Causes of hair loss
It’s perfectly normal to lose some hair every now and then. On average, you lose between 50 and 120 hairs per day. Sometimes even a bit more. Finding a clump of hair in your brush or in the shower drain can be alarming. Do you often lose a lot of hair or notice bald patches forming? In this blog, we highlight a few possible causes. If you think you’re experiencing excessive hair loss, it’s best to contact your GP.
Normal Hair Loss
Normal hair loss means that you lose a few hairs during your daily routine. Your hair doesn’t become thinner because of it. Everyone experiences normal hair loss. There’s nothing you can do about it, and you don’t need to (Thuisarts).
Damaged Hair
If you often use aggressive products, hair dye, or heat-styling methods, your hair may become damaged. The same goes for very tight hairstyles. Hair can become dull, frizzy, thin, or break more easily. This is not normal hair loss but damaged hair. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your hair and think that styling and care are to blame, it’s best to ask your hairdresser how to fix it and which care products are better suited to your hair type.
Excessive Hair Loss
Excessive hair loss means you’re losing a significant amount of hair, and you notice it becoming thinner. According to the Thuisarts website, there are several potential causes:
- Stress
- Fever
- Iron deficiency
- Childbirth
- Illness
- Surgery
Have you noticed that your hair is thinning due to significant hair loss? The best thing to do is discuss it with your GP to find out the cause and possible solutions. A healthy lifestyle is also important: make sure you get enough exercise, rest, and follow a balanced diet in line with national dietary guidelines.
Balding
Sometimes hair loss becomes permanent. The process differs between men and women. In men, the hairline often recedes gradually. This is caused by hormones, age, or genetics (Thuisarts). In women, baldness often begins at the crown of the head (Thuisarts). This can be due to menopause, age, or hereditary factors. Even if you’re experiencing balding, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. Contact your GP to determine the cause and what can possibly be done.
How to Take Good Care of Your Hair
Want to keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy for as long as possible? A healthy lifestyle and the right hair care are essential. Use a mild shampoo suited to your hair type. Don’t wash your hair more than three times a week. If you have long hair, a conditioner can help keep it soft and easy to comb. Try to let your hair air-dry – it’s better than using a blow dryer. Also avoid heat-styling tools like straighteners or curling irons. If you do use heat, protect your hair with the right products. Use a wide-tooth comb or soft brush to avoid breakage.
Vitamins for Normal Hair
There are supplements that contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. These often contain ingredients like biotin or selenium. The effects of these supplements are still being researched. In any case, they’re not intended to prevent baldness or hair loss, but rather to support healthy hair. Only use supplements as a complement to a healthy lifestyle and consult your GP if you have concerns about your hair.