Did you know that hair grows in three different modes? Thanks to this, new ones quickly grow on the place of the falling hair, and you do not even notice the loss. But if some factor affects the rhythm and synchronism of this process, then in a day 2 to 3 times more hair falls out from the head than it grows.
Beautiful hair is a necessary element of the image, which is popular among the opposite sex. Therefore, we begin to worry if there is more hair on the comb after combing than usual, or if they fall out “on their own”, remaining on the clothes. And sometimes the lack of hair on the head is visible with the naked eye. This is a signal that there is some kind of malfunction in the body.
There are many factors that cause hair loss. In the article we will talk about the 20 most common of them.
What is hair loss?
Before you sound the alarm, make sure that your hair falls out more than the physiological norm. Every day you lose from 30 to 100 hair, and they fall evenly from all areas of the head. This is absolutely normal, and baldness does not occur, because the hair quickly regenerates itself. But if self-healing is delayed or does not occur at all, then the density of the hair decreases.
The loss of more than 1000 hairs per day is already a pathology called alopecia. If hair falls out in a limited area, this is focal or nesting alopecia. Hair loss in all areas is called diffuse or total baldness. In Greek, alopex means fox. It would seem, where the fox does. But the Greeks, apparently, noticed the similarity of a bald man with a beast, for which it is completely natural several times a year to shed and grow a new coat.
Sometimes the hair does not fall out, it just becomes thinner, the hair is thinning, and you may think that the hair has become smaller. But thinning hair can be the beginning of baldness.
Interesting hair facts
On the head grows, on average, 50 - 150 thousand hair. Moreover, redheads have the least of them - about 80 thousand. Here are more lucky blondes. At least 140 thousand hairs grow on their heads. Brown-haired and brunettes are content with the "golden mean". Their hair contains 100 - 110 thousand hair. Owners of brown hair are considered to be "record holders". The number of hair follicles they have about 200 thousand.
On your head there are areas with thicker hair - this is the crown. But on the back of the head and temples - less hair. To protect the back of the head and sides of the hair from baldness, nature made sure that the forehead, temples and crown of the zone received more blood.
We understand the reasons
To understand the mechanism of hair loss, remember how they grow normally. Each hair follicle or pouch at the roots throughout the life of a person can create 25 to 30 hairs. Each hair grows at its own pace, while there is a certain cyclical nature. Women who have hair removal know how difficult it is to get rid of unwanted hair. It takes several sessions to remove the remaining hair groups that are "sleeping." This mechanism is laid down by nature in order to prevent the simultaneous loss of a large amount of hair.
The following stages of hair life are distinguished:
· Anagen is an active growth that lasts from 2 to 6 years.
· Catagen is a transition period in which growth slows down, but follicles or papillae that nourish hair still work. The duration of this phase is up to 20 days.
· Telogen - hair completely stops growing. The resting phase lasts from 3 to 4 months.
In healthy people, at any time, almost 90% of the hair on the head is in the active growth phase - anagen. Only 2% of the hairline is in an intermediate state, and up to 15% of the hair is ready to fall out of the bulb. An external or internal damaging factor violates this ratio in favor of falling out.
1. Thyroid problems
The hormones ofthe thyroid gland, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which normally stimulate, accelerate and activate all the cells in the body. Sensitive nerve endings or receptors for thyroxine are found, including on the hair follicles. With hormone deficiency, there is no stimulus for hair growth, so the bulbs are in no hurry to create new hair.
But if you have an excess of these hormones, this is also not a reason for joy. From the thyroid hormones, only the first time the hair will become thick. The prolonged action of thyroxin depletes the "strategic reserves" of the bulb. If you do not restore the balance of hormones in time, the hair will begin to fall out.
2. Pregnancy and childbirth
From the first trimester of pregnancy in the female body, the hormonal background changes. The level of almost all hormones increases.
Each trimester of pregnancy, as well as the postpartum period, passes "under the banner" of a hormone. These are mainly hair-friendly hormones.
First half of pregnancy
From the first trimester, chorionic gonadotropin is formed in the body. It triggers changes in the endocrine organs of women and stimulates the renewal of all cells, due to an increase in the level of thyroid hormones. The latter accelerate cell division and metabolism in the hair bulb, and the condition of the hair begins to improve. But if a woman has a hidden thyroid deficiency, the entire portion of the hormones will go to the fetus, and the hair may fall out.
Second half of pregnancy
After 20 weeks, the placenta actively releases progesterone and estrogen. The condition of the hair largely depends on their ratio. Estrogen stimulates hair growth, so the number of bulbs in the growing phase increases by 10%. Progesterone dries the skin and hair very much, which can cause them to be brittle. Hair during this period of pregnancy often falls out not due to hormonal changes, but with a deficiency of nutrients.
Postpartum period
After childbirth, the situation changes dramatically. In the pituitary gland, the hormone prolactin is released, which stimulates the work of the mammary gland. Because of it, the number of bulbs "at rest" increases at least twice. Thus, a woman loses, on average, not 100 hair per day, but up to 300. This becomes noticeable a few months after giving birth. But this condition lasts no more than 6 months. Do not be afraid to be left without hair, because when the hormonal background is stabilized, growth will also return to normal.
3. Medicines
Any medicine can cause hair loss, but there are drugs that disrupt hair growth faster and more noticeably. Everyone knows that from chemotherapy a person goes bald. This is because chemotherapy inhibits the growth of not only tumor cells, but also cells of all tissues in the body. The hair bulb is characterized by a very active division of cells, because on the day you need to start growing about 30 hair instead of fallen. Therefore, the overwhelming effect of chemistry quickly manifests itself on the scalp. In addition to inhibiting the growth of new hair, chemotherapy acts directly on the hair like a toxin, enhancing hair loss.
The following drugs can also cause hair loss:
· contraceptives - usually after a woman stops taking them;
· anti-inflammatory drugs - hormonal and non-steroidal;
· cardiopreparations - drugs that lower blood pressure;
· thyreostatics - drugs that suppress the secretion of thyroid hormones;
· anticoagulants - inhibiting blood coagulation;
· antiallergic agents - histamine H2 receptor blockers;
· drugs used in psychiatry - anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian drugs, antidepressants and antipsychotics.
· drugs for the treatment of infections - antibiotics, antiherpetic, antifungal and antiparasitic.
In the hair follicles there is a cytochrome P450 enzyme system. It is with its help that the liver processes toxic products and medicines. Enzymes of this system oxidize drugs, make them more soluble in water to facilitate excretion from the body. But the fact is that many drugs suppress this system and contribute to the manifestation of side effects, especially with prolonged use. Due to the presence of cytochrome P450 enzymes, the hair partially takes on the side or toxic effects of many drugs, which is manifested by their loss.
4. Fast weight loss
If you are a lover of strict diets and quick ways to lose weight, you should know that by depriving yourself of protein products, you can cause serious disruptions in the body. Cells are built from protein, metabolism is controlled by protein enzymes and hormones. Hair consists of 80% protein - keratin. To build new bulb cells, a building material is needed - protein.
As a rule, hair begins to fall out a few months after the start of the diet, but in order to recover, you need to eat normally for a few more months.
Also, protein deficiency occurs if you abuse alcohol. Alcohol disrupts the absorption of proteins in the digestive tract, complicates the function of the liver - the main organ that synthesizes proteins. In addition, large doses of alcohol cause a pronounced spasm of all blood vessels, including those that nourish the hair bulb.
5. Infections
Any infection of the scalp can cause inflammation in the hair follicles. Typically, infections affecting the hair are manifested by baldness in a limited area or several areas with bald patches are found on the head. Alopecia after infection may be temporary or irreversible. It all depends on the nature of the inflammation. If there were no deep damage, then wait for the growth of new hair in place of the fallen. But when the inflammation is very violent, the body has no choice but to patch up all the damaged areas with scar tissue. If a scar forms in place of the bulbs, the hair will not germinate.
Causes of hair loss can be:
· fungi causing trichophytosis and favus;
· bacteria, especially staphylococci, pathogens of tuberculosis and syphilis;
· Chickenpox and herpes zoster viruses, which belong to the herpesvirus family.
It is important to know that any serious infectious disease that caused general exhaustion of the body can lead to weakening of hair and hair loss. The body temporarily "saves" on a protein designed for hair formation.
6. Its nervous
You may have noticed more than once that people who work hard and have little rest have problems with their hair. They may become dull or thinner.It turns out that if a good mood does not leave you, then enough substances are formed in the brain that support the proper regulation of blood flow in the bulbs. But if we often get nervous or work hard, the central nervous system is in constant tension, secreting more and more adrenaline and other hormones that cause muscle spasm of the bulb and narrowing of the vessels supplying it.
7. You have a lot of dihydrotestosterone
In the stronger sex, bald head can be a sign of a good male hormonal background. Male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone also have their own "places" of action on the hair follicles. Dihydrotestosterone is an active form of testosterone, which is formed in tissues by the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Dihydrotestosterone acts on the hair as follows:
· It contracts the muscle that surrounds the hair follicle. Because of this, the bulb becomes smaller, and the hole through which the hair makes its way out narrows. With prolonged exposure, the hair becomes thinner, and the shaft is eventually squeezed out of the bulb.
· Deteriorates the blood circulation of the skin. The muscle layer of small capillaries is also cramped, as a result, the hair root does not receive nutrition and oxygen, gradually weakens and collapses.
· Speeds up the hair growth cycle. Both free testosterone and dihydrotestosterone act on the DNA of the hair papilla. But dihydrotestosterone is 5 times stronger effect on the hair and makes it faster to go through all phases of the life cycle and fall prematurely.
But there is two good news. The first - hormones do not destroy the bulb itself, which means that with proper treatment, it can be “woken up”. The second - a high level of testosterone does not mean that you are bald. It all depends on the level of the enzyme that converts testosterone to its active form.
8. Family matters
Up to 45 years, about a third of men risk losing hair on their heads. Hereditary baldness is associated with a malfunction in one of the regulatory genes. The function of genes that stimulate the collection of the hair matrix, or affect the sensitivity of receptors to substances that affect hair growth, may be impaired.
It was previously thought that the “baldness” gene is maternally transmitted through the X chromosome. But at present, many genes have been identified that can be transmitted from father to son or daughter through ordinary, non-sex chromosomes. A “broken” gene does not always cause baldness, and additional factors are needed for the “bad” heredity to appear.
The activity of the gene "baldness" may be affected by:
· taking medication;
· hormonal changes;
· Harmful effects of the environment.
9. Nutrient Deficiency
If your hair is dull, thinned and easily falls out, it is possible that they simply lack nutrients. Even if you regularly make cosmetic masks or use expensive shampoo, it does not mean that you deliver the necessary components to your hair faster.
The necessary trace elements and vitamins are needed not only and not so much for the head locally as for metabolism throughout the body.
Iron
Hair loss is sometimes the first and only sign of an iron deficiency condition. Iron deficiency can occur in any woman, because every month a significant amount of this trace element is lost with blood. In addition, if you have already given birth to two or three children, then your body has exhausted the “deposits” of iron that went into building the child’s body. If you are a vegetarian, then perhaps your hair has become less "iron" due to the lack of meat products, from which the body is easier to absorb iron than from vegetable. Fans of coffee and tea should also beware of iron deficiency, because the caffeine contained in these drinks disrupts the absorption of iron in the intestines.
Zinc and copper
People with alopecia in the blood usually have lower levels of zinc. The trace element is necessary to create a new hair fiber, so its zinc deficiency can lead to hair loss throughout the body. But zinc is harmful to hair even when there is a lot of it. It is able to increase the level of testosterone, which at a very high level does not act on DNA bulbs. To avoid an excess of zinc, it is recommended to take it with copper. These two trace elements work in conjunction, but at the same time compete with each other for the right to be absorbed in the intestine. Copper is also twofold onion. On the one hand, it participates in the creation of hair, but with excess makes the hair thin and brittle, shortens its growth phase.
Vitamin B1
Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is a substance that activates the enzymes necessary to trigger the mitochondria of the bulbs - intracellular "power stations". In the hair follicles, metabolism is very active, so the delivery of “fuel” to the mitochondria should be continuous. With a deficiency of B vitamins, the activity of enzymes necessary for hair growth is significantly reduced.
Biotin
Biotin is necessary so that the cells in the skin and in the bulb actively divide, and the hair is strengthened with keratin. This vitamin nourishes the hair and restores its deep layers. Experimental studies report that deficiency of biotin or vitamin H causes dermatitis of the head and hair loss. Red spots around the nose and mouth indicate a deficiency in this vitamin.
L-lysine
Lysine is an amino acid without which hair is deprived not only of keratin, but also of calcium, from which the hair matrix is formed. Due to this matrix, the hair retains the ability to grow. In addition, a lack of L-lysine enhances the sensitivity of the hair bulb receptors to dihydrotestosterone.
10. Vitamin intoxication
If you like to take dietary supplements, vitamin and mineral complexes, it is important not to overdo it and take into account the daily norm of vitamins. Be aware that an excess of certain vitamins is much more dangerous than a deficiency.
Fat-soluble vitamins easily penetrate into tissues and accumulate there. For example, vitamin A, accumulating in the hair, can make them brittle and cause hair loss.
11. Manipulation of hair
Women love to change hairstyles and dye their hair. As a rule, you need to fix a new hairstyle with a hot hair dryer, tongs or curling iron, and then sprinkle with plenty of varnish or apply styling gel. So it turns out that going to the hairdresser for our hair is a “triple” blow - physical, chemical and mechanical. Frequent combing or combing is also not very useful. You can comb your skin and damage the outer layer of the hair - the cuticle. Because of this, the hair will break in the middle.
Some hairstyles, especially ponytails, can weaken hair. The scalp of girls with a tightly assembled bundle is greatly stretched. Because of this, blood circulation worsens, hair becomes brittle in the root area or falls out.
12. Age
The most magnificent hair occurs at the age of 15 - 18 years, because under the influence of hormones, the cells of the hair bulb divide faster. Up to 30 years in the absence of health problems, the hair is full of beauty. But then the amount of hair can decrease.
You will notice that the hair has become less thick, although it does not fall out much. All this is a physiological norm, which is associated with a change in the hormonal background. Bulbs become sensitive to hormones that “put them to sleep”. But the process is slow, so the changes will become apparent by the age of 50, and sometimes much later, if you have good genetics.
13. Seborrhea
Seborrheic alopecia is more likely to occur in adolescents when hormones are disturbed. Moreover, the problem is equally observed in boys and girls. If there are a lot of androgens or male sex hormones in the body, then the production of sebum increases, it becomes poor-quality and sticks to the hair. If the lubricant is not removed on time from the skin, propionobacteria that populate the scalp are used.
Because of these bacteria, seborrhea dermatitis develops - inflammation of the skin of the scalp. Inflammation is manifested by itching, redness, and severe flaking of the skin, which we call dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis differs from ordinary dandruff in that, due to inflammation in the bulbs, the cells die out and the hair begins to fall out.
14. Not enough blood - anemia
Pale skin, weakness, rapid heartbeat and hair loss - that such a combination may indicate anemia or deficiency of red blood cells - red blood cells.The hair bulb is very sensitive to oxygen deficiency, which means that your hair with anemia can not only stop growing, but fall out. There are two main causes of anemia - bleeding and deficiency of the substances from which the red blood cell is formed, for example, iron, protein, vitamin B12 and folic acid.
You can find out about the presence of anemia only by passing a general blood test. Additional analyzes of the level of trace elements and vitamins help determine the type of anemia - B12-deficient, iron deficiency or folio-deficiency. Blood should be examined if, during menstruation, a woman loses a lot of blood or hemorrhoids often bleed, and blood is constantly released with feces. Often hidden bleeding occurs with a stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
15. Polycystic ovary
Polycystic is characterized by the formation of many cysts from ovarian tissue. Cysts secrete hormones, but not female, but male - testosterone and androstenedione. Hormones change the type of hair growth. Hair begins to grow where women should not have it - on the stomach, chest and face.
But since the sensitivity of the bulbs to hormones on the head is higher, the hair here receives too much dose of male sex hormones, especially dihedron test sterner. It gradually reduces the size of the bulbs, which is why thick hair on the head gradually turns into fluffy and fall off. If, along with baldness, you have menstrual irregularities, you should take a hormone test and do an ovarian ultrasound.
16. Bad ecology
Air and soil pollution is perhaps the most serious factor that weakens hair. If there are a lot of heavy metals in the soil or the air is saturated with carcinogens, food grown in this land and saturated with gases from the air will contain them in large quantities. The first signal of chronic intoxication may be just hair loss. As mentioned above, in the hair there is a system of "neutralization", exactly the same as in the liver. Thanks to the enzyme system, hair is able to process all harmful substances and facilitate their removal from the body. But an excess of toxins leads to the fact that toxic components accumulate in the hair and cause their gradual death.
The hair of residents of megacities is adversely affected by:
· dry and hot air outside or from the air conditioner;
· hard water;
· bleach in pools;
· Sun rays.
These risk factors act directly on the hair, dry it very much and can contribute to inflammation of the scalp. To prevent adverse effects of environmental factors on the scalp and hair, it is recommended to use humidifiers, drink plenty of fluids and wash your hair thoroughly after visiting the pool. And to protect hair from burning and scalp from ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to wear caps.
17. Irradiation
After a dose of harmful radiation, radiation sickness can be obtained. The effects of ionizing radiation can be felt not only by people who live or work near objects that create radiation, but also by the liquidators of disasters. Moreover, the consequences may not appear immediately, but as radioactive elements accumulate, which themselves are not removed from the body.
The most severe changes occur after exposure to alpha radiation. Radioactive substances enter the body with air, food or water, sometimes even through damaged skin. Absorbed into the blood, radio elements begin to irradiate the body from the inside. A man goes bald because radiation inhibits the division and growth of bulb cells. It is important that with radiation sickness hair falls out not only on the head, but also on all parts of the body.
Hair may also fall out if radiation or radiotherapy has been prescribed to the patient for treatment of a malignant tumor. But, unlike alpha radiation, x-rays act locally. This means that your hair can fall out only if you irradiate your head.
18. Diabetes
Hair in diabetes can fall out even in people under 30 years old and not only on the head, but also throughout the body. Diabetes mellitus disrupts the nutrition of all tissues in the body. The hair follicles are also constantly experiencing a deficiency of glucose - the main energy substrate, so cell division in them slows down sharply.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by a high level of adrenaline in the blood, which, as you know, causes vasospasm. It also contracts the muscle around the hair, making the latter thinner. Excess glucose damages small vessels. As a result, microcirculation of the scalp worsens.
19. Lupus
Lupus hair falls out in half of patients. Lupus erythematous is an autoimmune disease that affects all organs that contain collagen or connective tissue protein. First of all, blood vessels suffer. Due to inflammation of small vessels and the formation of scar tissue, the lumen of the arteries that feed the hair roots sharply narrows. Inflamed arteries stop supplying blood to the bulbs and the hair falls out.
Hair can also fall out due to the side effects of drugs that are prescribed for the treatment of lupus. In case of severe loss, you need to consult a doctor. He will select the right dose or replace the drug.
20. Trichotillomania
There is a mental illness, trichotillomania, in which a person pulls out his hair himself, especially on his head and eyebrows. Under the "anxious hand" also fall eyelashes, beard and other areas on the body with abundant vegetation. Unlike neurosis, trichotillomania is practically impossible to control.
A plucking attack, despite the pain, occurs when a person’s attention is busy with something, and he does not notice how he pulls out his hair. For this reason, many deny that they have such an inclination. The skin on bald areas is not changed, but usually you can find several foci with bald patches. If you notice something similar with your loved one, know that only a psychiatrist is involved in the treatment of this condition.
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