Hair thinning or hair loss is one of the most common beauty concerns of our demographic and yet the cause, and certainly the remedies, remain a mystery. Here, we plan to clear things up and put the questions you’ve all been asking directly to the experts in their field.
When new advice or findings come to us we will share them here with you. If you have a question on how to prevent hair thinning, slow it down, style it or simply why this is happening – then follow as we ask the professionals at the top of their game to help. We will come back to this one destination for you to be armed with all the information and facts at hand. We’ll be discussing all topics from the medical factors, emotional well-being, alternative and mainstream treatments to best styling practices.
Here, in Part 1 we talk with João Paulino de Carvalho. A chemist by trade and Swisse Wellness Expert, we discuss what hair thinning means from the inside out.
What does hair loss typically mean I am lacking?
Hair loss is perhaps a more complex phenomenon than most people realize. Not only are there several types of hair loss, there are also numerous underlying causes. It can be difficult to determine whether the individual is lacking anything, as hair loss can be dictated by genetics, hormones, disease, medications, etc. As far as diets are concerned, some key nutritional deficiencies have been associated with hair loss, namely iron and zinc.
Before supplements, what are the ways I can slow down the process?
Emotional stress can play an important role in hair loss, so keeping your stress in check is a useful strategy for your hair integrity and general wellbeing. A healthy, balanced diet is also key to ensure your hair is getting the right amount of nutrients. A healthy scalp is paramount to healthy hair, as the build-up of debris can block hair follicles and contribute to further thinning, and perhaps most importantly make sure you don’t subject your hair to traumatic styling practices such as excessive heat, bleaching, chemical relaxers and dyes.
If I am going to buy supplements, what are the ingredients and keywords I need to look out for?
Many ingredients have been studied for their role in maintaining hair health. Research has shown that Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is deeply involved in the formation of keratin, the most abundant protein in our hair. Vitamin B5, Silicon, and amino acids such as L-Cysteine, L-Lysine and Methionine have also been investigated for their positive effects on hair strength and shine.
Are there any precursor signs that you may be prone to hair loss with age? And if so, what can women do to get on the front foot?
Check your family history, since female pattern baldness is determined by genetics. A gradual thinning on the crown and increased hair shedding are some of the early signs for women. If you notice your parting has begun to widen and you can’t seem to cover it up like you used to, that may also be a sign you’re prone to hair loss. It’s recommended to see your GP, Dermatologist or hair specialist (Trichologist) to get a proper diagnosis and start treatment.
How can you be sure that your hair loss is health/diet related and not just the natural aging process?
You’ve brought up a good point. It’s important to distinguish between normal hair loss that happens with age and changes that might be related to a disease or deficiency. The most effective way to do that is to be screened for your medical and dietary history by a practitioner. If risk factors are established, further laboratory evaluation for nutrient deficiencies may be warranted.
If stress is a major factor in my hair loss, will supplements and diet still help?
No matter the cause of your hair loss, a healthy diet is still important. Women who may be stressed due to hair loss might be less prone to maintaining a balanced diet, so ensure you’re getting a good amount of nutrients. Supplements present a useful choice to maintain hair health and shine, aiding a balanced diet.
Is there one easy change I can make to help prevent hair loss?
Unfortunately, when it comes to hair loss there isn’t one “easy” change we can make, but rather our diet and lifestyle choices need to be carefully considered. Stress management, adding nutritional value to our diets, supplements, scalp hygiene and care, medical and cosmetic treatments are all valuable tools to help control hair loss.