Stress can trigger hair loss by causing inflammation and increasing hormone levels that harm hair follicles.
4. Medication side effects can also cause hair loss. Drugs for treating cancer, high blood pressure, and other conditions can lead to temporary hair loss.
5. Pregnancy and childbirth can trigger hair changes. While pregnancy hormones may thicken hair, postpartum hormonal changes can cause noticeable shedding.
To combat hair loss, understanding and addressing its root cause is key. Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy (PRT) offers a solution. Proteoglycans, essential molecules in the hair follicle, regulate the hair growth cycle. Nourkrin, a supplement rich in proteoglycans, has been clinically proven to promote hair regrowth.
If you’re worried about hair loss, consider consulting your doctor or trying Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy. It doesn’t work overnight but can show results within six to twelve months. Balancing your hair growth cycle is crucial to managing and reducing hair loss.