Are you finding more strands of hair in your brush or on the shower floor lately? You're not alone. It's estimated that about 35 million men and 21 million women worldwide are grappling with hair health issues like hair loss and excessive shedding.
Extreme stress due to prolonged illness like Covid-19, a death in the family or job loss, hormonal imbalances particularly due to pregnancy or menopause, illness and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata (a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles and causes hair loss), nutritional deficiencies – due to ultra-processed foods and not enough fruits and veggies, and lifestyle choices like smoking, heavy drinking, lack of sleep, and extreme diet and exercise regimens all contribute to this prevalent issue. (More on this below)
But why does hair health matter so much? Well, your hair is more than just a fashion statement—it's a reflection of your overall well-being. Thinning or brittle hair can dent your confidence and affect your self-image.
The good news? There's a plethora of natural solutions to help you reclaim your crowning glory. Whether it's nourishing your body from the inside out with the right nutrients through key nutraceuticals, reducing stress levels, or adopting healthier lifestyle habits, restoring hair growth is within your reach. However, if you have a medical condition or severe hormonal imbalances that are causing your hair loss, it’s best to seek help from a healthcare professional.
In this blog, we'll delve into the root causes of hair loss and shedding and explore effective, natural strategies to kickstart your hair growth journey.
ALSO SEE: Why your skin and hair need a solid beauty wellness routine
Understanding hair health: What affects hair growth and strength?
Understanding what affects hair growth and strength is key to addressing hair loss and shedding effectively, but first, it’s important to understand the hair growth cycle.
Your hair doesn't grow at a constant rate; instead, it undergoes a cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. This cycle consists of three main phases:
Anagen phase
This is the active growth phase, where hair follicles produce new hair cells. The length of the anagen phase determines how long your hair can grow. This phase can last anywhere from two to seven years, depending on genetics and other factors.
Catagen phase
After the anagen phase, the hair follicle enters a transitional phase known as catagen. During this brief period, the hair stops growing and detaches from the blood supply. This phase typically lasts for a few weeks.
Telogen phase
The final phase of the hair growth cycle is telogen, also known as the resting phase. During this time, the hair follicle remains dormant before eventually shedding the hair strand. This phase lasts for about three to four months.
Several factors can influence the duration and health of each phase of the hair growth cycle, some of which include:
Genetics
Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in determining your hair growth cycle and pattern of hair loss. If you have a family history of hair loss, you may be more predisposed to experiencing similar issues.
Hormonal changes
Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can affect the hair growth cycle and lead to hair thinning.
Nutritional deficiencies
Proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair growth and without it, your hair is at risk of becoming thinner and more brittle.
Nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, and B vitamins, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin, support hair follicle function and promote hair strength and growth. Amino acids are also essential for hair growth as they’re the building blocks of keratin, the protein that forms the structure of hair strands. (The good news is that our radiant hair VITAMINS contain all of these ingredients in one convenient capsule).
Stress
Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding and hair loss. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy hair.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and extreme diets or exercise regimens can all impact hair health. These habits can interfere with nutrient absorption, hormone balance, and overall well-being, contributing to hair loss and thinning.
For instance, studies show that extreme diets and exercise regimens could deprive the body of essential nutrients, disrupt hormone balance, increase stress levels, and reduce blood flow to the scalp. It's essential to maintain a balanced diet, avoid extreme weight loss practices, and enjoy moderate exercise with the occasional intense session to support healthy hair growth.
Understanding what influences the health of your hair is crucial, but knowing how to support it through the right hair nutraceutical can make all the difference. Let’s discuss how they work and what you can expect on your hair health journey.
How nutraceuticals support the hair growth cycle
A nutraceutical refers to a dietary supplement that offers health benefits beyond simple nutrition. These supplements typically contain bioactive compounds sourced from foods or plants to address specific health needs.
More about our radiant hair VITAMINS
Our radiant hair VITAMINS, for example, is a prime example of a nutraceutical designed to support your overall hair health and slow down the rate of hair shedding. The unique formula combines essential nutrients with plant-based extracts to encourage hair to grow longer, stronger and thicker.
Another standout feature of our radiant hair VITAMINS is its unique amino acid complex, namely L-Arginine, L-lysine and L-methionine. These amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and since hair is primarily made up of a protein called keratin, ensuring an adequate supply of amino acids is crucial for healthy hair growth.
Additionally, this supplement contains hyaluronic acid, which helps boost moisture retention in the hair shaft. Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining the elasticity and strength of hair, preventing breakage and brittleness.
Our unique formula also contains Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb known for its stress-reducing properties, thus helping to combat one of the factors that can disrupt the hair growth cycle. Saw Palmetto is another key ingredient that inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in hair loss.
By providing essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this type of specialised supplement (rather than a broad multivitamin) can help to address the root cause of hair shedding and support the hair growth cycle, counteracting many of these common problems.
4 hair care tips to boost hair health and strength
In addition to a good haircare nutraceutical, here are a few other hair health tips to help you slow down the rate of hair shedding from the American Academy of Dermatology Association
1 Take care with products
Proper hair care involves using gentle shampoo, moisturising conditioner, and avoiding harsh treatments like hot-oil treatments and excessive heat styling. Also, aim to use a leave-in conditioner or detangler after each hair wash and conditioning session to minimise breakage and frizz.
2 Ask a salon for help
If your hair is thinning and it feels brittle, avoid dyeing, perming, chemically straightening, or relaxing your hair at home. Instead, seek these services at a specialised salon where professionals can assess your scalp and hair to determine the most suitable products for you.
3 Be gentle with your hair
Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair to prevent traction alopecia, and refrain from habits like twisting or pulling your hair.
When it comes to drying your hair, be sure to use a microfiber towel to wrap your hair, which accelerates the drying process and lessens the need for blow-drying.
4 Stick to a healthy lifestyle
If you're committed to boosting your hair health, then small lifestyle changes can make the biggest difference. It's important to quit smoking and maintain a healthy diet rich in essential nutrients to support hair health.
For instance, protein plays a vital role in the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles. This is because cells in the hair follicles divide rapidly, requiring sufficient protein to support this process. A protein deficiency can lead to slower hair growth and even hair loss.
Eating plenty of protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts, and seeds, can help maintain optimal hair health. Along with protein, nutrients like iron also play a role in supporting hair growth by aiding in the transport of oxygen to the hair follicles, promoting their health and function. However, it’s a good idea to get your iron tested first before simply supplementing with it, as too much iron can be harmful to your health.
Find out more about our radiant hair VITAMINS formula here
