Help — I’m losing my hair!

When working with people’s hair is your passion, you are pretty invested in them keeping their locks healthy. And we totally get that hair is part of your identity, which is why losing it can be a huge blow. Sometimes, your options are limited to hair recovery specialists or to nature; other times, hair loss can be a sign of another health issue that you need to address. The plus side? Resolving the health issue may help you keep your mane.

So what could be causing hair loss?

First, you want to consider any big changes that have recently occurred, or big stressors. A period of intense stress or physical trauma can shock the hair’s natural cycle and cause you to shed more, often 3-6 months after the initial incident. If you have recently given birth, excessive shedding can also occur.  For some women, hair gets thicker and more lustrous during pregnancy, and then falls out at a higher rate after hormone levels drop. Hair usually doesn’t thin permanently, but returns to its pre-pregnancy thickness in time. Even significant weight loss, even if it’s a positive change, can promote hair loss.

Another thing to consider are your non-pregnancy hormones. Especially if you are female or have a history (familial or personal) of thyroid disease, it might be worth talking to your doctor about your thyroid health. The thyroid gland, which lives in your throat area and manages your body’s metabolism, or ability to convert fuel into energy, can become sluggish and cause hair loss, in some cases. Having your thyroid checked should be a part of your regular checkup, but talking to your doctor if you have concerns – especially if you are also experiencing other common symptoms, like lethargy, depression, or sluggish digestion – is a necessary box to check in your Hair Loss Investigation.

Another place to check is your diet. Are you taking a vitamin A supplement? Too much vitamin A can cause hair loss. Are you getting enough protein? If not, that might contribute to your thinning glory. Do you have pale skin, dizziness, fatigue, and cold hands and feet? Besides a thyroid test, you might also want to have your levels of iron checked. While you’re at it, check your vitamin B levels, and consider taking a supplement to boost your levels if low vitamin B is the cause of your hair loss.

Sometimes the issue is hereditary, and sometimes it is environmental, but a great place to start is with a conversation with your doctor. For our part, a stimulating scalp massage can do wonders for your hair growth!