Hair loss: what can you do about it?

Many people are disconcerted when their brush is full of hair after combing. But it’s generally not defined as a problem unless you’re losing more than 100 hairs a day. Although it’s impossible to generalise, there is a specific cycle at work: every two to six years a hair falls out and a new one grows in its place. But this process is as individual as the number of hairs on your head.

Differences between men and women

Many people suffer hair loss particularly in old age. This is because hormones play a major role in the process. Men especially are often predisposed to (hereditary) hair loss, which can even start at a young age and end in complete baldness. The reason behind it is that hair follicles are sensitive to male sex hormones called androgens. Women, especially those who already have significant hair patterns (hair on the legs and potentially also on the back and face), can also be affected. However, women's hair tends to thin out around the crown of the head or become thin and brittle in this area.

Emotional or health-related causes

There are other factors that can also lead to abnormal hair loss. They include vitamin and iron deficiency, a poor or imbalanced diet (especially if you’re doing a fasting treatment), malfunctions of the thyroid gland or taking certain types of medication. In the case of health-related causes, hair usually falls out evenly all over the head. The time of year can also play an important role, with many people losing more hair than normal in the spring and autumn. Women may also experience increased hair loss in the first few months after childbirth. However, this usually sorts itself out.

Circular hair loss

The hair actually falls out in circles and the scalp becomes visible. With some illnesses, even the eyebrows and eyelashes can fall out in as the condition progresses. Not infrequently, the immune system is involved here and mistakenly "works against the hair".

Possible treatment

Medicine-based treatment can be tried in the case of hereditary hair loss. However, this should always be prescribed by a family doctor or dermatologist, as it affects the hormone balance. It is also the case with circular hair loss that a specialist (dermatologist) should always be consulted, as this type of hair loss is very difficult to treat. If the hair loss has other causes (e.g. nutrient deficiency, a thyroid disorder or medication), these must be addressed. In case of obvious hair loss, it always makes sense to seek advice from a medical professional.

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13.09.2023