Hair loss refers to the phenomenon of hair falling out. Normally, the hair that falls out is in the regressive and resting phases, and due to the continuous dynamic balance between the hair entering the regressive phase and the new hair entering the growth phase, the normal quantity of hair can be maintained. Hair loss is a normal metabolic process, and everyone experiences it in their daily life. However, pathological hair loss refers to the abnormal or excessive shedding of hair.
In general, it is considered normal for a healthy adult to lose 50-60 strands of hair per day, and losing more than 100 strands of hair is a sign of hair loss. If a person is losing over 100 strands of hair per day and it continues for 2 or 3 months, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Hair primarily consists of keratin and contains various amino acids and dozens of trace elements.If there is a deficiency in iron and protein, the hair may turn yellow and split. Lack of plant oils, vitamin A, protein, and iodine can result in dry, dull, and easily breakable hair. Deficiency in the B-vitamins can lead to seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss.
Causes and Classification of Hair Loss :
1) Androgenic alopecia:
Also known as “seborrheic alopecia” or “genetic alopecia,” commonly referred to as male pattern baldness. It is a type of localized hair loss that occurs predominantly in middle-aged men, but can also affect women, albeit at a lower rate. Typically, the hair loss starts from the frontal area and gradually progresses backward with age. Initially, the hair becomes thin or weak, and eventually may completely fall out, resulting in a bald state.
In East Asia, the prevalence of androgenic alopecia among males is approximately 20%, making it a widely prevalent condition. It has been proven through experiments that seborrheic alopecia is associated with hormonal imbalance in the body. When the concentration of androgens such as testosterone in the bloodstream exceeds 30 micrograms per liter, it inhibits the growth of hair follicle cells, and the higher the concentration, the stronger the inhibitory effect. Due to elevated levels of androgens in the body, excessive sebum secretion occurs in the skin, leading to excessive keratinization of the hair follicle opening, which affects the nourishment of the follicles, resulting in gradual atrophy and destruction of the follicles, leading to hair loss. In recent years, some people believe that male pattern baldness is the result of multiple genetic and environmental factors interacting with each other.
2) Alopecia areata:
Commonly known as “ghost shaving.” The exact cause of alopecia areata is still not fully understood. However, it often occurs during periods of psychological stress, suggesting that mental and psychological factors may be one of the triggering causes.
The clinical presentation of alopecia areata is characterized by patches of hair loss, typically in round coin-sized areas, leaving smooth, bald patches. In many cases, alopecia areata can spontaneously recover within a year without treatment. During the recovery phase of alopecia areata, when hair regrowth occurs, the newly grown hair is often thin, soft, and light in colour. Gradually, the hair texture becomes thicker, harder, and returns to normal. Alopecia areata can resolve on its own, but it often has a tendency to recur, with the course of the condition lasting for several months or longer. The newly grown hair during the recovery period appears thin, soft, and greyish-white, gradually becoming thicker and darker until it returns to normal, so timely treatment is necessary.
3) Psychogenic hair loss:
Mental stress, depression, fear, or severe insomnia can disrupt neurological function, leading to sustained contraction of blood vessels. As a result, hair follicles do not receive adequate blood supply. The scalp is located at the top of the body, making the hair more prone to shedding. Psychological factors also significantly affect the hair growth cycle. Prolonged visual fatigue, excessive mental stress, excessive nervous tension, irritability or anxious emotions, and staying up late can all lead to a shortened hair growth cycle, resulting in hair loss and early baldness.
Common examples include hair loss after a severe illness, hair loss after exams, and hair loss in individuals with significant responsibilities or businessmen. If you have been under a lot of stress recently, experiencing high levels of mental tension, excessive worries, impatience, and frequent sleeplessness, the hair loss you are experiencing is likely psychogenic hair loss. In such cases, appropriate adjustments and relaxation can alleviate the symptoms of hair loss.
4) Endocrine-related hair loss:
Hair loss caused by abnormal functioning of the endocrine glands and resulting hormonal imbalance is referred to as endocrine-related hair loss. Conditions such as postpartum, menopause, and oral contraceptive use can cause insufficient estrogen levels leading to hair loss. Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, pituitary dysfunction, hypothyroidism, adrenal tumors, acromegaly in the late stage, and other conditions can also result in hair loss.
During pregnancy in women, hormones undergo significant changes, and this is one of the main causes of postpartum hair loss. The increased levels of estrogen in the body cause a small percentage of hair to enter a resting phase, which means that only a small number of new hairs will grow. Hair may appear thicker and denser during pregnancy, but after childbirth, estrogen levels rapidly decrease, causing the newly grown hair to shed. Postpartum hair loss is a temporary physiological phenomenon, and hair loss eventually returns to normal. Therefore, there is no need to visit hair salons to cover up areas of thinning hair or misuse various anti-hair loss products.
5) Nutritional and metabolic hair loss:
Excessive consumption of sugar or salt, protein deficiency, lack of B vitamins, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, and inadequate or excessive selenium intake.
Sugar-related hair loss is caused by excessive sugar consumption. During the body’s metabolic process, sugar generates a large amount of oxygen, which can disrupt the metabolism of B vitamins and interfere with the pigment metabolism of the hair, gradually causing the hair to lose its black luster and become dull and yellow. Excessive sugar in the body can increase sebum production, leading to seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp and subsequent extensive hair loss.
Salt-related hair loss is caused by excessive salt consumption. Salt can cause water retention in the body, and similarly, excessive water retention in the hair can affect normal hair growth and development. Additionally, excessive salt in the hair provides a favourable environment for bacterial growth, making the scalp prone to diseases. Excessive salt intake can also trigger various seborrheic conditions, leading to increased dandruff and exacerbating hair loss.
In recent years, hair loss among young women has become increasingly severe, and after analysis by some experts, it has been attributed to excessive weight loss. The main component of hair is keratin, which is composed of substances such as proteins and iron. Many women, in their pursuit of weight loss, eat only vegetables, fruits, and other vegetarian foods, excluding rice and meat, which makes it difficult to provide sufficient nutrition such as protein and iron to the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
6) Chemical-induced hair loss:
This includes drug-induced hair loss and hair loss caused by haircare products. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy with certain chemical agents such as commonly used cyclophosphamide, mercaptopurine, methimazole, thiourea, triamcinolone, propranolol, phenytoin, aspirin, ibuprofen, oral contraceptives, etc., often experience hair loss. Shampoos, hair relaxers, hair dyes, and other hair care cosmetics are also common causes of hair loss. Regular hair perming, dyeing, and the use of destructive chemical products such as styling foams and hair dyes, as well as habitual hair pulling or tying, can lead to hair loss. In particular, tying the hair tightly in a ponytail can cause gradual thinning of the hairline.
Traditional Chinese Medicine research on the causes of hair loss:
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the main cause of hair loss lies in the kidneys. If there is deficiency in both the liver and kidneys, and insufficient qi and blood, the overall blood circulation in the body becomes weak. It lacks the strength to deliver nutrients to the highest point of the body, the “top of the head.” As a result, the hair follicles on the scalp do not receive adequate nourishment and gradually shrink, leading to hair loss. The saying goes, “The kidneys store essence, govern reproduction, and their brilliance manifests in the hair.” Hair is considered the surplus of blood. The kidneys are regarded as the foundation of innate vitality, and hair is the product of blood. The kidneys store essence, while the liver stores blood. Essence and blood are interdependent and undergo mutual transformation. Both are indispensable. Therefore, the treatment of hair loss in traditional Chinese medicine revolves around these theories. Generally, hair loss is believed to be related to the following factors:
1) Kidney deficiency: The kidneys store the essence of the five viscera and six bowels. Kidney deficiency leads to insufficient essence and blood, which results in a lack of nourishment to the hair, leading to hair loss. The saying goes, “The kidneys store essence, and their brilliance manifests in the hair.” When kidney qi declines, hair loss occurs.
2) Lung impairment: The lungs govern the hair and fur. If the lungs are impaired, the hair and fur are the first to suffer. The lungs are the main organs for oxygen exchange and waste elimination in the human body. The strength of lung function directly affects the intake of oxygen, the elimination of waste, and the supply of nutrients in the body. Hair is located at the body’s periphery, and lung impairment can result in inadequate nourishment of the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.
3) Accumulation of toxins: Worry, pollution, and unhealthy habits can cause the absorption, generation, and accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins not only damage various organs and systems but also affect the absorption of nutrients by organs, including the hair. As a result, various nourishing foods and medications are ineffective, leading to hair loss. In many cases, poor results from hair loss treatments are due to uncleared toxins in the body. This issue should be given special attention.
4) Blood heat: Premature greying and hair loss in young people are often attributed to excessive blood heat. It is commonly believed to be due to blood deficiency or blood stasis, but in reality, excessive blood heat hinders hair growth. Blood heat generates wind, and wind heat rises with qi to the top of the head. The hair follicles do not receive nourishment from yin and blood, leading to sudden hair loss. This is especially common among people who have moved to a different location. It is most noticeable in women. When they first arrive, their hair is thick and dark, but after a while, they experience significant hair loss. They become afraid to wash their hair as the hair noticeably decreases. It is important to remind individuals who work in different places to take early measures to stop hair loss and promote the growth of healthy hair.
5) Seminal emission: Refers to excessive sexual activity and frequent seminal emission, which depletes yang qi, weakens the body, and leads to hair loss.
6) Worry and anxiety: With the increasing stress and intense competition in modern life, people experience more anxiety and worries. Accumulated melancholy affects the nervous system, disrupts the mental balance, and leads to the accumulation of toxins in the heart and spleen. When subjected to sudden stimulation, pathogenic wind invades, causing secondary hair loss or sudden hair loss.
7) Unhealthy habits: Due to fierce competition, modern individuals are often forced to work overtime, engage in excessive social activities, smoke, drink alcohol, and have frequent late-night activities. These habits disrupt various bodily functions. According to research, between 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. is the time for hair growth according to the body’s biological clock. Disruption of the biological clock, disrupted lifestyle, lack of sleep, and insomnia deprive the hair of normal nutrients and rest. Accumulated fatigue leads to hair loss.
8) Unhealthy diet: As people’s living standards improve, changes occur in their dietary structure. There is a reduction in grain and vegetable consumption, an increase in fat and protein consumption, an increase in stimulating foods, a decrease in coarse grains, and an increase in refined grains. This imbalance in nutrient intake disrupts the body’s digestive and absorption systems, leading to dampness and heat in the spleen and stomach, causing imbalance and hair loss.
Traditional Chinese medicine treats hair loss by addressing internal imbalances in the body. Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to restore balance and promote hair growth. It is important to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to obtain personalized diagnosis and treatment plans.
Methods to prevent hair loss:
1) Avoid using plastic combs
as they generate static electricity and can cause adverse stimulation to the hair and scalp, exacerbating hair loss. It is best to use wooden combs, horn combs, or jade combs. Sandalwood combs are particularly recommended as they have the effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, relieving pain, relieving itching, and preventing static electricity. Horn combs are solid and not easily bent or cracked, and they have the effect of clearing heat and cooling blood. Jade combs can calm the liver and soothe the mind, and they have the function of beauty and promoting blood circulation. The teeth of the comb should not be too close together, and it is best to choose a comb with rounded teeth to avoid harming the scalp and promote blood circulation.
2) Wash your hair regularly
For women, it is best to wash the hair every 2-5 days. While washing the hair, it is recommended to rub and massage the scalp, which can keep the scalp clean and promote blood circulation.
3) Avoid using degreasing or alkaline shampoos
These types of shampoos have strong degreasing and dehydrating properties, which can dry out the hair and damage the scalp. It is advisable to use non-acidic natural shampoos that are non-irritating to the scalp and hair, or choose one according to your own hair type.
4) Quit smoking
Smoking causes the capillaries in the scalp to constrict, which affects the development and growth of hair.
5) Moderate alcohol consumption
Drinking strong alcoholic beverages, especially hot ones, can generate heat and dampness in the scalp, leading to hair loss. Even beer and wine should be consumed in moderation, and the liver should have at least two days of “rest” (i.e., abstaining from alcohol) each week.
6) Eliminate feelings of mental depression and instability
Anxiety and uneasiness on a daily basis can lead to hair loss, and the deeper the level of suppression, the faster the hair loss. For women, leading a busy life while maintaining an appropriate amount of exercise will result in shiny and healthy hair, full of vitality. On the contrary, for men, the more stressful and busy their lives and work become, the higher the chances of hair loss. Therefore, practicing deep breathing, taking walks, doing relaxation exercises, and similar activities can help eliminate daily mental fatigue.
7) Be cautious with perming and blow-drying
The hot air temperature produced by a hairdryer can reach 100 degrees Celsius, which can damage hair tissues and harm the scalp. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid excessive blow-drying. Excessive perming can also have a significant impact on hair, causing damage and weakening. Perming frequency should be kept moderate to prevent excessive strain on the hair.
8) Consume more vegetables to prevent constipation
It is important to maintain a consistent intake of grains and fruits throughout the year. Reduced intake of vegetables can lead to constipation, which “pollutes the blood” and affects hair quality. In addition, suffering from hemorrhoids can accelerate hair loss in the crown area.
9) Maintain suitable air conditions
The cold air from air conditioning can be a cause of hair loss and greying. Excessive dryness or high humidity in the air is detrimental to hair protection.
10) Pay attention to the ventilation of hats and helmets
Hair is not tolerant to heat and wearing hats or helmets for a long time can lead to poor ventilation, which can suffocate the hair. Especially at the hairline, the pores and muscles can loosen due to the pressure from the hat or helmet, leading to hair loss. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the ventilation of hats and helmets, such as using a hollow cap liner or adding small holes.
What to eat for hair loss:
1) It is recommended to drink plenty of fresh water or consume iron-rich foods
such as lean meat, egg whites, spinach, cabbage, celery, fruits, and so on. These are the best therapeutic foods. People experiencing hair loss or baldness often have hardened scalps, and the aforementioned foods help soften the scalp.
2) Consume alkaline-rich fresh vegetables and fruits
One of the factors contributing to hair loss and yellowing is the presence of acidic toxins in the blood. This can occur due to physical and mental fatigue, prolonged consumption of refined sugars and fatty foods, leading to the production of acidic toxins during the body’s metabolic processes.
3) Supplement iodine
The luster of hair is related to the function of the thyroid gland. Supplementing with iodine enhances thyroid secretion and promotes healthy hair. Foods such as kelp, nori seaweed, sea cucumber, and oysters can be consumed to increase iodine intake.
4) Supplement vitamin E
Vitamin E helps combat hair aging, stimulates cell division, and promotes hair growth. Foods rich in vitamin E include fresh lettuce, cabbage, black sesame seeds, corn, sesame seeds, malt, sunflower seeds, and more.
5) Nuts
Selenium, found in nuts, is a mineral essential for maintaining a healthy scalp. Walnuts, in particular, are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, which helps keep hair in a healthy state. They are also high in zinc, which is beneficial for hair. Peanuts, almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and other nuts have similar effects. Insufficient zinc intake can lead to hair loss, so it is important to ensure an adequate intake of zinc through diet.
Foods to avoid for hair loss:
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and cinnamon.
- Avoid greasy and heat-inducing foods (fatty meats, fried foods).
- Avoid excessive consumption of sugary and fatty foods, such as liver, meats, onions, and other acidic foods.
In summary, the causes of hair loss are diverse, including physiological and pathological factors. If the hair problem worsens with no signs of improvement, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a reputable hospital or clinic to identify the underlying cause. Avoid blindly relying on various hair growth health products and shampoos found on the internet to prevent delays in treatment.
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