Baldness is a specter for both men and women. Can you prevent hair loss? We presented these and other questions to hair specialist Dr. E. Plinck of the Outpatient Clinic for Hair and Nail Diseases in Rotterdam.
The cause of hair loss
Many different factors can affect the strength and quality of the hair. The lifestyle of a woman has the greatest influence on hair loss. Issues such as stress, insufficient intake of vitamins and protein, hormone fluctuations and the use of different medicines can all have an impact on hair loss.
Types of hair loss
There are different types of hair loss. The cause of hair loss can be different for every woman.
Temporary hair loss due to stress: In case of severe stress, hair can fall out. In the cold winter months this may be the coming holidays or because you are too busy at work. Because of the stress the hair roots stop growing and they end up in the ‘rest’ phase of their growth cycle. Hairs therefore fall out faster than normal. This type of hair loss can take months to years, depending on how long you feel stressed.
Hair loss due to poor blood flow: The hair follicles are affected by clogged blood flow. This can cause hair loss. The cause of this may be that the hair is pulled too often, for example by extensions or tight braids in the hair.
Hair loss due to hormones: This is a gradual process in which the hair follicles become smaller and smaller over the years. The hairs that still grow are therefore becoming narrower and weaker, which can lead to hair loss.
Prevent hair loss
There are several tips to keep your hair beautiful, strong and healthy. The healthier the hair, the less fast it will fall out. Especially in the autumn and winter months, you have to take extra care of your hair. Because of the drought, your hair is rather weak and breaks faster.
Nutrition: Your eating habits can have a major impact on the health of your hair. Drink plenty of water and make sure you get enough Omega-3 fatty acids inside. These fatty acids can be found in products such as salmon and herring and in seeds. Omega-3 will make your hair stronger and shinier. It is also important that you eat enough minerals such as zinc and iron. These promote hair growth. This is most easily found in wholemeal products. Protein and more vitamins are also good for your hair and make it fuller and softer.
Good blood circulation and less stress: Many sports provide better blood circulation, even with your scalp. Massage your scalp occasionally, making the local blood flow better. Sports is also a great way to reduce stress.
Use the right products: Use products that take care of damaged hair and give your hair the right nutrition. Try the products like Provillus, these are enriched with extra vitamins and nutrients.
Can a shampoo help to prevent hair loss?
Plinck: “No, a shampoo can not prevent hair loss, and no active substances can be added to a shampoo, which can penetrate far enough into the scalp to stimulate the hair roots, only with an alcohol-like solution and with the specially prepared water-soluble Minoxidil Lotion The effect of some food supplements is scientifically proven. “
In the fall the complaints about hair loss invariably increase. But is it really true that you lose more hair in the fall?
Plinck: “Hair growth and hair loss are varied processes, many people have a moulting period in spring and autumn, but this does not apply to all people, everyone has their own – personal – pattern of growth and dropout.”
Does stress affect hair loss?
Plinck: “Usually not so much, but under extreme conditions, and if there is a hair problem, then stress can have a (negative) influence.”
Is transplanted hair permanent or does it fall out again?
Plinck: “The hair that is transplanted comes from the back of the head, which is insensitive to hair loss and is therefore no longer out of the question, but unfortunately for women, this only applies to men!”
Does the way you treat your hair affect hair loss, such as brushing often?
Plinck: “Yes, what you do with your hair certainly has an effect: Perma- nents, decolorizing and dyeing your hair (to a lesser degree) make the hair brittle, lifeless and fragile, often breaking away in the scalp, so it looks look like hair loss. “
“Even if the brush does not match the hair type (frizzy, straight, thick, thin, etc.) it can cause a lot of damage.” Plastic brushes make the hair static, which causes it to be damaged. “In the outpatient clinic, we see that people benefit greatly from brushes with real hair, preferably Mason Pearson brushes. “
