Shampoos for Hair Loss
Losing hair strands, even up to 80 strands a day is considered normal but when the amount becomes much more than this, then this is a hair loss problem. This situation can be frustrating, alarming and aesthetically displeasing. However, there is always a solution to it, depending on its actual cause. Its actual cause may not be easily determined except with the help of a dermatologist or more specifically, a trichologist.
For severe hair loss as in Androgenetic Alopecia and Alopecia Areata, medications like minoxidil or finasteride may be indicated. This is usually a genetic hair loss problem and it does not have a particular trigger. However, for most other forms of hair loss, the particular cause can be unearthed and can be fixed through various means including through the use of a hair loss shampoo. The different known causes of mild reactive hair loss include
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency: the hair requires vitamins A, B7, B12 & D, iron, omega-3 rich foods, and proteins to maintain hair growth. Reduced quantity of these nutrients, which are usually obtained from food may lead to hair loss.
- Hair ringworm: this is a fungal infection of the scalp which can cause patches on the hair known as Tinea Capitis. These patches usually do not produce hair.
- Shampoos with harsh ingredients e.g. Sodium : Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a detergent that can cause skin irritation, dry hair and hair loss.
- Hair dandruff and Pityriasis Amiantacea: these are fungal scalp conditions that affect hair growth.
- Hair dyes: these usually contain harsh ingredients that damage hair e.g. ammonia and physically weakened hair shafts.
- Hormonal imbalances e.g. excess production of dihydrotestosterone.
- Some medications and supplements: these may need to be avoided altogether, especially if they are not drugs that are used to treat life-threatening conditions.
These causes of mild hair loss can be broadly classified into three; use of harsh substances or unavoidable products on the hair, hair infection and inherent inadequate hair nutrients or excess/inadequate hormones made available to the hair.
The kinds of shampoo that can be used to treat and reverse hair loss and even promote hair growth include
- Ketoconazole containing shampoo: shampoos containing ketoconazole; a mild but highly potent antifungal agent helps clear ringworms and dandruffs, promoting hair hygiene, preventing hair loss and subsequently improving hair size and density.
- Biotin-containing shampoo: biotin, also called vitamin b7, is an important vitamin for different body processes including synthesis of fatty acids, some amino acids and glucose, but it can also promote hair growth by influencing the strengthening of hair. Biotin is an important component of skin cells which affects hair follicle health. Weak or unhealthy hair follicles are unable to retain hair and would lead to hair loss.
- Caffeine-containing shampoo: applying this product to hair experiencing loss would give an increased length of the hair shaft, and stimulated keratinocytes growth. More specifically, caffeine acts by reversing the effects of dihydrotestosterone, the hormone responsible for balding in both males and females.
- Saw palmetto: this is more popular as a source of food as native Americans were known to use this small plant with berries. It is also a source of medicine. Research has however proven this plant also has the potential to treat hair loss. It also works by blocking dihydrotestosterone formation from testosterone.
Overall, taking care of the hair is important and would certainly increase our confidence and overall mood. Avoiding harsh and inappropriate products while introducing the hair to hair-friendly nutrients is a way to improve the hair. Having a shampoo that can provide you with a solution to different reactive hair loss problems is important and appropriate.
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