Contents
Hair loss is painless, but it doesn’t make it any easier. The pandemic, among other things, is associated with this problem. The alarming symptom of even healthy people is confusing. It turns out that the reason for the increased hair loss is chronic stress.
Doctor of Medical Sciences Irina Semyonova, dermatologist and trichologist (a specialist in the treatment of hair and scalp) from St. Petersburg shared her observations and personal experience with us. All 22 years of medical practice, she keeps a diary. Here is one of the recent entries:
The actual phenomenon is called. According to Irina, it usually begins several months after the stressful experience. Women who have given birth often experience this type of hair loss 2-4 months after giving birth.
“In the event of hair loss due to isolation and a pandemic, hair may fall out due to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone,” Irina comments on what is happening. “Imagine a simplified hair follicle life cycle: growth, rest and hair loss… Hormonal imbalances can stall the growth phase and put a large number of hair follicles into the resting phase. This is the pre-drop phase. When more than usual, the number of follicles enters the resting phase, then the activation of the third stage occurs and more hair falls out. With shock hair loss, hair falls out all over the head, and not in any specific area.
Other factors may be involved. People “feed on” stress: they drink more alcohol, switch to fast food or, on the contrary, gorge themselves on hearty and high-calorie homemade food for the future. Such food and libations can affect the entire body, including the hair follicles. Lack of sunlight is known to affect hair loss. Hair needs vitamins. Without enough “sunshine” vitamin D and without physical activity, our hair lacks important nutrients. “
Good news? Stress hair loss is reversible as it is a hormonal imbalance, not a genetic one. It can last up to 5-6 months, but it goes away! In any case, take care of your health here and now and, above all, reduce your stress level and learn to negotiate with your body.
A few more causes of hair loss in women
It is believed that lifelong hair loss and restructuring is a more feminine problem than a masculine one. There are many potential causes and factors involved in the process:
From the diary of Dr. Semyonova:
Hormonal changes
After the baby is born, after starting or stopping the pill, or during menopause, changes in hormone levels can affect the hair growth cycle. And it’s not just sex hormones such as. Thyroid hormones also play a role, which is why hair loss and thinning are often associated with thyroid disease.
By the way, another reason for hair loss is. If the issue is acute for you, consider other options for protection.
Genetics
Genetics is another common cause of hair loss in women. Unlike “shock hair loss”, genetics affects the head of hair gradually, starting with thinning hair and usually worsens with age.
Diets
Extreme dieting can lead to hair loss in many women. The body protests against these restrictions and stops hair growth in order to channel nutrients to other organs. Important for hair health are B vitamins, biotin, zinc, iron and vitamin E.
Damage from improper hair care
Daily “ponytails”, “braids” and the use of hairpins lead to gradual hair loss. Hair does not like to be constantly pulled. Brushing wet hair with fine-toothed combs, blow-drying and chemicals can also alter the hair growth cycle.
How to start making beauty
From the diary of Dr. Semyonova:
Scientists believe that hair will not fall out if you have enough of the following in your diet:
- Vitamins of group A, preventing dry and brittle hair.
- Vitamin B, which nourishes the hair follicles with oxygen.
- Vitamin C, which forms the structure of the hair and prevents it from splitting.
- Vitamin E, which strengthens hair follicles and prevents hair from falling out.
It also has a positive effect on the quality of hair (its lack can even provoke hair loss) and, which helps the scalp to stay healthy.
What you need to eat for thick, strong and shiny hair, read here.
A simple test to determine the quality of hair
Irina believes keeping hair “happy” is an endless battle throughout the year. In summer, hair often splits, curls from moisture and is damaged by sometimes excessive sunlight. Winter brings them dryness and static electricity. “If you can’t say that unruly strands are the result of dry hair, here’s a simple test. It determines the degree of porosity of hair, that is, how much moisture it needs for strength, growth and beauty. High porosity means dryness and requires the most moisture, while low porosity requires less moisture.
You don’t need to be a trichologist or have any special equipment for this test! Shampoo your hair and rinse it well to remove any cosmetic product residue. When they are dry (you don’t need to blow dry in this case), pluck out a couple of hairs and toss them into a wide bowl filled with tap water.
Do nothing for 3-4 minutes. Just watch your hair. Do they sink to the bottom of the container or float above?
- Hair with low porosity will remain on the surface of the water.
- Medium porosity hair will float and remain suspended.
- Hair with high porosity sinks to the bottom of the bowl.
By determining the porosity of your hair, you can more clearly and correctly choose the right hair care product that is necessary for its hydration and health.
Low porosity of hair
This type of hair repels moisture when you try to wet it. Hair is coarse – like straw. Look for lighter, liquid-based care products, such as hair milk, that won’t stay on your hair and leave it greasy.
Average hair porosity
This hair usually holds style and color well, but be careful not to frizz or dye it too often or too much. Over time, the average porosity will go from this to high. Use protein conditioners from time to time to maintain hydration levels.
High porosity of hair
Hair loses moisture easily. The restoration of hydration is a prerequisite for the health of such hair. Apply oils, greasy masks to fill in the gaps in the damaged hair structure and help retain moisture. “