Stop Hair Loss—But How?

Causes of Hair Loss

Anyone suffering from hair loss first sets out to find possible causes.

The bad news:

The causes of hair loss can vary. Furthermore, it’s often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

On the one hand, genetic factors can cause hair to appear increasingly thin and lead to bald spots.

But infections, stress, or hormonal changes can also contribute to hair loss.

Furthermore, certain medications can affect hair health.

In fact, hair loss is a common side effect of some medications.

Furthermore, conditions such as autoimmune diseases can lead to hair loss.

In this case, the immune system attacks the hair follicles, resulting in circular, hairless patches.

On top of that, hair loss can be seasonal.

For example, many people report increased hair loss in the fall, which is caused by cold weather.

However, an unhealthy diet can also lead to hair loss.

If you don’t get enough nutrients, it hinders hair growth. Crash diets, in particular, should therefore be avoided.

To identify the causes of hair loss, we must first understand the hair growth cycle.

Our hair goes through three stages before it falls out.

Excessive or pathological hair loss is only present when less than 80 percent of the hair is in an active growth phase.

Normally, no more than 20 percent of the hair is in the resting phase, while 80 percent is growing.

The number of hairs on the head and how quickly they enter the resting phase can vary from person to person.

The following types of hair loss can be distinguished:

Hereditary hair loss:

Many men and some women suffer from androgenetic alopecia, a form of hereditary hair loss.

In this condition, the hair is sensitive to an androgen called dihydrotestosterone. As a result, the hair follicles atrophy.

There is generally no excess testosterone. Since this form of hair loss is not classified as a disease, health insurance plans do not cover the costs of treatment.

Nevertheless, this type of alopecia presents challenges for those affected and can be psychologically distressing.

Alopecia areata:

Alopecia areata causes circular, bald patches on the scalp. The condition frequently affects children and young adults, as well as more women than men.

In addition to scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, or body hair may also fall out. This specific form of hair loss can lead to “female pattern hair loss,” or FPHL for short.

The reason:

The immune system attacks components of the hair.

Immune cells are presumably misdirected. Inflammation, such as tooth infections, can also lead to circular hair loss. To date, there are no conclusive studies that define possible causes.

Diffuse hair loss:

When we lose large amounts of hair all over the head, experts refer to this as telogen effluvium, or diffuse hair loss.

This type of hair loss is usually noticeable by the large number of hairs left in a brush or comb. Hormonal changes—such as those during pregnancy or menopause—as well as taking birth control pills can contribute to this form of hair loss. However, styling mistakes like tight braids or frequent heat treatments can also trigger diffuse hair loss.

Furthermore, diffuse hair loss often results from a thyroid disorder, an infection, chemotherapy, medication use, or a nutritional deficiency such as iron deficiency.

Stress as a cause of telogen effluvium is still being investigated.

Scarring alopecia:

Alopecia cicatricialis manifests as a side effect of numerous diseases.

These include fungal infections and inflammations affecting the scalp. This leads to bald patches. The pathogens attack the hair follicles until they are damaged or irreversibly destroyed. Scars form.

Those affected often report an itchy, dry, or painful scalp at the onset.

The sooner the cause is identified, the better the chances of success with modern hair loss treatment.

Disruptions in the Natural Hair Cycle

Hair loss can be attributed to many different causes.

In many cases, hair loss can be successfully treated.

But what helps against hair loss?

First of all:

If hair loss is diagnosed, it is due to a disruption in the hair growth cycle.

Too many hairs transition from the growth phase to the transitional and shedding phases. Our hair appears increasingly thinner.

The Hair Growth Phases

In the first phase, the anagen phase, a hair shaft is formed. It develops in the hair follicle.

The hair gradually becomes longer and thicker. The majority of the hair on the head is in this phase.

The Transition Phase of Hair

During the catagen phase, hair growth stops. The size of the hair follicle decreases. It then becomes keratinized.

Up to 55 percent of the hair on the head is in the transitional phase and is being shed.

The hair loss phase

In the final stage, the telogen phase, the hair falls out.

It has gone through all the phases and is now found in the hairbrush or down the drain. Losing up to 100 hairs a day is considered normal.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss

First, the good news:

Many types of hair loss can be treated.

To do this, the type of hair loss must first be determined and the cause investigated.

Scarring alopecia, for example, can only be treated if the underlying cause of the hair loss is identified.

This is because a fungal infection, for instance, must be treated before any success can be expected from hair loss therapy.

The rule of thumb is:

The sooner, the better!

Permanent damage to the hair follicles can be prevented if conditions and symptoms are treated early on.

The Use of Vitamins and Minerals

You are what you eat:

This saying may sound outdated. But in medical contexts, the basics are often what matter most.

A varied diet with good carbohydrates, plenty of protein, and high-quality fats can also support healthy hair.

It’s important to provide the body with as many vitamins and minerals as possible. This should primarily be achieved through diet.

This way, we ensure we get enough nutrients while avoiding overdoses.

Deficiency symptoms can be treated with dietary supplements under a doctor’s guidance.

Generally, those affected have an iron deficiency.

Iron ensures the supply of oxygen in the blood and promotes blood formation.

If we chronically consume too little iron—for example, as vegetarians or vegans—an iron deficiency can develop. This can also affect menstruating women.

Symptoms include the following:

Pale skin, pale mucous membranes, hair loss, brittle nails, cracked corners of the mouth, a burning sensation on the tongue, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

In addition, you should consume enough zinc.

This mineral promotes shiny, healthy hair.

A deficiency in this trace element is typically found in people with an unbalanced diet, diabetics, and older adults.

In such cases, wounds heal more slowly.

Those affected may experience, among other things, cracked corners of the mouth and a sore scalp.

Zinc affects our immune system and promotes the formation of skin cells and hair.

This trace element is found, for example, in pumpkin seeds.

We can improve blood circulation in the scalp by consuming vitamin C.

People who frequently eat foods like red bell peppers or broccoli provide their bodies with sufficient vitamin C.

Since the body can easily absorb this nutrient through food, supplementation is generally not necessary.

Furthermore, we should eat kale, carrots, and sweet potatoes more often. These contain vitamin A, which supports hair growth and can influence hair thickness.

B vitamins also play a key role in hair health. Panthenol is a precursor to vitamin B5.

This substance is frequently used in hair care products to optimize hair structure.

Vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) strengthen the hair roots. They can also help reduce skin irritation and oily hair.

B vitamins are found, for example, in dairy products, eggs, and fish.

Vitamin B7, or vitamin H—also known as biotin—protects the hair and scalp.

At the same time, this vitamin promotes blood circulation in the scalp, allowing nutrients to reach the hair roots more effectively. Biotin is found in foods such as liver and nuts.

Folic acid is also one of the B vitamins. Folic acid promotes cell division.

B vitamins are involved in numerous metabolic processes. For this reason, the vitamin B infusion is one of the most popular infusion therapies for people who want to specifically supply their bodies with important micronutrients.

Those affected may recognize a deficiency by hair breakage or hair loss. Peas, wheat bran, and tomatoes, among other foods, contain folic acid.

Brittle hair can also be caused by a vitamin E deficiency. This vitamin is found, for example, in tomatoes, raspberries, and wheat germ oil.

Researchers are currently studying the active ingredient thiocyanate.

It contains an anion, forms a protective layer around human cells, and is believed to accelerate metabolic processes.

There is currently no clear evidence of thiocyanate’s effectiveness.

In cases of acute deficiency, it may be necessary to take dietary supplements.

However, dietary supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet.

Those concerned can have a dermatologist or their primary care physician check whether they have a nutrient deficiency. A blood test provides information about blood levels.

Infusion therapy is one of the modern treatment methods for delivering vitamins and micronutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract.

Dietary Supplements for Prevention

There’s no question about it:

every man and woman wants full, shiny hair.

But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be challenging to maintain a balanced diet and avoid foods that may have a negative impact on our health.

In our daily lives, we often end up choosing the wrong foods.

Furthermore, 80 percent of the processed foods in the supermarket contain too much sugar and salt.

The solution: cook at home!

In exceptional cases, however, it may make sense to take vitamin and mineral supplements.

But be careful:

Dietary supplements should only be taken after consulting a doctor. A doctor can determine whether you have a deficiency and provide advice on treatment.

They can also prescribe high-quality dietary supplements.

Since supplements do not have to undergo costly testing and the budget goes directly toward advertising, consumers cannot tell whether a product is of high quality.

The high advertising budgets also mean that low-quality products achieve high sales figures and create a favorable impression.

Causes of Genetic Hair Loss

Androgenetic alopecia can occur in both women and men.

The hair follicles are sensitive to a metabolite of testosterone, the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT for short.

This predisposition can be inherited from both mothers and fathers.

According to studies, the maternal influence is stronger than the paternal one.

The specific genes responsible have not yet been identified.

What is certain, however, is that the blood vessels in the hair follicles atrophy due to the influence of DHT. These vessels supply the follicles with nutrients.

As a result, fewer vitamins and minerals reach the hair follicles, shortening the growth phase and causing the hair to wither.

Over the years, the hair becomes shorter and thinner until, eventually, no new hair is produced.

In men, hereditary hair loss typically begins around age 20. They usually develop a receding hairline before their hair thins out.

In women, androgenetic alopecia is usually diagnosed starting at age 40. In their case, the parting area typically widens.

But can genetically caused hair loss be treated?

There are products on the market that are said to be able to halt androgenetic alopecia.

A note:

For genetically caused hair loss, treatments are often recommended that should be discussed with a doctor before use. This is because medications such as finasteride or minoxidil can cause side effects.

The use of finasteride

Finasteride is not used for genetically caused hair loss, but rather for hormonally caused hair loss.

In this process, the hormone testosterone interacts with the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.

The enzyme binds to specific binding sites.

This produces dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to which certain people are sensitive.

As a result, a signal is transmitted that can cause hair loss as well as tissue growth in the prostate gland.

Taking finasteride inhibits the production of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. As a result, the body produces less DHT.

Finasteride, which belongs to the class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, can therefore also be referred to as a DHT blocker.

It is important that the medication be administered in a low dose.

Taking finasteride can lead to numerous side effects, including sexual dysfunction and a decreased libido.

Lumps or tenderness in the breast, or discharge from the mammary gland, may also occur as a result of finasteride use.

Since the medication can impair fetal development, pregnant women should avoid any contact with the drug.

This applies both to taking the medication and to handling it. Even crushing or splitting the tablets can harm the unborn child.

An Introduction to Minoxidil

Minoxidil, an antihypertensive, is usually administered orally to treat high blood pressure.

The drug is metabolized primarily in the liver.

The metabolites are excreted via the kidneys and in the urine. The half-life is 4 hours. The effect lasts up to 72 hours.

Minoxidil causes the muscles to relax.

As a result, the blood vessel walls and the potassium channels in the cell membranes dilate. This can lower blood pressure.

Since 1988, minoxidil has also been used to treat hereditary hair loss.

The tincture or foam is applied topically to the scalp. This causes the local blood vessels to dilate.

This can help deliver more nutrients to the hair, allowing it to grow back stronger.

However, this topical treatment cannot regrow lost hair. Nevertheless, for many people affected, simply stopping hair loss is a relief.

Women are often prescribed a 2% solution, while men use a 5% solution. The tincture is gently massaged into the scalp.

Possible side effects:

skin irritation and inflammation, headaches, and increased hair growth.

Furthermore, use of the product may cause palpitations, edema, and hypertrichosis.

Women who are breastfeeding should avoid this medication, as the substance could pass into breast milk.

Studies on its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding are still pending.

Minoxidil is a prescription medication.

Those affected should therefore first consult a doctor, such as a dermatologist, who can prescribe a minoxidil-based treatment based on the diagnosis and as part of a treatment plan.

The Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Products

Powders, serums, and oils:

Retailers advertise numerous products that promise quick results for hair loss.

Manufacturers typically advertise using their own studies, which are intended to prove the products’ effectiveness.

But how effective are these products really?

First of all:

According to experts, studies conducted by the manufacturers themselves are not very meaningful.

After all, these studies are usually conducted over too short a period of time and with small groups of participants. This approach cannot be compared to large-scale scientific studies.

When purchasing over-the-counter products from a drugstore or supermarket, consumers should therefore keep in mind that ingredients such as basil, bamboo, or caffeine may not produce the desired effect.

The same applies to dietary supplements.

Under the EU’s general food law (Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002), these are classified as food and are therefore not subject to any regulatory scrutiny.

As a result, products can be freely sold that have not been tested for safety or efficacy beforehand.

The problem: Due to the sheer number of products from different manufacturers, the market is confusing.

Furthermore, distributors use the budget they save due to the lack of controls for advertising.

The result:

Even unsafe products are heavily promoted by influencers and others.

The advertising leads consumers to believe that the product is trustworthy.

Furthermore, while dietary supplements are aimed at health-conscious people, these consumers rarely question the products.

Many over-the-counter dietary supplements are also too highly dosed. In the case of water-soluble vitamins, the excess is simply excreted.

So the customer pays for a product that often isn’t even utilized. This applies, for example, to vitamin C.

With a vitamin C infusion, the vitamin enters the bloodstream directly and is available to the body without passing through the gastrointestinal tract.

With fat-soluble nutrients, on the other hand, there is a risk that excess amounts will accumulate in the organs and trigger serious complications.

Vitamin A, for example, accumulates in the body.

A vitamin A overdose can contribute to hair loss. In pregnant women, too high a dose can cause birth defects in the unborn child.

For this reason, consumers should thoroughly research these products and consult with their doctor.

As a general guideline:

The effectiveness of commercially available products is rarely proven.

Specialty shampoos

Low-quality shampoos and conditioners contain ingredients such as silicones.

These can damage our hair over the long term. Hairsprays and hair lacquers hinder hair growth.

People who are already experiencing hair loss should opt for silicone-, paraben-, and sulfate-free shampoos that cleanse the scalp.

Those affected should avoid using hairspray and hair lacquer.

In addition, those affected can use shampoos designed to combat hair loss. Cosmetic products for hair loss often contain caffeine or rosemary oil.

These are designed to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp so that the hair can be supplied with sufficient nutrients.

Hair Care Serums

Hair serums for hair loss are designed to stimulate the hair follicles and prolong the growth phase.

The products are applied daily. A few sprays are enough.

A tip:

Serums can only be effective if you’ve used a silicone-free shampoo beforehand.

Professional Hair Care at the Salon

We’ve all been there: During a visit to the salon, our trusted stylist raves about a new hair care line that they carry in the salon.

The advantage:

Professional-grade hair care products are often of higher quality than those found at drugstores. However, this is also reflected in the price.

Can hair loss really be prevented?

First, the good news:

Hair loss caused by nutritional deficiencies can be prevented. It’s important to eat plenty of vegetables and include fish and fruit in your diet more often.

You should eat at least 2 servings of vegetables and 3 servings of fruit per day.

On top of that, it’s important to keep your meals varied and to enjoy as many different colored vegetables as possible throughout the week.

Furthermore, we should ensure we get enough protein and amino acids. Amino acids are considered the building blocks of proteins and the building materials for our tissues and cells.

The antibodies in our immune system are also made up of amino acids.

Complete amino acids are found in foods such as fish, poultry, beef, and eggs. Pregnancy, stress, or a chronic illness can lead to an amino acid deficiency.

In addition, healthy carbohydrates—such as those found in potatoes, whole-grain bread, oatmeal, and oat bran—should be part of our diet.

Here’s a tip:

If you let potatoes cool overnight and eat them the next day, you’ll benefit from a food that’s rich in resistant starch. This promotes a healthy microbiome.

In addition, hair loss caused by infections or illnesses can be prevented by ensuring a healthy diet as a foundation and getting enough exercise.

A strong immune system protects us from illness.

An immune infusion is often used to specifically support the immune system and provide important vitamins and micronutrients.

We should also take advantage of preventive checkups with our family doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers.

These check-ups ensure that we do not have any vitamin deficiencies. Since dental diseases can also lead to hair loss, regular visits to the dentist are recommended.

Autologous Hair Transplantation

Permanently full hair:

If hair loss has already resulted in a high hairline, early balding, or bald spots on the head, cosmetic surgery can boost the self-confidence of those affected.

During an autologous hair transplant, the treating physician removes hair follicles from a donor area, such as the back of the head, and transplants them to the recipient area.

The hair in the donor area continues to grow, creating a natural appearance.

One method doctors use is the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) method.

In this case, surgeons remove a strip of hair from the donor area. The hair follicular units are stored in a special solution before the FUs are transplanted.

Alternatively, doctors use the Follicular Unit Extraction method, or FUE for short.

In this procedure, doctors extract individual follicular units from the donor area.

These are extracted using a fine hollow needle. The hair follicles are then examined for damage and implanted in the recipient area.

Those who want to specifically support their hair follicles are often interested in mesotherapy for hair, which aims to improve the scalp’s blood supply.

PRP hair therapy utilizes the body’s own growth factors to stimulate the hair roots and support natural hair growth.

FAQ

What Stops Hair Loss Immediately?

Hair loss can be attributed to various causes. It’s important to identify the cause in order to treat the hair loss.

How can I stop my hair loss?

Anyone suffering from diffuse hair loss or another type of hair loss should consult their primary care physician or a dermatologist.

Based on your medical history, they will determine the cause of the hair loss and suggest possible treatments.

What is the body lacking when hair loss occurs?

If hair loss is due to malnutrition, a long-term change in diet and keeping a food diary can help reduce hair loss.

Can hair loss stop?

Hair loss can be treated. To do so, the underlying cause must first be identified.

The Bottom Line—Treatment Methods for Alopecia Areata and Other Conditions

They’re scattered on your pillow, your shirt, in your brush, and down the shower drain:

Shed hair is no cause for concern, as we lose up to 100 hairs a day.

These hairs are in the final stage of their growth cycle.

However, if an unusually large number of hairs fall out, those affected may be suffering from pathological hair loss.

This can be attributed to genetics.

But autoimmune diseases, hormonal fluctuations, an unbalanced diet, crash diets, infections, and inflammation can also trigger hair loss.

Possible solutions:

specialized hair care products and a healthy diet.

And the best part? A well-rounded diet not only supports healthy hair but also beautiful skin.

If special shampoos, serums, and other products don’t work, those affected can consider a hair transplant.

In this procedure, specialists extract hair follicles from an area at the back of the head and then transplant them to the desired location. The hair can continue to grow there, and the result looks natural.