Causes of excessive hair loss
Excessive hair loss is usually hereditary, but it can also be caused by skin or hair diseases, cancer, iron deficiency, excessive hair styling/coloring, hormones, stress, medications, deficiencies of essential nutrients and vitamins, an under-functioning thyroid gland, or poor scalp condition.
Most common types of hair loss
Androgenetic Alopecia
This hereditary form of hair loss manifests in men as bald patches on the crown and temples. In women, it manifests as thinning hair across the entire scalp. Unlike in men, this form of hair loss rarely leads to complete baldness in women.
Alopecia areata
This causes spontaneous baldness on the scalp. In some cases, this form of hair loss can extend to the entire scalp.
Scarring alopecia
This form is characterized by scarring of the skin. This can occur in both men and women and at any age. This permanently damages the hair follicles. Symptoms are usually intense itching, burning, and pain.
Telogen effluvium
This is caused by a change in the hair growth cycle and is triggered by an emotional or physical shock, such as a death, a high fever, an extreme diet, or a medical procedure. Hair repairs itself, but it can take months.
Traction alopecia
This form is caused by excessive styling and the use of products that pull on the hair. When this is stopped before scarring occurs, there is no permanent damage and the hair grows back normally.
To what extent can you influence hair loss yourself?
Although excessive hair loss is often hereditary, it can definitely influence the condition and length of your hair.
First, research which form of excessive hair loss best suits your situation and, of course, always consult your doctor or specialist for possible treatment.
Second: Don't underestimate the importance of your lifestyle; what you eat, how you deal with stress, and how you groom yourself are all crucial to the condition of your scalp, hair, and overall health.
General tips for healthy hair growth and preventing/reducing hair loss
- Maintain a varied diet and eat many different types of vegetables, fruits, and fish. This way, you get enough protein, vitamins, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for healthy hair. Vitamin B and iron support hair growth. You can find them in beans, nuts and seeds, meat, olives, and spinach, for example. This is just a small selection. It's really worth digging deeper into nutrition and discovering how versatile and delicious you can eat healthily!
- Are you vegetarian or vegan? Then focus more on your sources of iron and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Many people eat too much "acidic" food, which means the hair shaft is also too acidic and no longer forms a solid foundation for new hair growth. There is a wealth of information online about acidic and alkaline foods that you can benefit from.
- Get plenty of rest, relaxation, and exercise.
- Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Our care tips to stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss
- Avoid using a hair dryer, flat iron, or curling iron that's too hot; hot air can also damage your hair.
- Use gentle styling products and always rinse well.
- Avoid combing wet hair, as this breaks many hairs that would normally continue to grow.
- Comb your hair preferably with a wide-tooth comb.
- Wear your hair loose, not too tightly scrunched back in ponytails, braids, or with lots of bobby pins.
- Don't let your hair end up at the salon!
- Massage your scalp regularly to stimulate blood circulation without using your nails.
- Take care of your hair and scalp with gentle products. These care for and moisturize your hair and won't damage your scalp. Many care products cleanse your hair, but they also strip it of natural oil, causing it to become dry and brittle, leading to faster hair loss.
- Wash your hair no more than twice a week.
- Always use conditioner or a hair mask after washing your hair.
Intensive treatment with Dead Sea salt and Dead Sea mud
Before your usual washing ritual with shampoo and conditioner/hair mask, you can treat your hair and scalp more intensively 1-2 times a week:
1. Massage your scalp, this stimulates blood flow
2. Rinse your hair with Dead Sea lotion . To do this, dissolve 1 part Dead Sea salt in 3 parts water. For better solubility, you can grind the salt with a mortar and pestle. Pour this solution into a plastic bottle and place it in the bathroom.
3. Rinse out the lotion and apply Dead Sea mud to your scalp, cover it with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it soak for 20-30 minutes. Rinse well.
