To fully grasp the complexities of hair loss, we’re delving deep into all the essential aspects of hair health. This includes environmental factors that contribute to thinning hair, the hair lifecycle, and the importance of scalp health. Discover expert tips on demystifying common hair loss concerns and why our locks sometimes say goodbye. Let’s start from the top, beginning with the scalp.
Lesson One: Understanding the Scalp and Follicles
Aveda’s Principal Pharmacologist and Research Scientist, Alison Pawlus, Ph.D., explains how thriving hair starts at the scalp:
Q: What is the Scalp and Why Does It Matter?
The scalp is crucial for healthy-looking hair. Like the rest of our skin, the scalp contributes to the barrier between the external environment and the rest of the body. Just as a plant needs healthy, well-balanced soil for optimal health, our hair also needs a nourishing environment. The scalp and hair have a symbiotic relationship, with the scalp skin supporting the hair and the hair protecting the scalp.
Q: What is the Structure of the Scalp and Role of the Follicles?
The scalp supports hair follicles that produce hair shafts. Hair follicles are primarily made up of keratin proteins and cellular lipids, which provide structure and elasticity. Changes in our hair, such as thinning, graying, and changes in luster, are due to biological changes in the scalp and hair follicles.
Q: How Does Oxidation Impact Follicle Health?
Since our scalp is skin, it’s important to protect it like we do our face or body. Alison Pawlus emphasizes that our scalp, often uncovered and exposed to UV rays and other environmental aggressors like pollution, needs to be cleaned and protected for overall health.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors can contribute to oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, leading to unhealthy follicles, which can cause premature thinning and hair loss.
Q: How Does Oxidation During Sun Exposure Affect Hair Loss?
“Repeated stress can alter hair cycle dynamics, shortening the cycle. Oxidative stress is linked to damage to the nascent fiber as it emerges from the follicle, compounded by oxidized lipids and environmental aggressors,” explains Gillian Westgate, Ph.D., from the University of Bradford.
“It’s very important to keep scalp skin well-nourished and clean, as buildup on the scalp can lead to stress,” adds Professor Julie Thornton, Director of the Center for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford.
Lesson Two: The Hair Lifecycle
Q: What Happens to Our Strands Over Time?
The lifecycle of hair consists of three phases:
- Anagen: A highly metabolically active growth phase lasting years.
- Catagen: A transitional phase where growth stops.
- Telogen: Once considered a resting phase, now understood as a critical stage preparing for the next hair cycle.
Q: How Does Follicle Health Impact the Hair Cycle?
An unhealthy follicle can shorten the anagen (growth) phase and prolong the telogen (resting) phase. Protecting the follicles is essential for supporting a healthy hair lifecycle.
Lesson Three: Thin vs. Thinning Hair
Q: What’s the Difference Between Thin or Fine Hair and Thinning Hair?
- Fine Hair: Refers to the texture and diameter of each strand, which can be fine, medium, or thick.
- Thin Hair: Describes the density of hair follicles, regardless of strand thickness. You can have fine hair with high density, lacking volume due to the delicate texture.
- Thinning Hair: Refers to hair shedding or loss, which affects more people than commonly realized—over 50% of women and 70% of men will experience noticeable hair loss in their lifetimes.
Causes of Thinning Hair
Natural Hair Shedding
Each strand is in one of three growth phases and eventually sheds. It’s normal to lose 50-100, even 150 hairs a day, depending on your initial hair volume. Excessive hair loss results in thinning.
Stress
Acute stress can increase hair shedding due to elevated cortisol levels, which interrupt hair follicle growth. Managing stress is vital for hair health.
Nutrition
Hair follicles have high cell turnover and require nutrients to sustain growth. Nutritional deficiencies can cause structural defects in follicles, leading to hair loss. A balanced diet with protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals is key.
Illness
Health changes can disrupt hair growth cycles, causing increased shedding. Telogen effluvium, a temporary hair loss condition, can last 4-6 months after illness but doesn’t lead to complete baldness.
Tight Hairstyles
Styles like tight ponytails, braids, and extensions can damage follicles, leading to traction alopecia—hair loss from persistent pulling.
Brushing and Styling
Combing wet hair and rough styling can cause breakage and shedding. Gentle techniques and strengthening products can reduce hair loss due to styling.
Postpartum Hair Loss (w/ Dr. Draelos)
Q: What is the Hair Life Cycle During Pregnancy?
The hair lifecycle remains the same, but high hormone levels during pregnancy extend the anagen growth phase, reducing shedding.
Q: Why Do Women Experience Hair Loss After Giving Birth? After birth, hormone levels drop, causing synchronized anagen follicles to enter the catagen and telogen phases simultaneously, leading to hair loss 3-9 months postpartum.
Understanding hair loss and fostering a healthy environment for hair to thrive is essential for maintaining good hair days now and in the future.
Salon Services to Support Your Hair Journey
At la Tierra Salon & Day Spa, we are dedicated to supporting your hair health journey. Our expert stylists and trichologists are available to address all your hair care needs and concerns. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair, scalp issues, or simply want to enhance your hair’s vitality, we offer personalized consultations and treatments to guide you every step of the way. Walk-ins are always welcome, but we encourage making reservations for a more tailored experience. Visit us at the Highlands Ranch Town Center, located at 9325 Dorchester St #130, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. Call us directly at (303) 470-7900 or schedule an appointment online at latierrasalon.com. Let us help you achieve the healthy, beautiful hair you deserve!