Sounds like a serious cry for help but losing hair at a young age is no joke. Are you someone who faces this problem? We talks about the reasons why you could be losing hair and what you can do about it

For many of us, our hair is our crowning glory. It sets your self-esteem (depending on whether you are having a good or bad hair day), determines how you feel through the day and is at times your best and most remembered feature.

With such importance played on hair, it is no wonder why it becomes a major issue when we start noticing more strands than usual falling off. What's even more worrying is that while losing hair is an easy thing to happen, re-growing hair can be quite difficult and complicated. Prevention is definitely better in this situation; unfortunately in some cases, this may not seem possible at all.

Also, many of us do not realise that baldness is not something that only men experience. A total of six million people suffer from hair loss. Roughly half of all women over the age of 40 experience excessive hair loss. In fact, hair loss occurs in 75 percent of women over the age of 65.

But what really constitutes hair loss? Could the sight of your hair thinning be a major concern or merely just an overreaction on your end? A person loses an average of 300 hairs per day. While this may seem like an excessive amount of hair, rest assure that it is perfectly normal to lose that much hair.

However, if you see your hair falling out in clumps, you then need to put out the SOS signal. Hair loss is indeed a serious problem and you need to seek immediate attention. What is important to know are the causes of hair loss and how you can help prevent or salvage the situation?

HAIR LOSS REASON 1:

Stress, Stress, Stress

Stress has become an important element in our health today.

Many health problems brew from stress and hair loss is no different. Chronic stress affects the immune system in a complex way, which in turn affects how healthy your hair is. When you lose hair due to stress, it is known as Alopecia Aerate, in which you experience unexplained hair loss that occurs in localised patches.

For example, going through a period of mourning will bring upon such unexplained hair loss due to the stress and turbulence of emotions you are going through. While it may be a temporary thing, this condition can worsen if you don't do anything about it.

What you need to do is talk to a doctor to determine if your stressful situation is really causing you to lose hair. Take control of your hair loss by using a gentle shampoo because the last thing you want is to irritate your hair further. Hair loss caused by physical stress normally lasts for three to six months. If you experience hair loss much longer after this period, you will need to seek professional help before it becomes a grave situation.

HAIR LOSS REASON 2:

Poor Nutrition

What you put in your body will determine how healthy you look.

So, if you are skimping on nutritional items that are essential for healthy hair growth, you can be sure that you will be suffering from many problems.

When your body goes through a malnourish process, the first place it shows is through your skin and hair. Your skin looks dulls and lacklustre while your hair becomes lifeless, thinner and eventually falls out in clumps. Also, if you are vegetarian and don't get enough iron or protein, you should also re-evaluate your nutrition intake. And, if you are a fan of fad or yo-yo diets, you can be sure that your hair will be the first to suffer.

The best eating plan for your hair one that is filled with protein, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants. To help re-growth, pop in a cod liver oil or primrose oil every morning as this contains the required fatty acid, At the same time, zinc also contains the essential nutrients to promote healthy hair growth. So by all means, munch on leafy greens such as spinach I Anaemia is also a cause for hair loss, so load up on iron-rich food such as liver, whole grains, eggs, dates, meat and raisins.

HAIR LOSS REASON 3:

Harsh Hair Treatment

Excessive hair colouring, blow drying your hair at every single opportunity you have perming, straightening, harsh brushing - it is no wonder your hair is falling out like there's no tomorrow!

Treating your hair with such carelessness will result in excessive hair loss. Also, subjecting your hair to harsh chemicals often found in the perming, colouring and straightening process will prove to be harmful for your hair. When you handle your hair without caution, it is bound to be more susceptible to breakage and damages. Using the wrong products on your hair will cause its roots to weaken, allowing for more hair loss than normal.

At the same time, frequently typing ponytails, braids and other tight hair dos will restrict the proper blood circulation to your hair roots. This will also cause your hair to be damaged; as it is no longer able to protect itself and will simply just lay limp and eventually fall off. The cardinal rule to remember when it comes to handling your hair? Be gentle! Don't tug, pull and tease your hair unnecessary; the last thing you want is hair breakage. Use the right shampoo.

Don't know which one to get for your hair type? Speak to your hair stylist to find out what will work for you. When possible, let your hair free and refrain from typing it up into a ponytail. If you don't like that idea, then perhaps you should keep your hair at a manageable length, one that doesn't require much maintenance.

More reasons that lead to hair loss include heredity, a change in your hormones, especially when you are going through pregnancy, a medical condition and more. However, the only thing you need to remember is this: protect your hair and keep it healthy to avoid losing hair and thus wining the battle over baldness!

When you lose hair due to stress/ it is known as Alopecia Areata, in which you experience unexplained hair loss that occurs in localised patches.