Did you know hair loss starts well before you start noticing it? Learn more about hair loss and hair thinning and how you can defend against it.

The medical term for hair loss is alopecia, and it’s a complex and debilitating condition.

This article aims to provide some key information about hair loss to help you determine what to do if you feel you are losing more hair than usual.

It’s common to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and this is classified as normal hair fall. More than this, and over an extended period, could be termed "hair loss." When you notice this, it's critical to seek professional help to determine the cause. Although hair loss can be triggered by an external condition, such as wearing your hair in a tight style or overusing certain chemicals or heat styling tools, it is more often an internal condition.

There is also genetic hair loss, often referred to as androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss, and non-genetic hair loss, and it’s important to know which camp yours falls into.

When your hair loss is caused by your genetics, it occurs in a predictable pattern, referred to as male or female pattern baldness. Men experience hair loss that starts at the temples and proceeds in an M-shaped pattern. A woman’s genetic hair loss is often less obvious but more widespread.

Genetic hair loss is not generally reversible, but there are steps you can take to slow it down and maximize your hair growth potential.

It’s also a fact that as we get older, our hair slowly thins; we develop progressively fewer hairs, and the hairs that do grow can be affected by a biological process called "hair miniaturization." This occurs when hair follicles shrink in size, causing hair shortening and making strands thinner, weaker, and more likely to break.

Hair loss can develop gradually over the years or happen suddenly. Depending on the underlying cause, it may be temporary or permanent. You may notice a widening of your part, a receding hairline at the temples, a lot more hair in your hairbrush and on your clothes, bald patches, or scalp issues that are accompanied by pain, discomfort, or itching.

Hair growth has a four-stage cycle: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen.

Anagen is the phase where the hair is actively growing and can last between 3 and 7 years. Catagen is the 10-day period during which hair growth ceases. Telogen is when the hair rests in the follicle for a period of 3 months, and exogen is when the hair falls out and the cycle starts over again.

Hair loss and thinning occur when your hair growth cycle is disrupted. This can be triggered by many conditions, including hormone imbalances, illness, side effects of certain medications, poor nutrition, and stress, to name just a few.

Our 8 Tips to Help Defend Against Hair Loss

1. Seek professional help as soon as you become aware that you are losing more hair than usual. This should include a full investigation of the potential causes.
2. Eat a balanced diet. Ensure you are getting enough protein, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Minimize processed foods. Drink plenty of water.
3. Certain supplements can help. Work with a trained professional to conduct tests and recommend the right supplements that work in tandem with the foods you are consuming and the requirements of your body.
4. Limit stress by trying to find ways that help you relax and enjoy life.
5. Get sufficient sleep.
6. Try a weekly scalp massage to stimulate blood circulation to the follicles. The Holistic Hair Scalp Treatment Oil is suitable for scalp massage.
7. Choose a natural shampoo based on the needs of your scalp to reduce inflammation. Don’t forget to use a good natural conditioner for the mid-lengths and ends of your hair and condition it every time you wash it. Hair conditioners are crucial for detangling, avoiding breakage, and maintaining the health and moisture of your hair.
8. Treat scalp issues as soon as you notice them and be proactive with your scalp health. Your scalp is an extension of your skin and needs to be cleansed and moisturized as you would any other part of your body. Protecting your scalp is important, and Holistic Hair offers Essential Scalp Spray, Scalp Treatment Oil and Herbal Finishing Rinse  as treatment products for your scalp and hair's well-being.

Scalp products we recommend

A 2015 study revealed Rosemary had a positive effect on the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (hair loss), similar to Minoxidil 2%.

Essential Scalp Spray is formulated with rosemary oil as a key ingredient for the benefit of improved hair growth, offering increased blood circulation to the follicles. Used as a multi-functional and multi-tasking scalp spray, it offers a synergistic blend of herbs and botanicals to support normal hair health. Rosemary and bergamot encourage circulation to the hair follicles. Neroli and lavender essential oils minimize excess hair fall. Powerful plant-based antioxidants and properties reduce oxidative stress to treat, soothe, and refresh for optimal scalp and hair well-being. Winner of the 2022 Best of Natural Hair Treatment.

A 2016 study showed scalp massage has a positive effect on hair growth.

Scalp Treatment Oil is a soothing blend of nutrient-rich plant oils to calm, soothe, and moisturize an itchy or irritated scalp. Calendula, Lavender, Chamomile, and Patchouli essential oils unite to relieve itching and redness. Sweet almond and jojoba oils moisturize to reduce dryness and flaking, helping to soften and remove hard skin plaques or build-up. Applied to the scalp and hair as a massage treatment,   Scalp Treatment Oil will work simultaneously to heal and comfort the scalp and moisturize the hair to reduce hygral fatigue and damage that results from the swelling and drying of the hair.

ACV has multiple antimicrobial potentials with clinical therapeutic implications, according to a 2018 study.

Herbal Finishing Rinse is a concentrated rinse that must be diluted prior to use as per the instructions. As a leave-in rinse, it acts to support the scalp and promote shine in the hair. Apple cider vinegar and lavender help alleviate itch, irritation, oiliness, flaking, and general scalp disorders. Roman chamomile, known for its ability to brighten hair, smoothes and conditions the cuticle for increased shine.