Hair Fall: What Is It? And How Do You Stop It?

Have you ever stood in the shower and noticed that the plug hole is bunged up with hair? If so, you’re not alone. While some shedding is healthy, the rate of hair fall can increase.

When it occurs in excess, hair fall can be distressing, so what is it? And how can you stop it from happening?

What Is Hair Fall? 

 

Hair fall occurs when the follicles that make your hair go into hibernation mode. Every few months, they switch off hair production to regenerate, causing the hair to fall out naturally and harmlessly. It is an entirely normal process and something that won’t make a difference to your style, so long as it proceeds at a reasonable rate.

In some cases, however, hair fall can accelerate and even lead to patches of baldness on your scalp. Not only does it block up your plug hole, but it can also knock your confidence if you believe that your hair is thinning.

Fortunately, there’s a substantial amount that you can do to put a stop to the process. Take a look at the following methods to reduce hair fall and get your confidence back.

 

Use Mild Shampoo

Sometimes hair loss is the result of using harsh shampoos that contain too many chemicals which damage the scalp. Fortunately, you can now get a range of mild shampoos designed for sensitive skin and hair follicles. These products replace some of the more astringent ingredients in shampoo with gentler, more natural alternatives. Look for brands that try to minimize the list of synthetic ingredients and promote natural options instead.

Just be warned: the shampoo may not lather as you expect, so you’ll have to get used to a different sensation when washing your hair.

 

Cut Your Stress

Research suggests that high levels of stress can set off a chain reaction that damages hair follicles. The activation of the body’s “fight or flight” response seems to deplete hair follicles of stem cells, preventing them from producing new strands. This action, in turn, causes them to behave dysfunctionally or die, leading to permanent hair loss.

If you’re feeling stressed and panicked, it is a sign that your brain’s survival response network is overworked and needs to take a little bit of time out. Try focusing on something that you find relaxing. Meditation can also help. If the worst comes to the worst, you may need a radical lifestyle overhaul.

 

Don’t Smoke, Obviously

If you’ve just taken up smoking, that could be the reason why your hair fall has accelerated. Smoking reduces blood flow to the follicles on your scalp, reducing nourishment. The body responds by shedding more hair than usual until it can restore the regular flow of nutrients.

 

Sweating In The Summer May Increase Hairfall

Some evidence suggests that sweating could increase your risk of hair fall. Sweat has a nasty habit of getting into the pores on your scalp and weakening the roots in susceptible people. After exercise, try to dry your hair. A sweatband or bandana during exercise can help.

 

Check Your Medications

Prescription medications can wreak havoc on your hair. If you’re currently taking any meds, talk to your doctor about whether they might be causing your hair to fall out. Sometimes, physicians can offer you alternatives that treat your medical condition but have more favourable side effects.

 

Reduce The Strain On Your Hair

 

Ponytails, braids, and pulling your hair back generally can encourage hair fall. The act of tugging on the hair can damage hair follicles and, on some occasions, lead to permanent damage. Where possible, try wearing your hair a little looser.

 

Don’t Brush Wet Hair

When hair is wet, it is in its weakest state, and you’re most likely to experience hair fall.

If you absolutely must brush your hair, then use a hairbrush with wide teeth, as this reduces the stress on the hair and makes it less likely that it will fall out.

 

Try A Hair Mask

Hair masks are usually oil-based products that you apply to your hair in an attempt to nourish it and keep it healthy. Some masks make use of natural chemicals from the plant kingdom, such as green tea or mint, which may help to restore some follicles to hair production. Uses these masks periodically to see whether you notice any change.

Some people don’t even bother buying a mask. Instead, they rub used green tea bags on their hair and scalp. You can also try topical ginger and diluted peppermint essential oil.

 

So there you have it: what hair fall is and some of the things you can do to stop it.

 

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