Each one of us experiences hair fall on a daily basis. Since we don’t consciously keep a tab on the number, noticing a bunch of hair on the floor and on the comb all at once is bound to make us panic. Before you book an appointment with your doctor, you must know that losing 50 to 100 hair strands a day is considered to be normal.
In order to find out whether the number of hair strands you’re losing per day is normal or not, you can either try the pull test or the comb test. The pull test is simple and it requires you to just run your fingers through your hair. If around 6-8 hair strands fall out, then it’s normal. For the comb test, place your hair on a pillow and gently brush it from the nape of your neck to the front of your scalp for a minute. If 8-10 strands fall out, then there’s nothing to worry about. If you’re losing more hair than usual, you must know the reason for hair fall.
5 Reasons Why You’re Losing More Hair Than You Should
It’s time to get to the root of the problem!
You’re Over-Styling Your Hair
Over-styling the hair doesn’t only mean using hair products and colouring the hair, hot tools like blowdryers, curling wands and hair straighteners count too. Constant exposure to heat and chemicals in hair products will not only damage the hair but will also cause inflammation on the scalp. The more you leave your hair alone, the better.
Anxiety & Stress
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Whether it’s stress at work or at home, keeping heavy emotions bottled up is bound to take a toll on your body. Directly affecting the hair follicles, it pushes them into a ‘resting phase’ and hampers the production and growth of new hair strands. A hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania involves a person suffering from depression, stress, frustration and anxiety, to pull their own hair. This action not only causes hair thinning but premature balding as well. To curb stress by yourself find a healthy outlet like yoga, boxing, meditating, colouring and writing. Reach out to a specialist if need be.
You Have An Iron Deficiency
Since iron is important for producing hair cell protein, having an iron deficiency can cause hair to fall. You can either consume iron supplements with a prescription from your doctor or consume iron-rich foods like spinach, tofu, lentils, white meat, dried peaches and apricots. Other nutrients important for hair growth and strength are zinc, protein, vitamins E, B, K and A.
Hormonal Imbalances Are Real!
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You may or may not know this, but your hormones are responsible for regulating your hair growth cycle as well. Overproduction of androgens causes hair to fall. While each person’s body is different, what drug or remedy works for another person, may not work the same for you. Always consult your doctor first.
You’re Popping Too Many Birth Control Pills
Unless you really have to, don’t consume birth control pills unnecessarily. As tiny as they are, all birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin, this not only puts a pause on ovulation but also causes hair fall.
Now that you know some of the main reasons for hair fall, we hope you are more conscious of your actions and treat your locks with a whole lot of love and care.
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