7 Facts About Hair Loss To Help You Prevent It
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States suffer from hair loss. It is a very common problem, but fortunately, there are medical doctors that specialize in treating it, hair restoration doctors.
Today, there are many advanced treatments for hair loss, and in most cases, hair thinning and hair loss are highly treatable. Here are 7 facts about hair loss that you should know.
1. Hair loss can be caused by poor hair habits.
Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hair, as well as heat styling and chemical processing, which can damage and weaken the hair and make it look thinner. Air dry your hair most often and use a mild shampoo and conditioner when showering.
2. Hair loss can be caused by poor nutrition.
A poor diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies that can then lead to hair loss. For example, a lack of protein or iron in the diet can cause thinning hair and eventual hair loss. Include protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, tofu, and beans in your diet. Foods that are rich in iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals.
3. Hair thinning and hair loss can be due to a deficiency.
There are some vitamins that are important for healthy hair. Vitamin A is important for sebum production, which keeps the scalp healthy and the hair follicles moisturized. Vitamin C helps with collagen production and prevents dryness and brittleness. B-vitamins like biotin and niacin are important for cell turnover and keeping the scalp healthy. If you are deficient in any of these, ask your doctor about supplementing for healthier hair.
4. Stress can cause hair loss.
Stress can also cause hair loss. The condition is called telogen effluvium, which causes the hair follicles to go into a resting phase and stop growing new hair. The old hair eventually falls out, leading to thinning and possible baldness. This type of hair loss is temporary, but it is still recommended that you manage your stress levels.
5. Hair thinning and hair loss could be due to your genes.
The genetic makeup of a person’s hair follicles determines how susceptible they are to balding. If someone has inherited the gene for baldness from either their mother or father, they are more likely to experience hair loss as they age. You cannot control your genes, but this type of hair loss can be treated by a hair restoration doctor.
6. Hair loss is better treated early.
Treating hair loss early can help prevent further hair loss and preserve your natural hairline. As much as possible, you want to receive treatment for hair loss before it becomes severe.
7. Your medication could be causing hair loss.
Hair loss is a common side effect of treatments for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, and high blood pressure. If you take medication for any of these, talk to your doctor about the possibility of switching to another medication that doesn’t affect hair. In the case of cancer treatment, hair may grow back after chemotherapy. However, for other medications causing hair loss, finding an alternative medication may be best.
Hair Loss Treatment in Kansas City and Des Moines
Dr. Scott Darling at Darling Hair Restoration is a top hair doctor serving the Kansas City metro area and Des Moines. Dr. Darling provides the latest, proven treatments for hair thinning and hair loss, and designs individualized treatment plans to give your hair the best chance at recovery. Let a hair restoration expert solve your hair loss once and for all. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Darling, call our office today at (816) 792-3400 or use our convenient online request form.
