Hair loss: a solution for each case

On the brush or in the shower, it is quite normal to lose a certain amount of hair. But beyond a hundred a day, there is reason to worry and react. We tell you how ...

Why are we losing our hair?

A healthy hair corresponds to a favorable vascular, hormonal and metabolic environment. When an imbalance occurs, it causes damage to the hair and, most often, premature loss. Different from that of men, the causes of this fall are more many in women. And studies show that 3 in 4 women will be affected. "In most cases, this situation is badly experienced, because there is the fear of going bald ...", confides Dr. Sylvie Garnier Lyonnet, dermatologist specializing in hair. But, unlike with men, it never happens ...

But it is better to treat hair loss without delay ... By combining oral and local treatments, we can act effectively on the health of the scalp, slow down hair loss and even stimulate their regrowth. Daily, "cosmetic care can help strengthen the hair shaft so that it is stronger and more resistant", adds the dermatologist.

Hair loss during menopause

We combine hormonal treatment and specific anti-aging treatments:

The hormonal profile becomes masculine, meaning that estrogen is lost while androgen levels are maintained. This modification leads to hair loss, in particular, because their lifespan is shortened: it goes from four or six years to two or three years. Not all postmenopausal women are affected because it all depends on genetic makeup and sensitivity to androgen receptors.

How do we know? The fall is on the top of the head, regrowth is slower and the hair becomes thinner (its diameter goes from 80 to 40 microns), sometimes a simple down replaces what has fallen.

How long does it last? If nothing is done, the loss can persist for 4 to 5 years with renewal and poor hair quality.

And the regrowth? From the first signs around 45/50 years, it is necessary to treat any significant loss of more than a year, because the hair may not grow back. It is then a question of capital that we lose and that we will not find again.

The dermatologist's advice: In the absence of any contraindication, the gynecologist may prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A supplementation of highly dosed sulfur amino acids (cysteine ​​and methionine), combined with vitamins (A, E, B5, B6, B8…), must be taken for 3 months.

In hard cases resistant to oral treatment, local vasodilator treatment (minoxidil) may be used. But its application is unpleasant (oily texture) and restrictive (every day, sometimes even twice a day). Daily, shampoos and specific anti-aging treatments bring a little more volume and consistency to the hair shaft, which has become too thin. In the event of significant permanent loss, a hair transplant may be considered.

Hair loss in case of fatigue, stress

You boost your metabolism: Big psychological shock, accident, bereavement, operative shock ... can cause acute stress or significant underlying fatigue, the cause of hair loss (but also seborrhea, dandruff, itching). The metabolism is upset, and the body then mobilizes all its energy for vital functions to the detriment of secondary functions.

How do we know? One to three months after the shock, the hair falls out diffusely, sometimes in handfuls. The hair lacks tone, appears dull, flattened.

How long does it last? 3 to 6 months approximately.

And the regrowth? No consequences are to be feared. After three months of treatment, the hair will grow back normally.

The advice of the dermatologist: Perform a blood test to look for a drop in iron reserves (ferritin, iron storage protein) and/or a thyroid disorder. Follow a diet rich in whole grains and dairy products, and boost the metabolism with food supplements (high-dose sulfur amino acids and vitamins).

• Hair loss and nutritional deficiencies
• Yes to supplements and nourishing masks!

A weight-loss diet, a diet low in animal proteins (including red meat), a zinc deficiency, or most often in iron (linked to contraception with an IUD, heavy periods, or excessive consumption of coffee or tea) are as many of the fall factors. If the body does not have sufficient amounts of protein (sulfur amino acids) and energy supplied by iron, it no longer or poorly produces this keratin, which is essential for making hair.

How do we know?

Either the entire hair falls out, or part of the hair shaft breaks, the hair being of poorer quality and therefore too fragile.

• How long does it last?
• As long as the deficiencies last.
• And the regrowth?

You only need to compensate for the deficiencies and everything is back to normal, usually after three months of treatment.

The dermatologist's advice:

Besides a balanced diet, in theory, increase your intake of legumes (for minerals and vitamins), and red meat (for iron), but in amounts such that this is not possible. Eating whole grains and dairy products can help adjust the situation a bit. To treat the problem of hair loss more effectively, supplementation with high-dose sulfur amino acids and vitamins is proposed. After a blood test to measure iron, it is possible to add supplementation at a sufficient dosage (50 mg per day) for 3 months. At home, we take care of the hair fiber with nourishing masks and leave-in care creams to restore all its shine to the hair.

Hair loss after pregnancy

Vitamins to strengthen keratin Many pregnant women notice that their hair has never looked better than it was during pregnancy. Because estrogen impregnation helps keep the hair alive, stopping hair loss for nine months. But two to three months after childbirth, because of the hormonal change, the natural cycle changes, and they fall off.

1. How do we know? The fall is diffuse there is a loss of density throughout the hair.
2. How long does it last? About three to four months.

And the regrowth? Visible, this hair loss is hard to live with but does not jeopardize regrowth. After treatment (or even without), the hair leaves without problem a few months after childbirth, except in special cases and family history.

The advice of the dermatologist: After the return of diapers, the gynecologist can prescribe a contraceptive pill: a hormonal intake indeed makes it possible to stabilize hair loss more quickly. Since stress and the desire to lose weight often add to this key time in the lives of new mothers, we should avoid excessive dieting.

Only a balanced diet covers all your vitamin and mineral needs. We also recommend supplementing with high-dose sulfur amino acids (cysteine ​​and methionine), possibly combined with vitamins (vitamins A, E, B5, B6, B8 ...).

1. Hair loss: the fault of the seasons!
2. Now is the time for a cure!

Once a year, often in the fall, many women experience a larger fall. The life cycle of the hair is not the same throughout the year. This is a natural physiological regulation: hair grows more in summer and falls out more in fall, without really knowing why.

• How do we know?
• After pregnancy, the fall is diffuse but concentrated in time, therefore more visible.
• How long does it last?
• About a quarter, the time of a season.
• And the regrowth?
• No problem, with or without treatment. The hair grows back normally.

The dermatologist's advice:

To activate microcirculation, anti-hair loss lotions can be used as a three-month treatment, but without friction, rather with a gentle massage of the scalp with fingertips. I base them on plant extracts (nettle, ginkgo Biloba or horsetail) and contain anti-free radicals, as well as silicon derivatives that stimulate blood supply, vitamins, and sulfur-containing amino acids. However, don't expect too much from an anti-hair loss shampoo. It can have a beneficial effect on the vascularity of the scalp, but will not prevent hair loss ...