Hair Loss Explained

Hair growth and loss is composed of four distinct phases. Each phase has its timeline, which can be affected by age, nutrition and overall health. The first three phases; Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen cover the growth and maturation of the hair and the activity of the hair follicles that produce individual hairs. In the final phase, Exogen the “old” hair sheds and new hair is getting ready to take its place.

The four phases of hair growth explained:

1. Anagen: Growing Phase:
   This is the longest phase, lasting 3-5 years for the hair on your head and some people, it can continue to grow for 7 years. The hair on the scalp has the longest phase, however, eyebrows and pubic hair have a shorter growing phase.
   During this phase, the hair follicles are pushing out hairs that will continue to grow until you get it cut or until it reaches the end of its life span.
2. Catagen: Transition Phase:
   This phase starts when the anagen phase ends, it lasts 10 days or so. During this phase the hair follicles shrink and the hair growth slows down. The hair separates from the bottom of the hair follicle, however, remains in place. Only accounts for 5 per cent of the hair on your head at any given time.
3. Telogen: Resting Phase:
   The resting phase last 3 months. In this phase, the hair does not grow, but they do not usually fall out either. In this phase, new hair starts to form in the follicles that have just released hair in the catagen phase.
4. Exogen: Shedding Phase:
   During this phase the hair sheds from the scalp, often helped by washing hair and brushing. Generally, an individual will lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. This phase lasts 2 to 5 months, as this hair sheds, new hair are growing in the follicles.

How to maintain healthy hair during all four stages:

Healthy fuller hair depends on genetics and hormone levels, which are largely beyond our control. There are several lifestyle factors and hair care that can support the hair through these four stages:

1. Good Nutrition:
   Hair is largely made up of protein, therefore focus on healthy protein intake in the diet such as lean meat, fish, beans, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Also, vitamins and nutrients are required for healthy hair growth, in particular: Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Iron (especially in women), Zinc, folic acid and Vitamin B12.
   In addition to this Biotin, a vitamin H or B7, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis in the body is essential to the hair life cycle. Supplements can support the reduction in hair loss.
2. Reduced Stress:
   Stress can accelerate the hair from the anagen phase to the telogen phase, and then into the exogen phase, double or tripling normal daily hair loss.
   Learning to de-stress helps to avoid the acceleration of hair loss. With the help of yoga, meditation, breathing techniques or counselling and avoiding daily stressors in life you can reduce hair loss and have many positive health benefits.
3. Hair Care:
   Healthy hair starts with choosing the right shampoo, opt for a product based on your hair type, such as fine hair, curly or dry/oily hair. Washing your hair to keep the scalp healthy and clean may protect from hair loss, however, use a mild shampoo to avoid breaking hair or striping the oils from the hair.
   Using coconut oil or olive oil helps to prevent hair damage, and prevents breakage at the roots.
   Gentle styling of hair, avoid tight braids or pony tails which can pull the hair out of the roots leading to excessive shedding. Also, let your hair air dry and do not tie it up whilst wet.
4. LED Light Therapy:
   LED light therapy uses low-level wavelengths to promote hair growth in people by stimulating epidermal stem cells during the Platelet Rich Plasma/Fibrin treatment.
5. Platelet Rich Plasma or Fibrin:
   Injectable treatment for the scalp to help stimulate growth in hair thinning or hair loss areas. Clients have seen more than 30% growth in thinning areas after four sessions.