A majority of people suffer from hair loss at some point in their life. While it may be a seasonal issue for some, for others it can be an early sign of complete hair loss or baldness. Even though hair loss and alopecia are more common in males, hair thinning and excessive shedding can be a cause of concern for women too. Hair loss can be difficult for anybody, but in younger people, it can have a huge impact on their self-esteem. More so, it is observed that every 1 out of 5 young adults suffers from hair loss. If it is also a concern for you, then in this article I am going to tell you about the early signs of hair loss and how you must act if you observe any of these signs.
Early Hair Loss Signs
Common Causes of Hair Loss at a Young Age
In order to eliminate a problem, it’s important that you know about its root cause. Hair loss can be caused due to multiple reasons. To understand why you suffer from the problem, let’s have a look at some common causes of hair loss at a young age.
- Genetics can cause both male and female-pattern baldness.
- A lack of proper nutrition, eating disorders or dietary imbalances can slow down hair production.
- Thyroid conditions can lead to brittle hair.
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome can cause hair thinning in women.
- Certain medications and medical treatments can lead to the shedding of hair.
- Excessive hair treatment, colours or heat styling can cause hair breakage and damage hair follicles.
How to Stop Hair Loss at the Earliest?
Haircare is the key to a healthy mane. If you want to stop losing hair, then follow these simple and natural hair care tips.
Wash Your Hair Using a Mild Shampoo
Wash your hair regularly using a shampoo that is natural and does not damage your hair follicles over time. You must avoid using shampoos with sulfates, parabens, artificial fragrance and formaldehyde as these chemicals can promote hair breakage and make your scalp dry and itchy.
Vitamins for Hair Loss
The best vitamins to prevent hair loss are biotin, iron, zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. Biotin is the most essential vitamin as it promotes the production of a hair protein called Keratin. You can add these vitamins in the form of supplements to your diet and make sure the foods you eat are a rich source of these vitamins too.
Eat a Protein-Rich Diet
Our hair follicles are made up of mostly protein. Consuming a protein-rich diet ensures the growth of healthy and strong hair. Eating lean meats, fish, soy or other sources of proteins can help you significantly curb hair loss.
Scalp Massage with Essential Oils
Massaging your scalp can promote blood flow which is important for hair growth. Make sure that you add 1% essential oils such as lavender, clary sage or rosemary to coconut or almond oil and massage your hair in small circular motions using the tips of your fingers. Essential oils have certain therapeutic properties which can cleanse and repair your hair follicles to facilitate hair growth.
Do Not Brush Wet Hair
A lot of people brush their hair as soon as they get out of the shower. Wet hair is more vulnerable to breakage and brushing them may cause excessive hair loss. But if you are in a hurry and you need to comb wet hair, make sure you use a wide-toothed comb and a serum to detangle your hair. Also, do not dry your hair using a towel as friction can cause hair breakage.
Keep yourself hydrated
To ensure the growth of healthy hair, make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Your hair shaft is made up of a quarter of water, which is why hydration plays a huge role in keeping the hair from falling.
Use Silk Pillowcases
Using silk pillowcases while sleeping can help your scalp retain moisture. When you use cotton pillow covers, they tend to absorb moisture from your hair, leaving your hair brittle and frizzy. This in turn can make them weak and cause shedding.
You must also keep in mind to not style your hair very often using heat equipment or chemicals. As excessive styling can make your hair weak and prone to breakage. And besides these effective hair loss tips, you should consult your doctor to ensure there isn’t any underlying medical condition that is causing the hair to fall.