What causes us to lose hair?! Of course we all know that age plays a key role when it comes to hair loss. Why do we lose hair while we’re still young though? Well, there are two main reasons, genetics and hormones. Certain people are genetically predisposed to hair loss when exposed to a by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is made in the body by both men and women and new research has proven that this hormone is responsible for the progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle.

Here are some major facts about hair loss?br> Patchy Hair Loss: Immune system disorder called Alopecia areata causes hair follicles to stop producing hairs. Sudden loss of hair from small patches on the head is a common symptom.

• Hair Pulling: Loss of hair results from constant pulling, often the result of tightly braided hair styles.

• Delayed growth from Stress: The stress can slow down growth of new hair, and a few months after the stressful event, all of the resting follicles begin to shed hairs at about the same time.

• Sudden Hair Loss: Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy halt the growth phase of hair follicles, and result in the sudden shedding of hair. Some medications can also cause hair loss as a side effect.

• Broken Hairs: Hair shaft breakage is when part of a hair breaks off, but the growing end remains in the follicle and continues to grow. Hair shaft breakage results in thinner hair, and can be caused by excessive styling, chemicals, sun, and chlorine in swimming pools.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies are rarely a cause of hair loss. In rare cases certain nutritional deficiencies can cause weak hair shafts that tend to break off.

• Other Causes: Certain chronic illnesses can result in hair thinning and loss. Hormone-related irregularities can include hair loss among other symptoms. Skin Infections can result in hair loss. Trauma such as burns and injury to hair follicles can cause permanent hair loss.

Now that we are more aware of these causes, maybe we can acknowledge them and be more careful about our hair follicles. Well what exactly can we do to help stop hair loss? Here are a few things that can help:

• Massage your scalp with your fingertips (not your nails) daily to stimulate and promote circulation to your scalp.

• Comb or brush your hair and scalp gently with about 100 - 200 strokes in the morning and at night. This helps break up hardened oils (sebum) that is clogging your hair follicles. Doing this alone has grown new hair.

• When you’re using blow dryers, always keep the heat a good distance from your head. This will avoid heating the scalp and hair excessively.

• Avoid getting hair creams, lotions, styling gels and sprays directly on the scalp as this will clog up your hair follicles. Use a light hold spray if you must.

• After swimming in a pool, shampoo your hair as soon as possible to remove any chlorine residue. Chlorine is extremely damaging to the hair and scalp.

• Avoid over-exposing your hair and scalp to the wind and sun.

• Avoid tight hats and caps as they contribute to poor circulation, depriving the hair of proper nutrition. Sweat, dirt, and grime around the rim inhibit follicle health and contribute to build-up.

• Always consult your health care provider for extreme fallout and thinning. A medical condition or medication could be causing hair loss side effects.

• Strive for balance and harmony in both your personal and professional lifestyle. High stress factors can cause our body to react by fluctuating hormone levels. This in turn causes excessive oil secretion (sebum) which results in hair loss.

• Pregnancy, nursing, menopause even birth control medication cause constant changing factors on your nutritional needs and hormonal levels which contribute to hair loss and fallout.

• Avoid "crash and fad" diets. Proper nutritious meals along with vitamin and mineral supplements are a key factor for healthy hair and skin.

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