The Science of Hair Loss + Healing Holistic Alternatives for Stressed Follicles

Hair loss. It’s a topic that sends shivers down spines and spirals of worry into minds. Whether it’s a gradual thinning, a sudden patch, or a relentless receding hairline, the loss of our crowning glory can feel like a personal affront, a betrayal by our own bodies. But before we succumb to despair, let’s take a deep breath and dive into the fascinating science behind hair loss.

The Hairy Truth: Follicles and the Growth Cycle

Our hair follicles, nestled beneath the scalp, are the tiny factories churning out those precious strands. Each follicle goes through a cyclical journey:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the star of the show, where your hair grows like a determined vine, fueled by protein and hormones. This phase lasts for 2-7 years, determining your hair’s ultimate length.
• Catagen (Transition Phase): The follicle hits the brakes, preparing to shut down production. This phase is short, lasting just a few weeks.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): The hair detaches from the follicle and eventually sheds, making way for a new one to sprout. This phase lasts for 3 months, and then the cycle starts anew.

Normally, we lose around 50-100 hairs a day during telogen. But when this natural shedding process gets disrupted, or when the anagen phase shortens, that’s when we start noticing the dreaded thinning.

The Culprits: A Multitude of Triggers

Hair loss can be triggered by a variety of factors, both internal and external. Here are some of the main culprits:

• Genetics: Thanks to our lovely DNA, some of us are predisposed to hair loss, often in the form of male or female pattern baldness. These conditions are linked to the androgen hormone DHT, which miniaturizes hair follicles and shortens the anagen phase.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and thyroid disorders can all disrupt the delicate hormonal balance, leading to temporary or permanent hair loss.
• Stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our bodies, including our hair. The stress hormone cortisol can push hair follicles into the resting phase prematurely.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Iron, vitamin D, and biotin deficiencies can all impact hair growth.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like autoimmune diseases and scalp infections, can cause hair loss.
• Medications: Some medications, like chemotherapy drugs and blood thinners, can have hair loss as a side effect.

The Diagnosis Dilemma: Demystifying the “Why”

If you’re experiencing hair loss, don’t panic! The first step is to consult a doctor, dermatologist, or a certified trichologist. They can perform a scalp examination, blood tests, and other tests to identify the underlying cause. Once the diagnosis is made, you can explore treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment Tales: Hope for Falling Follicles

The good news is that there are a variety of treatments available for hair loss, depending on the cause and severity. Here are some of the most common options:

• Medications: Minoxidil and finasteride are FDA-approved medications that can stimulate hair growth and slow down hair loss, respectively.
• Hair transplantation: This surgical procedure involves transplanting hair follicles from a donor area to the balding area.
• Laser therapy: Low-level laser therapy can stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This involves injecting platelet-rich plasma from your own blood into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles.
• Dietary changes: Ensuring adequate intake of iron, vitamin D, and biotin can support healthy hair growth.

Science-backed Scents: Exploring Essential Oils for Hair Loss

If you prefer a more holistic approach over topical medications, PRP, or lasers, at BLU Salon + Apothecary we suggest a combination of changes in diet, physical exercise (i.e. yoga or a good walk), good sleeping habits, and careful use of essential oils. While research on essential oils for hair loss is ongoing, some studies suggest these specific oils may be helpful.

Rosemary oil: This popular oil, with its invigorating scent, and there has been some promising research that has shown rosemary oil to be as effective as minoxidil in promoting hair growth. Rosemary oil may stimulate circulation in the scalp and prevent the breakdown of hair follicles.

Peppermint oil: This tingly oil may increase blood flow to the scalp, potentially stimulating hair growth. Blood flow is essential to hair growth because it feeds the follicle. One study found that peppermint oil was more effective than minoxidil, jojoba oil, and saline in promoting hair growth.

Lavender oil: This calming oil possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may help soothe an itchy scalp and create a healthy environment for hair growth.

Cedarwood oil: This woody oil may balance sebum production in the scalp and promote hair growth. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for scalp health.

Thyme oil: This potent oil, to be used with caution due to its strength, may stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss. A study found that thyme oil was effective in treating alopecia areata, an autoimmune hair loss condition.

Remember: Use EO’s with Caution

• Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted before use. A general rule is to add 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
• Do a patch test before applying any essential oil to your scalp. Apply a diluted drop to your inner arm and wait 24 hours for any irritation.
• Consult a doctor or dermatologist before using essential oils, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Important Note:

It’s crucial to remember that the effectiveness of essential oils for hair loss can vary from person to person. While some people may experience significant benefits, others may not see any results. If you’re considering using essential oils for hair loss, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a qualified aromatherapist to ensure they’re safe and appropriate for you.

Beyond the Brush: Embrace the Journey

While the various clinical treatments and essential oils can be a helpful addition to your hair care routine, remember that they’re not a one-stop solution for hair loss. A holistic approach that addresses the underlying cause of your hair loss is essential.

• Managing stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can be helpful.
• Eating a healthy diet: Ensure you’re getting enough iron, vitamin D, and biotin, which are important for hair health.
• Treating any underlying medical conditions: If your hair loss is due to a medical condition, treating that condition may help stop hair loss and promote regrowth.
• Focus on self-care: Prioritize activities that make you feel good about yourself, like exercise, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones. Better yet, come see us at BLU for a relaxing scalp massage and 3-layer deep hydrating treatment.
• Popular Hair Loss Shampoo: We also suggest using Kinactif Force Shampo. A unique hair loss shampoo to gently wash damaged hair and prevent hair loss. Increases hair’s resistance and stimulates growth.

Combining, hair loss shampoos. essential oils with a healthy lifestyle and addressing the underlying cause of your hair loss, you may be able to see a noticeable improvement in the health and fullness of your hair.

Remember, hair loss doesn’t define you. It’s just one part of your story. By understanding the science behind it, exploring treatment options that are right for you.