Hair Loss: Let’s Talk About What Really Works

Hair loss can be incredibly distressing. It’s a deeply personal issue, and the amount of confusing information online can be overwhelming. I believe that understanding the science and being realistic about what works is the best way to move forward. When it comes to something as important as your hair, acting quickly with a proven treatment can make all the difference.

The Hair Growth Cycle

To understand hair loss, it helps to understand how hair grows. Each hair on your head goes through a continuous cycle with three main stages:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active stage where your hair is growing. It can last for several years.
• Catagen (Transition Phase): This is a short phase where the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the blood supply.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): The follicle is now completely inactive. The old hair is released, and a new hair begins to grow underneath. This is why it’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day—they’re simply completing their cycle.

Hair loss becomes a concern when this cycle is disrupted. The growth phase shortens, or follicles become dormant, leading to more shedding and less regrowth.

Why Acting Early Is Key

If left untreated, certain types of hair loss, such as male and female pattern baldness, tend to get worse over time. Starting treatment early is critical. It can help to slow or stop its progression, protecting the hair follicles you have and potentially helping to stimulate new growth. It’s also crucial to identify the underlying cause, as some issues are temporary (like post-pregnancy hair loss) while others require long-term management.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss isn’t always about genetics. Many factors can contribute to it, and understanding the potential cause is the first step toward finding a solution.

• Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia): The most common cause of hair loss for both men and women. It’s often referred to as male or female pattern baldness.
• Stress: Significant emotional or physical stress can trigger a type of temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium, where a large number of hairs prematurely enter the resting phase.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of key vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, or vitamin D can impact hair health and growth.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or from thyroid issues can all affect hair shedding.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions like alopecia areata cause the immune system to mistakenly attack hair follicles.

For more information on the different causes of hair loss, you can read the NHS guide here.

Proven Solutions vs. Viral Trends

You’ve likely seen the latest viral trends on social media, from rice water rinses to massaging with rosemary oil. While it’s wonderful to see people taking an interest in their hair health, it’s vital to be realistic.

When it comes to hair loss, there is a clear difference between an enjoyable self-care routine and a clinically effective treatment.

• Rosemary Oil: The reality is that there is very limited scientific evidence to support rosemary oil as an effective treatment for hair loss. The single, often-cited study has been debunked by scientific experts. While a scalp massage with any oil can feel nice and may temporarily improve blood flow, it is not a proven solution for a progressive condition. To understand why this popular trend doesn’t hold up to scientific scrutiny, I highly recommend this video on YouTube from Dr. Michelle Wong, a PhD chemist, who thoroughly debunks the rosemary oil myth.
• Minoxidil: On the other hand, minoxidil is one of the few treatments that is consistently recommended by experts because its effectiveness is backed by solid, peer-reviewed research. It works by boosting blood flow to the scalp, which revitalises hair follicles and can promote new growth. It’s an over-the-counter medication with a proven track record.

The Importance of Professional Advice

This is the most important part of this guide. Before you start any treatment, always consult with a professional.

• A trichologist or a dermatologist is an expert in scalp and hair health. They can accurately diagnose the type and cause of your hair loss, ruling out any underlying medical conditions that might be the root of the problem.
• Supplements are another area to be cautious with. They are not regulated in the same way as medications, and taking the wrong ones or excessive amounts can sometimes cause more harm than good. A professional can recommend supplements only if they identify a specific deficiency in your blood work.

Don’t let the buzz around unproven remedies stop you from seeking a proven solution. Your hair is an important part of your identity, and a professional consultation is the best way to get a safe, effective, and tailored treatment plan.

If you are concerned about your hair loss, your first step should be to see a GP to get a blood work or check out this NHS guide for more information.