WHAT IS HAIR LOSS?
A normal hair loss is the loss of weakened hair and the growth of healthy hair from the hair follicles and, in fact, the renewal of the hair. This is a must for our hair health. However, when the amount of hair shedding scientifically is more than 50-100 pieces per day, this is an unhealthy shedding and treatment methods should be applied. Each hair strand has a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years. Hair follicles have a cycle of active growth, transition and rest. Unhealthy hair loss happens when your hair's growth cycle is disrupted.
Today, hair loss is increasing all over the world due to living conditions. While hair loss may not have direct physical effects on your health, its emotional impact can be significant for you. But don't worry, it is curable.
WHY DOES HAIR LOSS OCCUR?
Hair loss is usually of genetic origin. However, sinusitis, infection, hormone imbalances, various diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies, deficiency of some vitamins and minerals in the body such as B12, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D and iron deficiency can also cause hair loss.
Male genetics are more prone to hair loss. In males, it usually occurs after puberty. Genetic factors, cancer, thyroid disorders, medications, nutritional disorders, high androgen and chemotherapy can trigger hair loss. Stress, alcohol and smoking are also among the causes of hair loss. Some studies have shown that having too much vitamin A or selenium in the body can lead to hair loss, but more research is needed for a definitive conclusion.
Hair loss is less common in women. It is not observed before the age of 40-50 years. It has 3 stages. In the first stage, the hair in a certain area begins to thin, in the second stage, the hair in a wider area becomes thinner, and in the last stage, the hair becomes thin enough to show the scalp. Birth, breastfeeding, menopause, stress, thyroid hormone imbalances, use of birth control pills, overheating of the scalp during hair care and chemotherapy can cause hair loss. Diets made to lose weight can lead to a lack of important vitamins and minerals in the body and can trigger hair loss. Therefore, it should be done under the supervision of a specialist.
PREVENTING HAIR LOSS
HOW IS HAIR LOSS HEALED?
Before choosing the treatment method for hair loss, a diagnosis must be made and the cause of the loss must be determined. According to the diagnosis:
A Natural Supplement: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants’ Oils
Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary oil helps prevent a byproduct of testosterone from attacking hair follicles, which is the cause of hair loss, and helps treat androgenetic alopecia [1]. It helps to reduce itching on the scalp [2]. It increases blood circulation in the scalp, thereby increasing hair thickness and supporting hair growth.
In one study, when patients with hair loss applied a mixture of rosemary oil to the scalp every day for seven months, 44% showed improvement in hair loss [3] [4].
Lavender Essential Oil: Supports hair growth and hair health [5].
Cedarwood Essential Oil: When applied topically via massaging, it supports the healthy appearance of the hair and scalp [6]. It is also thought to support hair growth and reduce hair loss by balancing the sebaceous glands in the scalp.
Oregano Essential Oil: By stimulating circulation in the scalp, it prevents hair loss and supports hair growth [6].
Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil used in hair helps to slow down hair loss, moisturize hair and scalp, reduce hair dryness, soften and support healthy growth of hair [7] [8].
Wheat Germ Oil: Thanks to the Linoleic acid (Omega 6) it contains, it supports the healthy growth of the hair [9].
Pumpkin Seed Oil: There are studies that support hair growth thanks to the linoleic acid it contains [10] [11]. It has shown positive effects on hair growth, especially for men [12].
Coconut Oil: Thanks to the active ingredients it contains, it can penetrate into the hair and helps to significantly reduce protein loss and keep the hair strong and healthy for both undamaged and damaged hair [13].
Add 8 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil (sweet almond, wheat germ oil..) and mix them. Massage into your hair roots and scalp. Wait 30 minutes and wash your hair. You can apply 2-3 times a week.
Consult Your Doctor
If you think that your hair loss is excessive, if you experience massive hair loss, if bald spots begin to form on your scalp, you should definitely consult your doctor to determine the underlying cause and treatment methods.
Academic Studies:
[1] Murata K., Noguchi K., Kondo M., Onishi M., Watanabe N., Okamura K., Matsuda H. (2013). Promotion of hair growth by Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract. Phytother Res. 2013 Feb;27(2):212-7.
[2] Panahi Y., Taghizadeh M., Marzony E.T., Sahebkar A. (2015). Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. Jan-Feb 2015;13(1):15-21.
[3] Harries M. Ji, Sun J., Paus R., King Jr L.E. (2010). Management of alopecia areata. BMJ. 2010 Jul 23;341:c3671.
[4] Hay I.C., Jamieson M., Ormerod A.D. (1998) Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Arch Dermatol, 1998 Nov;134(11):1349-52.
[5] B. H. Lee, J. S. Lee, Y. C. Kim (2016). Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice. Toxicol. Res., Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 103-108 (2016).
[6] Hay C., Jamieson M., Ormerod A.D. (1998). Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol, 1998 Nov; 134(11):1349-52
[7] N. Singh, M. K. Pandey, A. Sharma, J. Prakash (2014). Indian medicinal plants: For hair care and cosmetics. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ISSN (Print): 2321-3310; ISSN (Online): 2321-3086.
[8] Suraj, R., Rejitha, G., J. Anbu Jeba Sunilson, Anandarajagopal, K. and Promwichit, P. (2009). In vivo hair growth activity of Prunus dulcis seeds in rats. Biology & Medicine, 1 (4) : 34-38.
[9] Ryu, H.S.; Jeong, J.; Lee, C.M.; Lee, K.S.; Lee, J.-N.; Park, S.-M.; Lee, Y.-M. Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed. Molecules 2021, 26, 2117.
[10] Ryu, H.S.; Jeong, J.; Lee, C.M.; Lee, K.S.; Lee, J.-N.; Park, S.-M.; Lee, Y.-M. Activation of Hair Cell Growth Factors by Linoleic Acid in Malva verticillata Seed. Molecules 2021, 26, 2117.
[11] V. Hajhashemi, P. Rajabi, M. Mardani (2019). Beneficial effects of pumpkin seed oil as a topical hair growth promoting agent in a mice model. AJP, Vol. 9, No. 6, Nov-Dec 2019.
[12] Y. H. Cho, S. Y. Lee, D. W. Jeong, E. J. Choi, Y. J. Kim, J. G. Lee, Y. H. Yi, H. S. Cha (2014). Effect of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Hair Growth in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014: 549721.
[13] A. S. Rele, R. B. Mohile (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. Mar-Apr 2003;54(2):175-92.