Does bad hair mean bad health?
Is your hair trying to tell you something about your health? It might. Some illnesses and medications affect your body in the same way that they affect your hair. In other cases, you may just need to take better care of your hair or scalp. Use this visual guide to see what makes the difference between myth and fact when it comes to your health and your hair.
White flakes (dandruff) are not a health hazard
Dandruff is not contagious. So where does it come from? Doctors aren’t sure, but one theory is that it may be due to excessive fungal growth. Other possible risk factors include oily skin, stress, obesity, cold, dry weather and having eczema or psoriasis. Although it’s uncomfortable – and the itching can be annoying – dandruff is not harmful.
You may be losing more hair than you think.
It’s not a perfect measure, but some experts estimate that we can lose up to 100 or more hairs a day. That’s not cause for alarm and doesn’t mean you’re going bald. About 90% of your 100,000 hair follicles are producing hair at any given time. The other 10% are in the resting phase (telogen), hair at rest still falls out after about 2-3 months. The hair that has fallen out is replaced with new hair and the growth cycle begins again.
What causes the release of Telogen?
Shocks to your body – surgery, vaccinations, childbirth, certain medications, strict diets, severe stress, thyroid problems – can cause hair to go into a dormant or telogen state. After about two months, you may notice hair falling out and thinning – a condition called telogen, sometimes described as hair “falling out in handfuls.” In most cases, new hair begins to grow immediately.
Attack on hair follicles
With focal alopecia, your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss – often suddenly. Most people will have one or two bald spots that are easily treated with injections, but in some cases all body hair falls out. Focal alopecia is not harmful or contagious, but it can be difficult psychologically. Hair can grow back on its own, but treatment can help it grow back faster. Unfortunately, some people may experience focal alopecia more than once.
Genes cause 90% of hair loss in men
This trait is hereditary and may be influenced more by your mother’s line than your father’s. So looking at your maternal grandfather’s locks may give you a better idea of your future. Male pattern baldness often begins with hair loss at the temples, then on the top of the head, leaving a horseshoe-shaped ring of hair on the sides of the head. Medications to slow hair loss include finasteride and minoxidil.
Female pattern baldness.
Age-related thinning can mean thinning hair all over the head, but typical hair loss is usually most common on the top of the head. Unlike men, women rarely go bald, and they tend to lose hair more slowly than men. Contrary to popular belief, longer hair will not put pressure on the roots, causing hair loss. Washing your hair also doesn’t pull your hair out – it just removes the ones that have already fallen out. Serums that contain 5% minoxidil and are applied once a day can promote hair growth and prevent hair thinning.
Avoid sun damage to your hair
Too much sun can turn your hair into a brittle, dry bun that breaks and sections easily. This is especially true for those with blonde or gray hair. And if you already have thinning hair, you risk getting sunburn on your scalp. Choosing hair care products with sunscreen provides some protection, although it can be difficult to cover your hair evenly. This is why it is recommended that you wear a hat when you are out in the sun, especially if your scalp is exposed. Choose a hat made of sun protection fabric with UPF 30 (ultraviolet protection factor).
Beautiful curls need nutrients
Can a strict diet cost you your hair? In extreme cases, it can. Your hair needs protein and iron to stay healthy, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin A, but not too much, which can contribute to hair loss. Very low-calorie diets often do not contain enough nutrients and can stunt hair growth or make hair look dull and flaccid. If the nutrient deficiency is severe enough – such as in someone with an eating disorder – hair can fall out.
