Hair Loss: Common Causes and Habits to Care for Your Locks

Distinguishing between the two situations is one of the first steps to choosing the appropriate care.

How Much Hair Is Normal to Lose Each Day?

Hair goes through a natural cycle consisting of different phases of growth, transition, and shedding. For this reason, losing a certain amount of hair daily is part of its normal renewal.

The visible amount can vary depending on the length of the hair, the frequency of washing, and the method of styling. A person who washes their hair every few days may notice a greater accumulation during the shower, although they may not necessarily be experiencing abnormal hair loss.

It's advisable to pay more attention when some of these signs appear:

• A clearly higher amount of hair is lost over several weeks.
• The parting of the hair appears wider.
• Less density is noticeable in certain areas.
• Localized areas without hair appear.
• The scalp shows itching, flaking, or irritation.
• The hair loss begins suddenly and intensely.
• The hair breaks easily at various lengths.

When the loss is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.

Hair Loss and Breakage Are Not the Same

Although they can be confused, loss from the root and breakage of the fibre are different problems.

In hair loss, the hair detaches from the follicle as part of its cycle or due to some factor that alters that process. In breakage, the fibre breaks before completing its length. This can cause the hair to lose volume and present many short strands, but it does not necessarily imply an alteration at the root.

Breakage is often related to:

• Frequent bleaching.
• Excessive use of straighteners and curling irons.
• Rough brushing.
• Very tight hairstyles.
• Lack of conditioning.
• Prolonged sun exposure.
• Very dry or porous hair.
• Continuous friction with fabrics or accessories.

Observing the detached hairs can provide some clues. When they have a full length and show a slight thickening at one end, they probably detached from the root. If fragments of different lengths appear, there may be breakage.

Common Causes of Temporary Hair Loss

Hair loss can increase at certain times without necessarily indicating a permanent problem. One of the most common causes is telogen effluvium, a temporary alteration of the hair cycle that can occur after a period of physical or emotional stress.

Factors that may influence include:

• Periods of intense stress.
• Hormonal changes.
• Recovery after an illness.
• High fever.
• Rapid weight loss.
• Very restrictive diets.
• Certain medications.
• Lack of rest.
• Seasonal changes.

In these cases, hair loss may begin weeks or months after the trigger, making it not always easy to relate the two events.

There are also causes that require professional evaluation, such as androgenetic alopecia, thyroid disorders, certain nutritional deficiencies, specific scalp diseases, or autoimmune alopecias.

The Scalp Is Also Part of the Routine

Often, hair care focuses solely on the lengths and ends. However, the scalp is the area from which hair grows and needs appropriate cleansing.

The accumulation of grease, sweat, pollution, and styling products can cause discomfort and disrupt the balance of the area. This does not mean that aggressive cleaning is necessary. Excessive washing or using inappropriate products can also lead to dryness, tightness, and irritation.

The frequency should be adapted to each person. Oily scalps may need more frequent washing, while others tolerate a lower frequency better. The important thing is to keep the area clean without being aggressive.

During washing, it is recommended to:

1. Thoroughly wet the hair with lukewarm water.
2. Apply shampoo mainly to the scalp.
3. Gently massage with the fingertips.
4. Avoid scratching with the nails.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Repeat the application only when necessary.

The massage should be gentle. Rubbing vigorously does not stimulate growth and can increase irritation or tangle the fibre.

How to Choose an Anti-Hair Loss Routine

Cosmetics aimed at hair loss usually focus on keeping the scalp clean, improving the feeling of strength, and reducing breakage. They can come in the form of shampoos, conditioners, masks, tonics, or leave-in treatments.

Before choosing them, it's advisable to assess what problem you want to address.

If the hair is breaking, the routine should include conditioning products, repairing treatments, and thermal protection. If there is excess grease, flaking, or discomfort, the balance of the scalp should be prioritized. When the loss occurs from the root, cosmetics can serve as a complement but do not replace a diagnosis.

It is also important to use the products for the indicated time. Changing routines every few days makes it difficult to determine if they truly meet the hair's needs.

Habits That Can Reduce Breakage

Although breakage is not always the main cause of loss of density, avoiding it helps to maintain length and improve the overall appearance of the hair.

Some useful habits include:

• Detangling starting from the ends.
• Using conditioner after washing.
• Avoiding rubbing the hair with a towel.
• Applying thermal protector before drying.
• Reducing the temperature of straighteners and curling irons.
• Not tying up wet hair.
• Avoiding overly tight hairstyles.
• Limiting aggressive chemical processes.
• Trimming the ends periodically.

It's also advisable to review the type of brush, hair ties, and other accessories. Items with metal parts or rough surfaces can damage the fibre when used continuously.

Nutrition and Lifestyle

Hair health is related to overall well-being, but there is no specific food that can stop hair loss on its own. Maintaining a varied and sufficient diet helps meet the needs for proteins, iron, zinc, vitamins, and other nutrients related to the normal functioning of the body.

Restrictive diets or rapid weight loss can disrupt the hair cycle. Therefore, supplements should not be used indiscriminately. If a deficiency is suspected, it is preferable to consult a healthcare professional and undergo the necessary tests.

Getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and maintaining healthy habits can also be beneficial, especially when hair loss occurs after a period of physical or emotional overload.

Common Mistakes Regarding Hair Loss

Concern can lead to constantly changing products or applying numerous treatments at the same time. This not only makes it difficult to assess results but can also cause buildup or irritation.

Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Suspending washing for fear of losing more hair.
• Massaging the scalp too forcefully.
• Applying essential oils undiluted.
• Using supplements without knowing if there is a deficiency.
• Relying solely on a shampoo to resolve persistent hair loss.
• Doing tight hairstyles to hide the loss of density.
• Delaying professional consultation when bald patches appear.

Washing your hair does not cause healthy hairs to fall out. During the shower, those that are already at the end of their cycle tend to fall out.

When Is It Advisable to Consult a Specialist?

There is no need to panic at any occasional increase in hair loss, but it is advisable to seek evaluation when the problem persists, progresses, or appears in a localized manner.

It is also recommended to consult if there is a family history, hormonal changes, general symptoms, nail alterations, or persistent scalp irritation.

The specialist can examine the area, review the history, and, when necessary, request tests to determine if there is a specific cause. The sooner the origin is identified, the easier it will be to establish an appropriate strategy.

A Consistent and Adapted Routine

Caring for hair loss should begin by identifying whether there is a...