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🌀Hair Loss: Causes, Prevention, and Natural Remedies



Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common concern affecting millions of people worldwide. While often associated with aging, hair loss can occur due to various factors at any stage of life. Understanding the causes and exploring effective prevention strategies and natural remedies can help maintain healthy hair and potentially reverse hair loss.


Causes of Hair Loss:

  1. Chemical Damage: Frequent use of harsh hair dyes and chemical treatments can damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss over time [1].

  2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, and protein can weaken hair and increase shedding [2].

  3. Medications: Certain medications, including those for blood pressure, cancer, or depression, may have hair loss as a side effect [3].

  4. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in androgens and other hormones can affect hair growth cycles, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia [4].

  5. Stress: High stress levels can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss [5].

  6. Anemia: Iron deficiency anemia can lead to hair loss by reducing oxygen delivery to hair follicles [6].

  7. Tight Hairstyles: Consistently wearing tight braids or ponytails can cause traction alopecia [7].


Prevention and Natural Remedies:

  1. Gentle Hair Care: Avoid harsh chemicals and opt for sulfate-free shampoos. Look for products containing nourishing ingredients like biotin, keratin, and natural extracts [8].

  2. Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in proteins, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables to provide essential nutrients for hair health [9].

  3. Scalp Massage: Regular scalp massages with a mixture of coconut oil, castor oil, and rosemary essential oil can stimulate blood flow and potentially promote hair growth [10].

  4. Herbal Treatments: Hibiscus flower paste applied to the scalp may strengthen hair and prevent thinning [11].

  5. Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially high-intensity interval training, can improve blood circulation to the scalp [12].

  6. Hydration: Maintain proper hydration by drinking adequate water daily [13].

  7. Sleep: Ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall health and hair growth [14].

  8. Green Drinks: Consuming chlorophyll-rich green drinks may provide essential minerals that support hair health [15].

  9. Onion Juice: Rich in sulfur, onion juice may improve blood circulation to hair follicles and promote growth when applied to the scalp [20].

  10. Saw Palmetto: This herbal supplement may help block DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss, particularly in male pattern baldness [21].

  11. Pumpkin Seed Oil: Studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil may help block the action of 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT [22].

  12. Scalp Microneedling: This technique involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp, potentially stimulating hair growth [23].

  13. Red Light Therapy: Low-level laser therapy may stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density [24].



Best Hair Practices for Different Textures according to experts:

Type 1 Hair (Straight):

  1. Use lightweight, volumizing products to prevent weighing down the hair.

  2. Avoid over-washing, as this can strip natural oils and lead to overproduction of sebum.

  3. Use a boar bristle brush to distribute natural oils from roots to ends.

  4. Apply dry shampoo at the roots between washes to absorb excess oil and add volume.

Type 2 Hair (Wavy):

  1. Use sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to maintain natural waves.

  2. Apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair to enhance wave definition.

  3. Use a diffuser attachment when blow-drying to minimize frizz and enhance natural texture.

  4. Avoid brushing dry hair; instead, use fingers or a wide-tooth comb when wet.

Type 3 Hair (Curly):

  1. Co-wash (conditioner washing) more often than shampooing to maintain moisture.

  2. Use deep conditioning treatments regularly to combat dryness and frizz.

  3. Apply styling products to soaking wet hair to lock in moisture and define curls.

  4. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain curl definition.

Type 4 Hair (Coily):

  1. Focus on moisture retention with rich, creamy products and regular deep conditioning.

  2. Use the LOC (Liquid, Oil, Cream) or LCO (Liquid, Cream, Oil) method for maximum hydration.

  3. Minimize heat styling and opt for protective styles to reduce manipulation and breakage.

  4. Detangle gently with fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working up to the roots.


Can Oils Dry Out Hair?

While oils are often used to moisturize hair, they can potentially dry it out under certain circumstances:

  1. Protein-rich oils like coconut oil can lead to protein overload, making hair feel dry and brittle if overused [25].

  2. Applying oils to dry hair without following up with a water-based moisturizer can lead to dryness, as oils alone don't provide hydration [26].

  3. Excessive use of oils can create a barrier that prevents moisture from entering the hair shaft [27].

  4. For low porosity hair, oils may have difficulty penetrating, leading to buildup that can make hair feel dry and weighed down [28].

To avoid drying out hair with oils, apply them to damp hair as part of a moisturizing routine, choose oils appropriate for your hair type, and don't overuse protein-rich oils if your hair is protein-sensitive.


Recent Scientific Discoveries:

  1. Stem Cell Therapy: Research has shown promise in using hair follicle stem cells to regenerate hair growth in balding areas [16].

  2. JAK Inhibitors: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have demonstrated potential in treating alopecia areata, an autoimmune form of hair loss [17].

  3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP therapy, which involves injecting a concentrated form of a patient's own blood platelets into the scalp, has shown effectiveness in promoting hair growth [18].

  4. Microbiome Research: Studies suggest that the scalp microbiome plays a role in hair health, opening new avenues for probiotic-based treatments [19].

  5. Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): PRF, an advanced form of PRP, contains a higher concentration of growth factors and has shown promising results in hair restoration [29].

  6. Exosome Therapy: Exosomes, small vesicles secreted by cells, have demonstrated potential in promoting hair growth and regeneration [30].

  7. 3D-Printed Hair Follicles: Researchers have successfully created 3D-printed hair follicle structures, potentially paving the way for new hair restoration techniques [31].

  8. Gene Therapy: Advances in gene therapy have shown promise in treating certain types of hair loss by targeting specific genetic factors [32].

  9. Wnt Signaling Pathway Modulation: Research into the Wnt signaling pathway has revealed potential targets for hair loss treatments [33].

  10. Senescent Cell Clearance: Studies have shown that clearing senescent cells from the scalp may help rejuvenate hair follicles and promote hair growth [34].


Hair loss is a complex issue with multiple potential causes. By addressing underlying factors, adopting a holistic approach to hair care, and staying informed about emerging treatments, individuals can take proactive steps to maintain healthy hair and potentially reverse hair loss. Always consult with a healthcare professional or trichologist for personalized advice and treatment options.


References:

[1] Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. [2] Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017;7(1):1-10. [3] Paus R, et al. Drug-induced hair loss. Exp Dermatol. 2019;28(4):358-360. [4] Randall VA. Androgens and hair growth. Dermatol Ther. 2008;21(5):314-328. [5] Hadshiew IM, et al. Burden of hair loss: stress and the underestimated psychosocial impact of telogen effluvium and androgenetic alopecia. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;123(3):455-457. [6] Trost LB, et al. The diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and its potential relationship to hair loss. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(5):824-844. [7] Akingbola CO, Vyas J. Traction Alopecia: A Neglected Entity in 2017. Indian J Dermatol. 2017;62(5):470-475. [8] Trueb RM. Shampoos: ingredients, efficacy and adverse effects. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2007;5(5):356-365. [9] Finner AM. Nutrition and hair: deficiencies and supplements. Dermatol Clin. 2013;31(1):167-172. [10] Hay IC, et al. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(11):1349-1352. [11] Adhirajan N, et al. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of hair growth potential of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;88(2-3):235-239. [12] Gaunitz F, et al. Mechanical tension and the mammalian hair follicle: a potential mechanism for hair follicle activation and growth. Exp Dermatol. 2014;23(7):490-493. [13] Palma L, et al. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:413-421. [14] Kawano M, et al. Sleep deprivation affects the human hair follicle. Exp Dermatol. 2019;28(5):618-621. [15] Bito T, et al. The potential of chlorella as a source of carotenoids and other nutrients. Mar Drugs. 2020;18(4):200. [16] Ohyama M, Veraitch O. Strategies to enhance epithelial-mesenchymal interactions for human hair follicle bioengineering. J Dermatol Sci. 2013;70(2):78-87. [17] Bhanusali DG, et al. Tofacitinib for the treatment of alopecia areata and variants in adolescents. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(1):29-32. [18] Gentile P, et al. The effect of platelet-rich plasma in hair regrowth: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Stem Cells Transl Med. 2015;4(11):1317-1323. [19] Saxena R, et al. Microbiome of the scalp in health and disease. Exp Dermatol. 2021;30(S1):16-23. [20] Sharquie KE, Al-Obaidi HK. Onion juice (Allium cepa L.), a new topical treatment for alopecia areata. J Dermatol. 2002;29(6):343-346. [21] Prager N, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med. 2002;8(2):143-152. [22] Cho YH, et al. Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:549721. [23] Dhurat R, et al. A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. Int J Trichology. 2013;5(1):6-11. [24] Avci P, et al. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers Surg Med. 2014;46(2):144-151. [25] Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. [26] Draelos ZD. Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing. Int J Trichology. 2010;2(1):24-29. [27] Robbins CR. Chemical and Physical Behavior of Human Hair. 5th ed. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg; 2012. [28] Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. [29] Gentile P, et al. Evaluation of Not-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(2):408.

[30] Rajendran RL, et al. Extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs activates dermal papilla cell in vitro and promotes hair follicle conversion from telogen to anagen in mice. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):15560.

[31] Abaci HE, et al. Tissue engineering of human hair follicles using a biomimetic developmental approach. Nat Commun. 2018;9(1):5301.

[32] Sieber-Blum M, et al. Pluripotent neural crest stem cells in the adult hair follicle. Dev Dyn. 2004;231(2):258-269.

[33] Kretzschmar K, Clevers H. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in adult mammalian epithelial stem cells. Dev Biol. 2017;428(2):273-282.

[34] Matsumura H, et al. Hair follicle aging is driven by transepidermal elimination of stem cells via COL17A1 proteolysis. Science. 2016;351(6273):aad4395.


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