ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAIR LOSS

 

HOW DOES HAIR LOSS HAPPEN?

Hair loss is a problem faced by millions of people every day. For some, it is a temporary problem caused by stress or other factors. For others, however, hair loss is a permanent condition caused by genetics. Want to understand more about it? Read on!

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of the skin. As the follicles produce new hair cells, the old ones are shed through the surface of the skin at a rate of about 15 centimetres a year. The hair you see is actually a string of dead keratin cells. The average adult head has between 100,000 and 150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 of them a day so finding a few stray hairs in the brush is not necessarily cause for alarm.

At any one time, around 90% of the hair on a person's scalp is growing. Each follicle has its own life cycle, which can be influenced by age, illness and many other factors. This life cycle is divided into three phases:

·        Anagen: active hair growth, which usually lasts between two and eight years

·        Catagen: transient hair growth lasting two to three weeks

·        Telogen: resting phase lasting two to three months: at the end of the resting phase, the hair is shed and a new hair replaces it and the growth cycle begins again.

 

However, if it is normal to lose up to 50 to 100 strands of hair per day, more than 150 could be a sign of premature hair loss. Before you panic, excessive hair loss may be temporary, especially if you are experiencing high levels of stress, have recently lost a lot of weight, given birth, become ill or are taking new medications.

 

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN

Hair loss is something that affects both men and women, but there are differences.

Androgenetic alopecia is the main cause of hair loss and it is mainly this that causes the biggest differences between male and female baldness.

It mainly affects men and it is estimated that hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia affects almost 90% of men over the age of 21, and although women can also suffer from it, the percentage of women who actually suffer from hair loss up to the age of 40 is much lower, approximately 15%. In men, localised hair loss is more common, mainly in the frontal area (receding hairline) and in the crown area, while in women, hair loss is diffuse and there are no areas of total baldness.

Although the most common cause of hair loss is genetics, other causes can affect hair loss: major lifestyle changes (such as diets), traumatic experiences (such as stress) or even the menopause in women.

 

 

LET'S GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM - WHAT CAUSES HAIR LOSS?

Doctors do not know yet why certain hair follicles are programmed to have a shorter growth period than others. However, there are several factors that can influence hair loss:

·        Hormones, such as abnormal levels of androgens (male hormones normally produced by both men and women).

·        Genes, from both fathers and mothers, can influence a person's predisposition to male or female pattern baldness.

·        Stress, illness and childbirth can cause temporary hair loss.

·        Medications, including chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment, blood thinners, beta-adrenergic blockers used to control blood pressure, and birth control pills, can cause temporary hair loss.

·        Burns, injuries and X-rays can cause temporary hair loss. In these cases, normal hair growth usually returns once the injury heals, unless there is scarring. In that case, the hair will not grow back.

·        Autoimmune diseases can cause alopecia areata. In alopecia areata, the immune system kicks into overdrive for unknown reasons and affects the hair follicles. In most people with alopecia areata, the hair grows back, although it may temporarily be very thin and possibly lighter in colour before it returns to normal colour and thickness.

·        Cosmetic procedures, such as frequent hair washing, perming, bleaching and dyeing, can contribute to the overall thinning of the hair by weakening it and making it brittle. Tight braids, the use of hot rollers or curling irons, and running bobby pins through curls

·        Medical conditions: Thyroid disease, lupus, diabetes, iron deficiency anaemia, eating disorders and anaemia can cause hair loss.

·        A low-protein or calorie-restricted diet can also cause temporary hair loss, so find out about foods that can help prevent hair loss.

·        As we age, the hair fibre begins to thin due to natural wear and tear. This happens regardless of gender and affects almost everyone.

HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN GOOD HAIR AND SCALP CARE?

Hair loss not only affects your appearance, it can also cause emotional stress and affect your confidence. However, there are a few things you can do to stop hair loss.

Avoid harsh hair treatments such as heat tools, dyes and bleaching. Hairstyles such as ponytails or tight braids can also affect your hair. Keep your scalp healthy by washing your hair and scalp regularly but ideally not every day.

There are a number of hair care products that can be helpful if chosen with due diligence: serums, shampoos, lotions are one way to boost follicle health.

Here are some suggestions of Kérastase products with anti-hair loss properties adapted to women's hair and others specifically for men:

KÉRASTASE GENESIS ANTI-CHUTE FORTIFIANT SERUM

The GENESIS hair care line includes a complete treatment with a double anti-hair loss action for weakened hair prone to hair loss. It protects roots weakened by internal factors such as stress, hormonal imbalances or diets while preventing breakage of fibres at the ends due to external factors such as brushing, heat tools or pollution.

The products in this range contain a complex of powerful ingredients to meet the needs of hair loss: Aminexil, Edelweiss Flower Native Cells and Ginger Roots.

We highlight the Anti-Chute Fortifiant Serum, a no-rinse, daily use, silicone-free product for weakened hair prone to hair loss due to brush breakage. Enriched with the potent combination of Aminexil, Eldelweiss native cells and ginger root, this serum improves strength, minimises hair loss and maximises hair beauty. It helps anchor the hair follicle more firmly to the scalp, while creating the ideal environment for future growth. Day after day, the serum soothes and strengthens the scalp's natural protective barrier. Finally, the gel texture facilitates application. Hair becomes stronger and more beautiful, with a healthier appearance.

 

Benefits:

·        Helps control hair loss

·        Significant efficacy against hair loss after 6 weeks of use

·        Soothing effect with reduced itching and general discomfort after 3 weeks of use

·        Helps preserve the scalp's natural protective barrier

·        Strengthens the scalp

·        Helps to improve the barrier function of the scalp

 

Key ingredients:

Native Edelweiss Flower Cells: able to withstand the most extreme conditions, they are known for their antioxidant and collagen-preserving properties.

Ginger Root: Ginger root is a stimulant that promotes microcirculation of nutrients. Its effect protects against external aggressions.

Arginine: helps stimulate healthy hair growth by promoting intense blood flow to the roots of hair cells.

 

How to use:

Apply 4 pumps to dry or towel-dried scalp and massage gently. Do not rinse. Each dose is equivalent to 1 pipette. Use once daily in the morning or before bedtime for 6 weeks.

 

KÉRASTASE GENESIS BAIN HYDRA-FORTIFIANT

Kérastase Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant is a fortifying anti-hair loss shampoo for weakened hair prone to breakage. It gently cleanses and strengthens the hair fibre to reduce the risk of hair loss due to breakage. This ultra-gentle formula is ideal for fine or oily hair and helps remove sebum and pollution particles from the scalp and hair fibre. Its cleansing action softens and moisturises hair from root to tip, leaving it with a natural feel. Enriched with the powerful combination of Eldelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root, this formula strengthens the fibre and reduces the risk of hair loss through breakage. Hair is left ready to be treated, fortified and healthier looking.

 

Benefits:

·        Reduces hair loss due to breakage

·        Hair becomes more resilient

·        Provides immediate moisture and softness

·        Gives hair body

 

Key ingredients:

Native Edelweiss Flower Cells: able to withstand the most extreme conditions, they are known for their antioxidant and collagen-preserving properties.

Ginger Root: Ginger root is a stimulant that promotes microcirculation of nutrients. Its effect protects against external aggressions.

 

How to use:

Wet hair and completely remove excess water before applying a walnut-sized amount of shampoo. Add a little water and emulsify. Dedicate the first wash to the scalp using fingertips to massage the scalp and remove impurities. Rinse well. Apply a second layer of shampoo, section by section, and add water again. The second wash produces more lather to help cleanse the mane and ends. Rinse well and you're done.

 

 

KÉRASTASE GENESIS HOMME SERUM ANTI-CHUTE FORTIFIANT

The Genesis Homme range is Kérastase's first dual-action anti-hair loss treatment for weakened hair prone to hair loss.

It is based on a blend of extremely effective ingredients that immediately strengthen and replenish hair fibres for an immediate voluminous look. Hair becomes 5 times denser and hair fibres 85% stronger. It is a daily use treatment to prevent hair loss from the root, reducing hair loss in 6 weeks. In addition, its fresh, woody fragrance provides an intensely refreshing sensation.

The complete treatment includes two shampoos, a hair thickening spray, a redensifying wax and a serum, all for Men. The Anti-Hair Loss Serum is a fortifier for weakened hair with a tendency to fall out.

 

Benefits:

·        Improves resistance to minimise hair loss.

·        Strengthens, refreshes, soothes, calms and helps preserve the scalp's skin barrier

·        Helps reduce hair loss after 6 weeks

 

Key ingredients:

Aminexyl: Aminexyl, is essential for maintaining the flexibility of the capillary layer and protecting the area around the root, promoting the attachment of hair to the scalp.

Creatine: Hair is subjected to many internal and external factors that contribute to its weakening day after day. However, studies have shown that creatine increases the number of electrostatic bonds in the hair cortex. As a result, this component helps to rebuild and strengthen the hair structure from the inside, improving the hair's properties and protecting it against heat and UV damage.

Ginger Root: ginger extract contains substances such as gingerols and zingerone, known for their protective effect against damage induced by external aggressors.

 

How to use:

Apply 4 doses to dry or towel-dried scalp and massage in gently. Do not rinse. Each dose is equivalent to 1 pipette. Use once daily in the morning or before bedtime for 6 weeks.

 

KÉRASTASE GENESIS HOMME BAIN DE FORCE QUOTIDIEN

Another product in the Genesis Homme men's range is the daily shampoo Bain de Force Quotidien developed for weakened hair and to remove impurities from the scalp to the ends.

Containing Creatine and Ginger Root, which make hair more resistant and increase its density, volume and texture - the ideal shampoo for strengthened and healthier hair!

 

Benefits:

·        Paraben-free formula.

·        Effectively cleanses scalp, hair and beard.

·        Softer and stronger hair

·        Moisturises and softens hair

 

Key ingredients:

Creatine: Creatine increases the number of electrostatic bonds in the cortex of the hair. As a result, this component helps to rebuild and strengthen the hair structure from within, improving the hair's properties and protecting it against heat and UV damage.

Ginger Root: Ginger extract reduces UVB-induced cell damage. Ginger extract contains substances such as gingerols and zingerone, known for their protective effect against damage induced by external aggressors.

 

How to use:

Apply to damp hair and massage in before rinsing thoroughly. If desired, follow with Force Épaissisant Spray and/or Cire D'épaisseur Texturisante to master your look.

As well as choosing specific products to combat hair loss, remember to eat a healthy diet and try to lower your stress levels if you think it may be the cause of your hair loss. Above all, don't wait: this is the number one rule for preventing hair loss. As soon as you notice your hair falling out more than usual, don't wait to act!