Hair loss is a natural part of life, but for some people, it goes beyond the 100 strands a day that can end up in a normal hairbrush. When hair loss leaves parts of the scalp showing though, medical professionals refer to the condition as alopecia. There is no sure-fire way to prevent alopecia, but there are things that slow the rate of loss and help preserve follicles. Hair loss prevention means developing habits that nurture the hair and keep it healthy. A Little about Hair Loss Not all hair loss is 100 percent preventable. In fact, a certain amount is normal. Hair grows in cycles and part of that process is loss. Before a new cycle can begin, a strand must fall out. That is the natural course of hair growth. Certain factors disrupt that cycle and hair fails to grow back in once the strand falls out, causing a gradual thinning. Age is one consideration. As individuals grow older, thinning is natural. Heredity is another culprit. Male-pattern or female-pattern baldness is genetic. It triggers at a specific age based on DNA. The trigger is most likely hormonal – that is why some people begin to lose their hair as early as puberty. Hormones play a big role in hair growth. Drug therapies and hormone imbalances lead to temporary loss. Conditions like pregnancy or even going off birth control pills may interfere with the growth cycle. Loss Prevention The most proactive approach to saving follicles is the same as preventing chronic illness – eating right and getting exercise. The human body responds to lifestyle. That is true when it comes to hair loss prevention, as well. Monitor protein in the diet. Protein is the building material for all cells including hair. About 30 percent of a diet should be foods high in protein. Get enough iron. Hair loss can be a sign of anemia. Adding iron-fortified cereals is one approach. Reduce stress levels. High stress creates a hormone imbalance that can lead to hair loss. Keep hair healthy. Poor hair care habits disrupts the growth cycle. Avoid over shampooing, it dries hair out. Products high in alcohol will strip hair of natural oils. Over processing, color treatments and straightening splits strands and causes thinning. Avoid tight hairstyles. Traction alopecia is a condition caused by the constant pulling of strands. Tight bun or ponytails cause breakage and balding. Treat scalp problems like dandruff and eczema. Medical conditions lead to scarring on the scalp that damages follicles and prevents hair growth. A physician is a powerful tool for an individual suffering from hair loss. The first step is to eliminate a medical reason for the problem. The hair loss may be a symptom that requires treatment. A medical professional can evaluate the patient’s diet and care habits to determine a possible cause. Hair loss prevention is a matter of proper maintenance. Keeping the hair and body healthy keeps the growth cycle active and hair follicles functioning at peak.
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