Table of Content
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Hema Sathish, MBBS, DD (UK)
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Founder cum Formulator, Healthetc.
We have always been so accustomed to addressing hair fall issues in terms of something that exists in the scalp – new shampoos, serums with more potent ingredients, perhaps a weekly hair mask. And of course, it makes sense.
However, here comes the twist. Most times, hair fall has got nothing to do with the hair itself. It is your body telling you that things aren’t quite right inside.
Once you realize this fact, then everything changes, not immediately, but slowly.
Hair Fall Signals Within
Hair does not have any direct impact on survival. Therefore, in times of stress, our body tends to silently redirect its energy resources away from the process of hair growth.
Therefore, hair fall can be seen as a symptom of an underlying issue. In most cases, the hair follicle is completely healthy. However, it is not receiving the appropriate signals from the body to continue growing.(1)
Hair Growth Cycles
- Anagen Phase: Active Growth
- Catagen Phase: Transition Phase
- Telogen Phase: Resting & Shedding Phase
In case there is a change in some internal factor, the hair follicles enter the Telogen phase prematurely. This leads to excessive shedding of hair.
It is crucial to note that hair fall is normally a reaction, rather than the cause of the issue.
Different types of hair fall:
Before embarking on fixing hair fall issues, one should know what different forms of hair fall exist.
Telogen Effluvium
This type of hair fall results from internal factors such as disease, poor nutrition, or any abrupt changes in lifestyle. Hair falls uniformly throughout the scalp.
Androgenetic Alopecia
It follows a pattern and is associated with hormonal factors. It progresses slowly and involves particular regions.
Alopecia Areata
It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by hair falling off as the body attacks the hair follicles.
Breakage and Hair Fall
Hair breakage occurs along the hair shaft due to external factors whereas hair fall is related to the hair root and usually results from internal factors.
Confusion arises when all these conditions are considered alike. That is not the case since they begin differently.
Hair Loss as a Sign of Internal Imbalance
In stating that hair loss is a symptom of something else, it is important to understand that it is no casual observation.
Hairs require a continuous intake of oxygen, food and hormonal balance. Any disturbances in this process will change the normal life cycle of hairs.
What’s more, it is usually frustrating to figure out the actual causes of hair falling out.
You experience some emotional or physical distress and may notice shedding only weeks later.
Internal reasons for hair loss
The internal reasons for hair loss are layered, and they often overlap.
1. Nutrient deficiency and hair fall
Hair follicles are some of the fastest-growing cells in the body, making them reliant on a consistent source of nutrients. Any reduction, however slight, can tip the balance into hair loss mode.
Iron helps deliver oxygen. Protein acts as the foundation. Vitamin D controls the cycle. B12 enables cell renewal. Zinc facilitates repair.
What goes unappreciated is that none of these nutrients require severe shortages to impact hair health. They only need to be borderline to initiate hair loss.(2)
There’s also nutrient absorption to consider. The fact remains that if your body isn’t absorbing enough nutrients, even a well-rounded diet won’t help your hair.
2. Hormonal imbalances
The hormones affect the duration of the growth phase of the hair.
Androgen sensitiveness may cause atrophy in hair follicles. Hormonal imbalances can alter or hinder the cycle. Post-partum hormonal imbalance may cause hair fall.
The hair becomes an early sign of internal changes.
3. Chronic stress
Cortisol impacts nutrient absorption, inflammation, and hormonal balance.
This causes more follicles to enter the resting stage.
It’s not necessarily overt stress. It could be lack of sleep, erratic lifestyle, or chronic underlying stress.
4. Gut health and nutrient absorption
One may consume adequate amounts of nutrients and yet suffer from hair fall due to poor nutrient absorption by the body.
Nutrient delivery to the hair follicles is directly affected by the digestive system.
This explains why outcomes may be inconsistent despite following all the necessary precautions.
5. Inflammation
The inflammation process causes changes in circulation and repair of cells. The hair follicles need a regular influx of nutrients and oxygen. If this is affected, then the growth process is hindered, and the hair falls out more often.
Supporting hair fall from the inside out
If Hair Fall Is Not a Hair Problem, then solutions need to go beyond the surface.
This is where amino acids and targeted supplementation start making sense.
Amino acids for hair fall problem
Hair comprises keratin, a protein made up of amino acids. When the body lacks sufficient amounts of these components, hair growth is hampered.
Important amino acids for hair development
- L-cysteine aids in the formation of keratin structure, thus providing hair with elasticity
- L-methionine contributes to the strengthening of sulfur bonds within hair
- L-lysine helps enhance iron absorption and collagen production
One thing that stands out is that, besides facilitating hair growth, amino acids contribute to improved hair quality in the long run.
When there are inconsistencies in protein consumption, supplementing the body with certain amino acids becomes necessary.
However, this becomes more effective when it is combined with proper nutrition.
Supplements for hair loss
When it comes to internal causes of hair loss, there are some hair supplements that may be useful to take, either as a gummy or a tablet, but you need to be cautious about that.
Iron
Only if you have a deficiency in ferritin. It should be consumed responsibly, preferably after checking your levels first.
Vitamin D
Important for the cycle of hair growth. Often under-diagnosed deficiency.
Biotin
Contributes to keratin production but is effective only in case of a deficiency.
Zinc
Useful in the process of repair and prevention of shedding due to deficiency.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Helps combat inflammation and maintain scalp condition.
B-complex vitamins
Aids in energy production and cell renewal.
But one thing needs to be said here. The more does not necessarily mean the better.
Supporting absorption:
Supplements only help if your body can use them.
Supporting digestion
- Balanced meals instead of irregular eating
- Enough stomach acid and enzyme activity
- Avoiding chronic gut irritation
This part is often skipped, but it’s where real improvement happens.
Being consistent rather than seeking temporary fixes
This is when one should change their expectations slightly.
A fix for hair loss will not occur quickly. Regardless of having all the proper nutrients, the hair growth process will take its time.
Initially, you will start noticing reduced hair fall. After that, regrowth begins.
And, indeed, this is a good thing. This means that your body is stabilizing itself.
Conclusion
It is quite common to limit your attention to what you see.
However, when you realize that “Hair Fall Is Not a Hair Problem,” then your approach to it will change.
This is because if the hair fall is only a symptom, then it implies that there must be a cause behind it.
Once you address the underlying causes of hair fall, then the results will be more sustainable.
Hair fall may seem like the problem. However, most of the time, it is just the beginning of the warning signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do amino acids really help with hair fall issues?
Absolutely; amino acids contribute towards keratin formation, thus strengthening hair, particularly if you have nutritional deficiencies.
2. Which supplements would be the most useful in cases of hair loss internally caused?
It will depend on what specifically causes hair fall, but the supplements used can be iron, vitamin D, zinc, B-complex vitamins, or omega-3s.
3. Can I start taking supplements without any tests conducted?
It is feasible, although highly unadvisable since hair loss is a consequence of an internal malfunction.
4. How long does supplementation take to reduce the hair fall?
The process might begin after several weeks of use, although actual results can take several months.
5. Is using external products relevant anymore?
Certainly, though they will have a much greater impact if combined with inner care.
References:
-
The Hair Follicle: An Underutilized Source of Cells and Materials for Regenerative Medicine - 2018 Oct - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5905671/
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The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review - 2018 Dec - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/
