Beyond Genetics: Surprising Factors That Lead To Hair Loss
Picture this: You're in the shower, minding your own business, trying to rinse out your conditioner. But oh no, your hair decides to have a mind of its own and starts rubbing itself around your fingers like it's auditioning for a shampoo commercial. Talk about a diva!
So, you finally manage to dry your hair and start combing it out, hoping for a luscious mane. But what do you find? More hair in your hand than on your head! It's like your scalp is playing a cruel joke on you.
But fear not, my friend, because you're not alone in this hairy situation. Welcome to the club of hair loss woes! Some of us can reminisce about the days when our hair was as thick as a jungle, while others weren't quite as lucky. It all comes down to genetics, or so they say. But hey, who needs a full head of hair when you can rock a fabulous hat collection, right?
There are multiple reasons you could be experiencing hair loss. Let’s go over the biggest culprits, and see if any of these hit home for you.
There is a fancy term called ALOPECIA that encompasses all sorts of hair loss. Its like the giant dissapering act of your precious locks. But let’s not get all technical here, because we’re about to dive into the juicy stuff- the causes of preventable hair loss. Some of us can’t prevent hairless due to those pesky genetics. Thank you Mom and Dad! Then of course there is chemotherapy and radiation treatments which are a beast all its own. But if you’ve started shedding out of no where like a fluffy cat in summer, let’s look closer.
Always consult a dermatologist if experiencing hair loss. This is intended to be thought provoking, and not a substitute for medical advice.
Here is a long list of undercover agents that sneak up on you and cause unwanted hairloss:
high stress levels
childbirth
mature age
illness (high fevers for prolonged periods)
anesthesia from operations
abnormal thyroid
hormonal imbalance (Polycystic ovarian syndrome, menopausal, etc.)
Discontinuing birth control pills
rapid weight loss
improper diet
Nutrient deficiency (low iron, protein, or zinc)
hair pulled back too tightly (ponytails, braids, extensions, etc.)
certain medications (known offenders include blood pressure medications, anti-depressants, cholesterol medications, beta-blockers, and blood thinners, gout medications)
auto-immune diseases
smoking
improper haircare (excessive heat or chemical use causing breakage)
extra high doses of vitamin A
If you’re dealing with any one of these issues that are reversible, you know what you need to do. If you’re unsure where to start, begin with a high-quality multivitamin.
The nutrient supplements that pack the most punch when it comes to hair loss are iron, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, 8 milligrams of zinc, and 3-5 milligrams of biotin (vitamin B7). If taking vitamin B5, skip the biotin though, these two don’t play well together. Also important is to have plenty of protein in your diet. Protein is like the building blocks of your lucious mane. A good rule of thumb is .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
These suggestions alone won’t regrow hair overnight. Stop snacking on Doritos, and grab some snap peas instead! A healthy diet and a few supplements will work their magic on your hair over time.
If you want to give your scalp a wake up call, here is my most recent MVP in the shower. Milkshake Energizing Blend Shampoo and Conditioner .
This type of shampoo and conditioner stimulates your scalp, improving circulation near hair follicles to create the best environment possible for new hair growth. It will make your hair feel fuller and thicker while maintaining its softness. It’s especially good for fine, thinning hair. Pair the duo with the Milkshake Energizing Blend Scalp Treatment for even better results. This adds more fullness to your hair while encouraging hair to grow. The best part of the Scalp Treatment, is you only have to use it 2x a week!
So, let's talk about these shampoos with minoxidil, shall we? You may have heard of Rogaine. Apparently, it contains this magical ingredient, which is supposed to make your hair grow like crazy. But here's the catch - it's actually a medicated product. And you know what that means, right? Side effects galore!
Using this stuff can lead to some hilarious situations. I’ve seen multiple reviews online about users sprouting unwanted facial hair like a Chia Pet on steroids. But wait, there's more! If you're already popping blood pressure medication or any other kind of drugs, you might want to think twice before diving into the world of minoxidil. It doesn’t always play well with others. So, unless you're ready for some unexpected interactions, maybe stick to a regular shampoo and save yourself the trouble.
Oh, and here's the cherry on top: if you do decide to give this magical hair growth potion a try, be prepared for a lifelong commitment. Yep, you heard me right. Once you start using it, you can never stop. It's like a never-ending subscription to hair growth. Stop using it, and your new luscious locks will bid you farewell faster than you can say "bad hair day."
I’ll let you be the judge on this one, but for me, its a big NO THANK YOU.
If you have thinning hair, there are thousands of products on the market that help add the look and feel of voluminous hair. I have a few go-to’s that I use religiously both at home and in the salon. The first is Milkshake Volume Solution, which can be used on damp hair near the root and blown dry into your hair. Next up is Kenra Texturizing Taffy. It’s applied on dry hair, creating massive volume that can easily be brushed through later. Products can create the illusion of 2x the hair, and its results are immediate!
Things to keep in mind when you’re freaking out over all the hair in your hands…
Your hair sheds 50-100 hairs per day. Hair goes through 3 cycles during its lifetime on your head. The first lasts 2-8 years and is in the growing phase. 85-90% of the head is in this phase. The other portion of hair may be in the 2nd cycle, which is when the hair loosens from the hair follicles as the follicles shrink. The 3rd cycle is the resting phase where the hair is dormant for 2-4 months before eventually falling out. Hair shedding is NORMAL. Excessive shedding that comes on quickly is not.
Your hair will seem to be shedding more than usual if you have extended periods of time between washings. Someone who washes daily will notice less shedding than someone who washes 2 x a week. Also, if your hair is longer you may notice it more than someone will short hair. You know your body, and what seems like it is out of the ordinary. Talk to a dermatologist or your family doctor if you are concerned.
Eat a balanced diet, quit bad habits, and reduce stress levels as much as possible. Take supplements as needed, and use good quality hair products without sulfates on your hair. If experiencing breakage, reconsider your routine. Reduce the heat on your hot tools. Use a bond-building treatment like Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3 to reduce and repair damage between haircolorings.
Let’s talk about thinning hair and its impact on your self esteem. Your hair does not define you! There are so many unique and amazing things that make you who you are. I mean, how many people have complimented your cooking skills? Or your ability to make even the grumpiest little kid smile? Okay, how about your killer dance moves?! Trust me, those are the things people like about you. In fact, I’m willing to bet there is something about you someone else is secretly jealous of. I know I’d take a good singing voice over good hair any day. So, don’t let thinning hair bring you down. Embrace your uniqueness, rock that receeding hairline with pride, and remember that you are a walking, talking bundle of awesomeness!!!
8 Signs Hard Water Is Wrecking Your Hair.
If your hair has felt kind of ‘gross’ lately, and conditioning treatments aren’t helping, you may have a different problem…buildup on your hair. Many of my salon guests live in areas that have very hard water, myself included. I have a well and no softener, which wrecks havoc on my hair! I HAVE to do chelating treatments once monthly or I can barely get a comb through it. Sound familiar?!
Here are 8 signs listed below to see if hard water may be affecting YOUR hair too! Read these, and if I can help you manage the mineral buildup on your hair, reach out and we will take care of this problem for you for just $25!!!
1️⃣ Your hair feels and “clumpy” and dry when wet.
2️⃣ Your hair tangles easily.
3️⃣ You are not getting 100% gray coverage from haircolor.
4️⃣ Your hair looks dull and lacks shine.
5️⃣ Your hair stays frizzy, no matter what you put on it.
6️⃣ Your scalp may be itchy and flaky, or even more greasy than normal.
7️⃣ Your hair lays flat to your head, despite volumizing efforts.
8️⃣ You may be experiencing hair loss or breakage.
So what do you do to combat the buildup of minerals?
If possible, have a whole house water softener installed. I am currently renting a home, so this isn’t an option for me at this time. However, I did the next best thing.
I purchased a shower head with a filter. There are many brands out there to choose from. I use the Sprite brand, which can be purchased at Lowes or Amazon, and likely other places as well. The filter itself goes into the shower head, and is replaced monthly. Its not too terribly expensive when you consider how much money you are saving on shampoo (hard water makes for less suds), and on clarifying products.
In addition to the shower head filter, you can have a chelating treatment done on your hair in the salon. This takes only 20-30 minutes, and removes heavy buildup from your hair and scalp. Weather buildup is from hard water minerals, swimming pool chemicals, or hair product residue, this gentle treatment takes it off, leaving hair silky soft.
And finally, once you’ve had your chelating treatment in the salon, protect your hair so this doesn’t happen as bad in the future.
I recommend Olaplex No.4C Bond Maintenance Shampoo, which is a clarifying and detoxifying shampoo. What I love about this shampoo is the ‘squeak’ you hear after your hair is cleansed, that tells you your locks have had a good deep clean. Use this 2-3 times weekly, letting it sit on your hair about 2-4 minutes before rinsing for best results. All Olaplex products contain their patented bond-building technology, which makes this a superior choice in my opinion compared to other clarifying types of shampoos. Expect MEGA lather out of this one, and a bottle that lasts for many months.
Learn more about Olaplex No. 4C, and other products sold at Salon J
You have great hair. You just don’t know it yet! Water affects SO many aspects of how your hair feels and responds to chemicals. If you would like to schedule your own chelating treatment, you can book online with me, or reach out directly with any questions or scheduling concerns.