Gustav Fouche

Losing one’s hair on a daily basis (approximately 100 hairs) is totally normal, we all see this in the shower, bath or on our pillowcase. This is the body’s way of making space for new hair to grow, as our hair goes through stages of falling out (we will explain these stages in another blog).

The daunting idea of losing one’s hair when you can see visible bald patches or white scalp shining through one’s hair, or in my case where my hairline is moving more and more back, is more serious and need immediate attention.
Our diets, lifestyle or just life happening can be just a small factor in why we are losing hair. The current state of the world has become a major stress factor in a lot of people lives. We have been seeing this a lot more lately since we reopened back in July. I will explain a few causes of hair loss below, just for a better understanding and explanation why this happens and what can be done.

Male & female baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of baldness and genetic. This is more likely to happen as you get older. The majority of females who experience androgentic alopecia have gone through menopause. 

A temporary phase of hair loss is called telogen effluvium, this is caused by surgery, severe stress, medication, child birth, thyroid problems or trauma. This can be treated by your doctor with specific medication and tonics. 

Certain medications can cause hair loss, that’s why it’s so crucially important to know the side effects from medications you might be taking. These include some of the following:

⁃ Antidepressants
⁃ Cholesterol lowing medication
⁃ Accutane, an acne treating drug 
⁃ Beta blockers 
⁃ Blood thinners (like Warfarin) 
⁃ Birth control medication 

Losing hair from the head and other parts of the body is called Anagen effuvium, this is caused by treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Suffering from fungal infections or autoimmune disease - hair comes out in masses or clumps, and this occur all over the body. 

One of the most common causes of hair loss we see after stress is called Traction alopecia, this is caused by tight ponytails, cornrows, tight buns (and no, not that kinda tight buns) and hair extensions. This kind of alopecia is visible by balding and thinning of the hair, where there is too much tension placed on the hair. This can be prevented very easily. 

The importance of self care is highlighted yet again especially now during these uncertain times. Eating a balanced nutritional diet, having a lifestyle change by reducing stress is super important. Using good professional, lightweight products, avoiding ‘tight’ hairstyles and limiting the everyday wear and tear on your hair can make a massive difference in unnecessary hair loss!!!

Written by Gavin