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Apart from the aesthetic value of hair, it has other important functions as well. This includes protection of the skin from direct harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun, and together with the skin, serves the function of sensitivity, temperature regulation as well as other functions. Due to the many benefits of hair, losing it partially or completely can affect not just one’s physical appearance but the psychological state as well. Hair loss is more common in women than in men. This is perhaps why women tend to spend more money, time, and energy on hair care.
Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, is of several types. These can be generalised as total or partial, permanent or temporary, hereditary or hormonal, etc.
It is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to consider the hair as a foreign body, therefore destroying it.
This can be temporary or it can result in total hair loss on the scalp or universal hair loss in all parts of the body.
It is named so because it is caused by excess androgens (male hormones also present in the body of females) and heredity. Males can begin to experience this type of hair loss from their early 20s while women, in their 40s or even 60s.
When it affects the upper and frontal part of the head of males, it is known in Arewa as “saiko” (also pronounced as “sanko“). For women who experience it, it occurs mostly on the crown (top) of the head as opposed to males.
This occurs due to changes in the growing circle of hair. These changes can be caused by some diseases and even pregnancy; this is why some pregnant women experience temporary hair loss after giving birth.
As other organs of the body weaken in function, the hair also undergoes natural thinning with age. The hair becomes shorter and fewer as well.
The use of hot combs, plaiting, or weaving the hair into very tight braids usually results in hair loss. This permanent loss of hair can also be caused by diseases that destroy the hair’s ability to regenerate (e.g. Acne, Lupus)
The psychological disorder that makes people pull out their own hair is known as Trichotillomania. This is most commonly seen in children.
Now that you know the types of hair loss, how will you know that you’re losing your hair?
The signs that let you know you’re losing your hair include:
Gradual thinning of hair.
Circular (or patchy) bald spots.
Full loss of hair in all parts of the body.
Patches of scaling on the scalp (this is a sign of ringworm).
Sudden loosening of hair.
Now that you know the signs and symptoms, I am sure you are eager to know the cause(s) of those symptoms.
Hair loss can be caused by several factors. These include the following:
Heredity.
Physical and emotional stress.
Anaemia.
Pregnancy.
Deficiency of Vit-B12.
Low protein consumption.
Chemotherapy.
Ageing.
Over styling.
Pain relievers, antidepressants, and anabolic steroids.
As mentioned earlier, some types of hair loss are irreversible (permanent) while some are reversible (temporary).
Some of the victims of irreversible hair loss simply chose to accept it and move on with their life, while others result in the use of wigs or tattooing the affected area. However, those affected with reversible hair loss can regrow the lost hair. The treatment method used depends on the cause of hair loss. Some of the available options are;
Prevention is always easier and cheaper than cure. One should put considerable effort to avoid hair loss and the consequences that come with it. This can be done by;
Avoiding perming, bleaching, dying, heating, and excess pulling of hair. All these are causes of hair loss, therefore by not doing them, one stands a high chance of not experiencing hair loss.
Washing the hair is very important too. This should be done regularly with a good brush and mild shampoo or soap. This helps to keep the hair clean and protects it from infections that might likely lead to hair loss.
As mentioned above, consumption of food containing excess Vit-A, deficient Vit-B12, and low protein, causes hair loss. This can be avoided by regularly consuming a balanced diet rich in the nutrients needed for hair growth. Some of the required nutrients are Iron, Vit-B12, Biotin, and Vit-C.
Now that you know, I hope you’ll do as much as possible to protect your precious hair from balding and thinning.
Do you have questions? Kindly write them below in the comment box. Thanks for reading.
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