There are many medical conditions and prescriptions that can affect our hair, but sometimes what someone might think is a problem, could just be that they need a little help taking care of their hair and/or scalp.
Shedding
Some experts estimate that we may shed a hundred or more hairs a day. Usually, this is nothing to be concerned with and it usually does not mean that we are going bald. About 90% of our hair follicles are producing hair at any given time, while the other 10% are in a resting phase. The hair falls out after a few months but then it is normally replaced by new hair, and then the cycle starts all over again. However certain shocks to our system such as surgery, childbirth, some medications, diets, severe stress, and thyroid problems, can push more hair into resting than normal. After a few months of this, people may notice that their hair is falling out and thinning more than it should. This is a condition called “telogen effluvium” which is sometimes described as hair “coming out in handfuls.” In most cases, new hair will start to grow back to replace that lost hair. But not always. This is when a person should seek a consultation with a trained professional to see what can be done to get that hair to grow back before it becomes a problem.
Dandruff
Dandruff appears to be messy and sometimes embarrassing and bothersome to people, but it isn’t contagious and normally isn’t a cause for alarm. There are many theories about how people get it including an overgrowth of a fungus and from risk factors such as oily skin, stress, obesity, cold and dry weather, and eczema or psoriasis. To help fight dandruff, try using an anti-dandruff shampoo such as “Mint Blue Shampoo” from New England Associates®. If the dandruff flakes are greasy and yellow, it may be from an inflammatory skin condition called “seborrheic dermatitis” which can occur where there are lots of oil glands such as the scalp and the face. Seborrheic dermatitis can be indicative of a medical condition but it is treated the same as dandruff, although more severe cases may need HairStart® DexPan™ or a prescription or a medicine. If it seems that there may be some hair loss or shedding occurring from dandruff, contact the hair experts at New England Associates for a free hair and scalp examination to be sure that there isn’t a problem.
Alopecia Areata
“Alopecia areata” is when someone’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair to fall out. This sometimes happens suddenly. Most sufferers will have one or two bald patches, but in some cases, all of their body hair falls out. Alopecia areata isn’t harmful or contagious, but it can be very tough to deal with emotionally. Hair may grow back on its own and there are treatments that may help it grow back more quickly. Some people may experience alopecia areata more than just once.
Traction Alopecia
Pulling hair too tight with ponytails, braids, cornrows, etc., can damage hair follicles and cause hair to break or fall out. This is known as “traction alopecia”. Some hair extensions can also cause it because of the extra weight pulling on existing hair. A different hairstyle can cause less pulling and may let hair grow back, but pulling on hair for a long time can lead to permanent hair loss which can lead to emotional concerns. The hair loss professionals at New England Associates® can assess any damage and provide options to overcome it.
Too Much Styling Hurts Hair
Blow drying, using a flat iron, coloring, bleaching, and over-brushing can all cause damage to the cuticle (the outer layer) of our hair. Although it doesn’t cause any permanent health damage, when the inner core of hair is exposed, hair becomes dry and dull.
Premature Gray Hair
Gray hair isn’t always related to aging. People under 40 years old who get gray hair probably have it running in their family although medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid issues, certain vitamin deficiencies, and vitiligo can cause premature graying. A common solution is to highlight or color hair to cover the gray, but some people are sensitive to such chemicals leading to itching and burning on the scalp, and too much of the chemicals can have the same effects as over-styling hair.
Female Hair Loss
Hair loss in women may include thinning hair all over the head, but is usually most common on top of the head. Contrary to some beliefs, longer hair won’t necessarily put a strain on the roots of the hair and cause more to fall out. Shampooing should not pull hair out either, but people notice more the hair that was falling out already anyway. Minoxidil and HairStart® Essentials™ are among some of the things that can help hair growth and slow the thinning. You can read more facts about women’s hair loss here.
Male Hair Loss
Most hair loss in men is caused through genetics but there are many other causes as well. So-called “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 typical hair loss in men include Minoxidil and HairStart® Essentials™, which is an herbal alternative to Propecia (finasteride). You can read more facts about men’s hair loss here.
Sun Damage
Too much sun can cause hair to be brittle and split easily. When a person has fine or thinning hair, there is more risk of a sunburn on the scalp (and that can be quite painful!). Here are some tips to help keep hair healthy in the sun and to help minimize summer hair loss.
Hair and Heart-Healthy Diet
Hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy. You can help keep your hair shiny by eating things like salmon and walnuts for omega-3 fatty acids, brazil nuts for selenium, oysters and cashews for zinc, and spinach and carrots for vitamin A (but not too much vitamin A because that can promote hair loss in some cases). All of these foods help maintain good scalp and hair health and they are also good for your heart. Very low-calorie diets can be bad for hair because they lack sufficient nutrients and can leave hair dull and limp as well as stunt hair growth or even cause hair loss. HairStart® Vitamin Plus Conditioning Treatment and HairStart® vitamins can help restore nutrients to the hair, especially when used under the direction of the professionals at New England Associates® who can help identify problems and offer solutions.
Scalp Massage
There’s no medical proof that a scalp massage will affect hair loss or improve any scalp conditions, but it can help to relieve stress and tension because the scalp is covered with nerve endings that make it sensitive to touch. Scalp massage may also trigger the release of “feel-good hormones” like dopamine and serotonin.
If you are interested in discussing more with an expert, contact New England Associates® today. At New England Associates®, how you feel about your hair loss, and making the right choice to solve it, matters. We encourage you to take the time and review the possibilities and come in for a no-cost, no-obligation private hair loss consultation.
Keep in mind, if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with hair loss, you should not diagnose yourself. The best thing to do is contact an expert who has been specifically trained in hair loss. The professionals at New England Associates® will provide a physical check of your hair and scalp to identify the cause of your symptoms and help you review your options and solutions.
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Since 1982 New England Associates® has known hair loss is as individual as you are. New England Associates® offers all of the procedures that work to repair, replace, restore, and grow hair. We are members of the American Hair Loss Council and the Better Business Bureau. Locations include Wakefield, MA and Manchester, NH. Our hair restoration options include hair and scalp treatments, non-medical hair replacement, laser hair therapy treatments, hair transplants, and shampoos and vitamins for fine and thinning hair.