Wondering why your hair is falling out? Editor Trudi Brewer gets to the root of the problem and reveals how to transform lacklustre locks into your crowning glory.
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It's normal to lose between 60 and 100 hairs a day but if you're shedding more hair than an angora goat in summer, you’d probably like to know why. Editor Trudi Brewer shares five main causes of hair loss in women and men – and reveals what you can do about it.
Styling
Long-term use of styling products and repeated pulling on your tresses with tools such as brushes and straightening irons can damage your hair, causing it to break off and appear thinner. Tip: Give your locks the chance to recover by using gentle hair products and embracing a more natural style.
Hormones
Women whose hair suddenly starts to fall out may have a hormone imbalance caused by thyroid problems or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Tip: If this sounds like you, make an appointment with your GP – once the underlying medical problem is treated, hair usually grows back.
Genetics
If male pattern baldness runs in the family then a genetic sensitivity to the hormone dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is most likely to blame. Sensitivity to this hormone, which is made from testosterone, causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop working altogether. Tip: You can't change your genes (yet!), but early adoption of healthy hair habits – such as eating a protein and vitamin-rich diet – can help you make the most of what you've got.
Stress
Frayed nerves and feeling constantly on edge can trigger a flaky or itchy scalp, leading to dandruff. Worse still, stress really can make your hair fall out. This is because your body's defensive response to stress can disrupt your hair growth cycle. Tip: Find ways to lower your stress levels and enhance your general wellbeing, for example through gentle exercise or a mindfulness app.
Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential to maintaining good general health and that includes healthy hair. Poor nutrition – including vitamin imbalances, iron deficiency, inadequate protein intake, and very low calorie diets – inevitably impacts on the appearance, strength and growth of hair. Tip: Help yourself to an extra serving of veges and eat plenty of protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, yoghurt and nuts. For an extra nutritional boost, take a well-formulated supplement designed to support healthy hair, like these products from Swisse.
Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails Liquid, $42.
For both men and women this daily shot of goodness supports the production of collagen with silica and vitamin C. This potent blend of minerals and vitamins provides the essential nutrients for healthy hair, skin and nails.
Swisse Ultiboost Hair Nutrition for Women, $35.
If you prefer to pop a pill, the inclusion of iron and biotin in this hair-specific formula helps promote thicker, stronger locks with unrivaled shine - the results can be seen within 12 weeks.
Swisse Men's Ultivite Multivitamin, $35.
Contains 53 vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs to help maintain your well-being, where your busy lifestyle and patchy diet falls short. The most impressive thing about this supplement is how it can promote healthy hair growth within weeks.