13
Aug
Like every part of our body, hair is also made out of cells. New hair cells are produced at the root and thanks to the continuous blood supply, hair grows, falls out and regrows. This is a normal life cycle of hair. Hair growth can be divided in three stages:
During the Anagen phase, hair grows about 1cm per month, and this stage lasts around two to five years. When in resisting phase, hair does not grow and is getting ready for the shedding phase. The hair stays attached to the follicle for about five months before it falls out. After shedding stage the hair returns to the growing phase. This is when new hairs start to form. About 90 percent of all hair grows at the same time, while about 10 to 15 percent is always in the resting phase.
Every strand of hair is made of keratin, and the thickness depends on the size of the follicles. As we age, follicles shrink. This is the reason hair becomes finer. And for some women it is also the reason they experience hair loss. However, hair loss in women can also be associated with anxiety and psychological stress. An average of 40 percent of women are affected by hair loss. Most experience it between the ages of 20 and 30. However hair loss in women mostly occurs during and after menopause around the age of 50 where the number of hair follicles drops and also because aging causes hair to become finer and sparser.
When you shower, blow-dry or brush you hair, it is normal to see some hair fall out. The old hair makes room for new hair what’s important to ensure superior hair health. However, if hair starts falling out in patches and if you start seeing bald areas, then this is an obvious sign of hair loss. If your hair keeps falling and new is not growing, this is a sign of a more serious condition. Consult with dermatologist to know how severe the problem is and to learn more about possible treatments most commonly used for treating hair loss in women.
Although it’s been proven that hair loss in women can be caused by stress, for majority of women it happens due to genetic inheritance from either parent. Also, there are other factors that can cause hair to fall out. For example, some daily hair styling habits, such as tightening hair too strong in a pony tail style. Brushing your hair too often, frequent shampooing, blow-drying, using flat and curling iron on daily basis and the use of chemicals such hair dyes, perms and hair sprays, can also cause hair loss in women. Try avoiding all these and implement healthier way of living – exercise regularly and eat vitamin rich food.
