Hair Regrowth Treatment: Causes & Treatment for Hair Fall

Uncover And Understand The Root Cause Of Hair Fall 

Hair fall isn’t easy on any of us. It can make even the most secure people feel conscious about their appearance. On the surface, all we see are stray strands falling out on our pillows or tangled up on combs. It can be a scary sight but losing 100-150 strands of hair a day falls within the normal range of hair fall.

Up to an extent, hair fall is a natural part of our body's growth cycle. There are 4 stages that our hair goes through before finally falling out.

1. Anagen Phase: 
    This is the first and the longest stage of hair growth where your hair will continue to grow until it either reaches the end of its cycle and falls off or is cut off. At any given time, about 90% of your hair is in the anagen phase. How long one strand takes to grow depends on person to person, but it usually falls between 3 to 7 years.

2. Catagen Phase:
    This phase starts after the end of the anagen phase, it is when the hair starts to detach from the hair follicle. The hair follicle shrinks, and hair growth becomes slower.

3. Telogen Phase: 
    This is the phase when the hair has finished its growth cycle and stops growing. It does not fall out yet for another 3 to 4 months, the new hair starts to form alongside this phase.

4. Exogen Phase:
    This is a continuation of the telogen phase when the hair finally sheds. It will fall off by itself or when you comb or wash your hair. Losing 100 to 150 hair strands a day to this phase is a normal part of the hair cycle.

Apart from this normal cycle of hair growth and hair fall, there are other factors too that cause hair fall. A key part of hair fall treatment is to understand the causes behind this excess hair loss. In most cases hair loss is reversible, but it’s important to know where you stand in terms of the cause of your hair fall. Here are a few of the things to look out for:

1. Dandruff

While dandruff itself does not directly cause hair loss; it is still a major reason for hair loss. This is because dandruff causes scalp irritation and makes it itchy. Since the skin on your scalp is quite sensitive, scratching it damages the hair follicles, leading to weak roots and breakage. Getting rid of dandruff is a good first step to combatting hair fall. Oil your hair regularly and shampoo it thoroughly to help get rid of dandruff.  

1. Your hairstyling routine:

There are many hair treatments available in salons such as keratin treatments, elaborate dye jobs and perms and DIYs at home such as hair masks. All these lead to a lot of hair product  build-up on your strands. As product build-up accumulates it forms a layer around the hair and prevents moisture from penetrating. The hair shaft becomes weak, and your hair gets drier and more prone to breakage, leading to hair fall. Sometimes, hair fall treatment is as easy as taking a break from harsh hair treatments and letting your hair breathe.

1. Tight hairdos

If you usually wear your hair pulled back tight then you will notice your hairline start to recede after a few months. This is because the repeated strain on your hair leads to breakage and hair fall, it can also permanently damage your hair follicles over time. Try switching up your hairstyle or wearing your hair down to reverse the damage.

1. Stress

Many people notice an increase in hair fall after major life events such as having an operation, giving birth or recovering from a serious illness. Excessive stress can force your hair follicles into a resting phase and the affected patches may fall out within a few months. Stress may also lead to compulsive hair pulling, which is called trichotillomania. It is the irresistible urge to pull at your hair at times when you feel stressed, tense or frustrated. Hair loss caused by stress is not permanent and once you are out of a stressful situation, your hair will be back to its natural volume.

1. Medication:

Some medicines do cause hair loss as a side effect. If you have recently started on a new medication course, it could potentially be the reason behind your hair fall. This type of hair fall is not permanent, consult your doctor about it and discuss switching to a different medication. Do not stop taking the medicine without a go-ahead from your doctor.

1. Age:

Age is the most brutal factor when it comes to hair fall. Even the healthiest scalps will start to lose hair with age. At some point, the hair follicles stop growing new hair which makes your hair thin out. Treatment and care can help to regrow hair. Keeping a steady hair care routine can help to slow down the effects of ageing on hair fall.

Methods for healthy hair growth:

As we have seen, hair fall can have many causes, knowing the cause behind your hair fall is vital to know how to fix it. There might be more than just one factor contributing to your hair fall. If your case is severe, consulting a dermatologist can help you get to the root of the problem and resolve it efficiently.

With advances in science, there are many hair grafts and hair transplant methods available to artificially regrow hair. These hair regrowth treatments do show faster results than natural treatments, but they are not a viable option for everyone as they can be quite heavy on the pocket. Here are some alternative hair regrowth options that you can try out:

1. Oiling and scalp massages:

Scalp massages are great for stimulating the hair follicles and encouraging them to grow thicker and healthier hair. They improve blood flow to the hair follicle, giving it a steady nutrient supply and encouraging growth. Massaging your scalp with a good hair oil will keep your roots hydrated and strong. Dry hair is more prone to breakage so when your hair is hydrated, hair fall due to breakage will reduce too. Use a good, natural, hair regrowth oil to see the best results.  

1. Hair hygiene:

Taking proper care of your hair is essential for healthy regrowth. You should be washing your hair regularly and combing it twice a day for healthy redistribution of natural oils. A good hair fall treatment hair shampoo can help you fix damaged or breakage-prone hair. When you’re looking for a shampoo suited for you, keep a check on the ingredients list and steer clear of shampoos that use artificial dyes and scents as these chemicals can worsen hair fall. Opt for shampoos that are enriched with herbal ingredients and have strengthening properties. The stronger your roots, the less prone they are to breakage and hair fall.

1. Over the counter medicines and supplements: 

If your hair loss does not reduce after implementing the above steps and lifestyle changes, you can consult a doctor about potential medication and supplements that you can take as a treatment for hair loss .

 FAQ:

1. After what extent does hair fall become a cause for concern?

Experts say that losing 100-150 strands of hair a day falls within the normal range of hair fall and is nothing to be worried about. Up till this limit, it is a part of the normal growth cycle that our hair follows. If your hair fall exceeds this range, it is best to look into preventive measures.

2. Is it possible to regrow hair?

Yes, it is perfectly possible to regrow hair from healthy follicles. If the hair follicle is still intact, hair can be regrown either naturally or by using hair fall treatment methods. However, if the follicle has closed or been damaged, it will stop growing new hair.