Hair loss is caused by a number of unpredictable variables - often genetic or hormonal in nature - but did you know that certain lifestyle and environmental factors can also affect the fullness and health of your hair? At Mane Image Hair Restoration Clinic we strive to help you prevent hair loss and stimulate regrowth. Sometimes, a simple matter of education can make a world of difference.
Today, we'll be sharing the most common causes of hair loss as a result of lifestyle. Most of these components are well within your control, and we hope that with a little extra care you will be on your way to a thriving head of hair.
1. Stress
One of the leading culprits of lifestyle hair loss is stress. There's a good reason why "ripping out my hair" has become a widely understood expression for expressing anxiety. Of course, stress is not the most easily overcome hurdle, but understanding how and why it affects your health and your hair could ease your stress over the hair loss itself. Prolonged or chronic periods of stress can have adverse affects on your overall health, including hair health, but don't panic, the hair loss is not permanent!
Extreme stress releases hormones such as cortisol and noradrenaline, both of which can influence your hair's natural cycle of growth and loss. These hormones can trigger the resting period in your hair follicles stymying new growth while your hair continues to shed at its normal rate. The result is thinning hair and hair loss. However, as stress levels normalize regrowth begins in a matter of months.
2. Diet
Another huge factor that can lead to hair loss is diet. Quite simply, if your diet is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to healthy hair growth, you may experience hair loss. Luckily, this is an easy fix if you know what to change and have the willpower to stick with a healthy meal plan.
Diets that are high in saturated fats, salt, and sugar commonly result in poor overall health, resulting in thinning, lifeless hair. A healthy, happy hair diet should consist of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean red meat, fish, and nuts. Hydration is also important, as is the inclusion of vitamins A, B6 and B12, and C. We also recommend adding vitamin supplements such as biotin, niocin, silica, and zinc to your regiment.
3. Smoking
Smoking has been linked to a wide array of health-related problems, including - wait for it - hair loss. It has been suggested that smoking affects the body's circulation which, in turn, can restrict or damage the blood flow to the hair follicles. Your hair follicles require a steady flow of oxygen and nutrients in order to produce healthy hair and smoking's toll on your body may negatively impact that function.
4. Products and Hairstyle
The way in which you treat your hair on a day-to-day basis is a key player in its overall health. Using too many products and over-styling your hair will not result in accelerated or permanent hair loss, but it could weaken your hair over time. The rougher you are with your hair the more likely it is to break, split, or shed, resulting in limp, thinning, unhealthy hair. Use products as directed and try to avoid excessive heat, dyeing, bleaching, and perms.
If you would like more information about hair loss or the services offered at Mane Image, please feel free to contact us. We have nearly 30 years of experience with hair loss solutions and we look forward to helping you achieve the hair of your dreams. Call us for your free consultation!
