Hair loss: when should you worry?

Hair loss on the scalp is a common phenomenon that occurs at certain times in life or depending on the season. Genetic, hormonal, environmental, or medical factors can be the cause. Nearly 40% of women in France experience this problem at some point in their lives, but hair loss can be difficult to accept because it directly affects self-confidence. Do you think your hair loss is unusual? We'll tell you everything you need to know to help you understand it better!

Why is my hair falling out? Understanding hair loss

Just like skin, hair follows a natural cycle. Each hair grows from an invisible hair follicle nestled at the root of the scalp. When a hair dies, a new hair grows to replace it. This cycle is divided into three stages:

• The anagen phase: During the anagen phase , hair grows! The hair fiber develops from the bulb for an average of four to six years, which determines the maximum hair length. Although primarily genetic, the duration of the anagen phase can be influenced by a balanced diet, good hair health, and overall well-being.

• The catagen phase: At the end of the growth phase (anagen), hair follicles enter the catagen phase , which lasts approximately two to three weeks. During this period, growth gradually slows down until it stops completely. The follicle prepares to renew itself, marking a transition in the hair cycle.

• The telogen phase: This is the final phase of the hair cycle. At the end of this period, the hair falls out of the follicle to be replaced by a new hair in the anagen phase. During this period, it is normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day, as this is part of the natural hair renewal process. Several environmental and psychological factors can affect the duration of the telogen phase.

What factors can impact the telogen phase?

Stress and hair loss

Despite its emotional nature, stress significantly influences the hair growth cycle. In stressful situations, the hormones released push hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase, which delays the growth (anagen) phase and increases hair loss. This hair loss can become very significant if stress persists at a high level, for example, after an emotional shock.

The impact of hormones

Hormones are essential for hair health and growth, especially in women. The hair cycle can be altered by hormonal fluctuations throughout life, such as during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills. For example, during pregnancy , high estrogen levels boost hair density, but after childbirth, the return to normal hormone levels can sometimes lead to more significant hair loss. Additionally, women can experience progressive hair loss due to increased sensitivity to male hormones, which typically manifests diffusely on the scalp as female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia ).

The influence of the seasons

Hair loss can be influenced by seasonal changes. It's common to observe a temporary increase in hair loss during the fall . The transition of hair from its resting phase during the summer to its shedding phase during the fall is responsible for this natural hair loss. However, this seasonal alopecia is usually temporary, and the follicles resume their normal growth cycle after this phase.

When should you worry about hair loss?

While hair loss is a natural phenomenon, excessive loss can indicate a deeper problem. It's important to know what constitutes a significant loss. If the amount of hair lost is more than the average daily 50 to 100 hairs, this could be a cause for concern. Signs such as thinning hair, bald patches, or increased scalp visibility can also indicate hair problems.

Are you noticing excessive and unusual hair loss? Try our test to find out more about the reasons for this hair loss!

Discover the diagnosis on Instagram >

This diagnostic test can be performed in addition to a medical consultation to identify deficiencies, inflammation, or hormonal imbalances. This hair pull test is simple and quick, and involves running your hand through your hair in three steps.

Zone 1: Corresponds to hormonal imbalances: If more than three hairs fall out during the first and second passes, this may be due to a hormonal imbalance.

Zone 2 : Related to deficiencies: If a similar drop occurs in this zone, deficiencies may be considered.

Zone 3: related to inflammation: If there is a significant drop in this area, it may indicate inflammation problems.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is an abnormal loss of hair or body hair; it is divided into several types, each with its own characteristics:

Androgenetic alopecia , also known as common baldness, is one of the main types of alopecia and is often hereditary. It is characterized by a progressive thinning of the hair at the front, temples, or crown of the head.

Alopecia areata manifests as circular areas of hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body; it is often associated with autoimmune problems.

Scarring alopecia is caused by irreversible damage to hair follicles, resulting in permanent hair loss.

Finally, diffuse alopecia is characterized by uniform hair loss over the entire scalp or over large areas without distinct areas of hair loss.

Learn more about non-scarring alopecia >

Other causes of unusual hair loss

Hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies can be significant factors in hair loss. Hormones, such as thyroid, androgens, and estrogens, play a crucial role in hair growth. Any imbalance, such as excessive or insufficient hormone production, can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair loss. Similarly, deficiencies in protein , iron, vitamins (including vitamins D, B, and C), and minerals (including zinc) weaken hair follicles, making hair brittle and potentially causing premature shedding.

How to stop hair loss depending on your hair problem?

Once the pull test is performed, the source of the problem is identified! If this diagnosis has been confirmed by a doctor or blood test, then it's time to adapt your hair care routine to address your specific concerns. Each suggested solution is tailored to a particular hair type and problem, such as those observed in Zones 1, 2, and 3. However, it's important to note that these recommendations should be followed for at least three months to see results.

Zone 1: Hair loss linked to a hormonal imbalance

First, we advise you to have a medical check-up to ensure that this hormonal imbalance isn't directly impacting your health. To learn more about alopecia related to hormonal imbalances, check out our "Info" highlight on Instagram ! To combat this type of alopecia, it's recommended to choose a dietary supplement specifically formulated to treat androgenetic alopecia by blocking the action of DHT. For example, our anti-hair loss & growth complex, enriched with zinc and nettle, effectively targets this issue. To reduce the impact of DHT, we recommend incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet and prioritizing those rich in zinc, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as garlic, pumpkin seeds, and green tea. It's also important to favor foods containing lycopene, such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and berries. In addition, our Extrem Growth serum effectively combats DHT thanks to its specific oils. For a complete routine, we recommend using a dermaroller and our shampoo with Procapil, a patented molecule proven effective against DHT. Finally, to perfect this routine, we suggest incorporating essential oils such as rosemary.