Are you confused between hair-fall and hair loss? These two terms might sound the same to a layperson but are substantially different. To give you an overview understanding, let’s say that while hair fall is a natural phenomenon and should be taken lightly, hair-fall is a much more worrying issue and calls for medical intervention. Through this article, we will be discussing in detail these terms, their causes, and the methods of dealing with them.
What is Hair Fall? How is it different from Hair Loss?
Hair fall is a natural phenomenon and shouldn’t be a cause of worry. Our hair has a cycle of growing, resting, and finally falling, and for new hair to grow the older ones need to vacate the follicle. This hair cycle is common to all humans and only the duration of this cycle is subject to change based on the age, lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolism of a person.
But how much hair fall is normal?
While there no fixed answer to this question it can be safely said that if the number of hair strands falling lies in between 50 to 150, then there is no reason to fret. To be precise, if you find some strands wrapped in your comb or on your pillow then do not think much about it.
So when should you really take this problem seriously?
If your hair is falling in patches or you suddenly observe a balding spot widen, or more visible, then you are suffering from hair loss and it is imperative that you visit a hair clinic. This condition of hair falling in clumps is called Alopecia and it is an autoimmune disease. The amount of hair loss is not common to everyone but sufferers usually witness speedy balding.
What are the underlying causes of hair loss?
As we have discussed that you can’t do anything about daily hair fall because it is a natural phenomenon. But, hair loss is an anomaly and there are usually underlying conditions that trigger it. Some of them are as follows-
1. Improper diet or unhealthy lifestyle
Our scalp requires a couple of essential vitamins and nutrients to augment hair growth and facilitate strong hair roots. So switching to a balanced diet and exercising regularly can clamp your hair loss considerably.
2. Some drugs or heavy medications
People who are undergoing rigorous treatments that comprise intake of heavy medications experience a sudden accelerated hair loss.
3. Stress and pollution
Stress is the primary cause of hair loss for a sizable volume of people. Increasing pollution can also have an adverse effect on hair growth.
4. Hereditary and hormonal hair loss
Hair fall can be hereditary too and only medications help in such cases. You will also need to see a doctor if you are experiencing hair loss due to hormonal imbalance.
5. Harsh hair products
You should always be vigilant about the type of products you use and make sure that you don’t expose your scalp to any harsh chemicals.
How can one stop or slow down hair loss?
The undisputable initial steps in a journey towards healthy voluminous hair will be embracing a healthy lifestyle, and focusing on physical and mental wellbeing. But as we have mentioned that there are a lot of other reasons that can lead to rapid hair loss and therefore, visiting a specialist and figuring out the exact cause for your problem will the wise thing to do. Dermatologists can also determine if you are experiencing a hair fall or hair loss. And prescribe medications in case of the latter.
To conclude, we would like to add that hair challenges can be dealt with if you are observant. Consult a doctor as soon as you observe a drastic thinning of hair. Treatment always helps people facing such challenges, and your dermatologist will always be able to provide you with an authentic picture of your problem and the length of its road to recovery.
