Losing a few strands as you brush your tresses or take a shower is perfectly normal, but when you begin to shed a more significant amount or you notice that they aren't growing back, that's when it becomes a problem. There are many reasons hair loss happens that it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. That said, we break down possible explanations, plus the best products to combat it:
What are the causes of hair fall?
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Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance causes a lot of things—from drastic weight gain, increase in acne breakouts, and thinning of hair. According to trichologist Anabel Kingsley, "Hormones play a huge role in regulating the hair growth cycle. Estrogens are 'hair-friendly' and help to keep hairs in their growth phase for the optimal length of time. Androgens (or male hormones) are not very hair-friendly, and can shorten the hair growth cycle."
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Unhealthy lifestyle
According to Gretchen Friese, a professional strength educator for Bosley (a haircare brand developed specifically for those with thinning hair), an unhealthy diet partnered with smoking leads to hair fall at a faster rate. These factors cause us to be more sensitive to toxins in the air, which our bodies then try to expel, thus the shedding of our hair.
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Iron deficiency
Another cause of hair loss is anemia or iron deficiency. Iron is needed for producing hair cell protein, so without it, your strands may start shedding.
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Stress
Not surprisingly, stress can also cause hair to fall out. When you are frazzled, your androgen levels rise, which then causes hair loss. Anxiety can also trigger scalp problems like dandruff, disrupt your eating habits, and mess with your digestive system.
How do I avoid hair fall?
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Switch to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
When you embrace a healthy lifestyle and eat the proper food, your body and hair will thank you. (P.S. Kimchi apparently helps with hair loss.) These good habits will lessen stress levels and help our bodies detox, which in turn, will reduce the amount of hair you shed.
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Avoid tugging when brushing your hair.
A lot of us are guilty of tugging our strands with our brush as a way of "detangling" them, but we are actually doing more harm than good. To avoid this, use a wide-toothed comb or one with gentle bristles. They will also help massage your scalp and help stimulate blood flow.
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Change up your shower routine with hair-strengthening products.
It's not the end of the world if you suffer from hair fall. Thanks to today's technology, there are a ton of products that are made for thin and fragile hair. These will help strengthen your follicles and build your mane's resistance. Look for certain ingredients that can stimulate hair growth like gugo, biotin, and keratin.
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Wash your hair frequently.
Contrary to popular belief, washing your hair every day won't cause your hair to fall out faster. To reduce shedding, you need to have a clean scalp to let your strands grow properly.
What are the products I can try to prevent hair fall?
The market is absolutely brimming with hair care products that can help you strengthen your follicles and reduce shedding. Below, the best ones you can try right now:
(Editor's note: If your hair fall persists even after using hair strengthening products, it's best to consult with your dermatologist or trichologist to find out about your options for long-term treatment.)
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Dove Shampoo Hair Fall Rescue
This gentle shampoo contains trichazole complex that can nourish your roots and strengthen your strands. It will also reduce the chances of breakage. The best part is that it's available in your local supermarket or drugstore, so it's easily accessible!
Dove Shampoo Hair Fall Rescue, P226, Watsons
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Pantene Pro-V Hair Fall Control Shampoo
This shampoo strengthens your strands as it cleanses them, which will leave you with softer, bouncier, and stronger hair. It also has a ~fresh~ floral fragrance that can linger on your tresses for hours.
Pantene Pro-V Hair Fall Control Shampoo, P112, BeautyMNL
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Lush New Shampoo Bar
If you're into shampoo bars, this one's for you. This one from Lush has cinnamon, clove, and peppermint to stimulate your scalp. They help boost blood flow, which in turn, can encourage hair growth.
Lush New Shampoo Bar, P595, Lush.com.ph
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Shampoo
For a more ~natural~ option, you can't go wrong with this shampoo from local brand Zenutrients. Gugo is an ingredient that's known for strengthening and thickening strands, so it's great to use if you're experiencing some shedding.
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Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Shampoo, P249, Watsons
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Puritan's Pride Biotin
These soft biotin gel capsules infused with 10,000 mcg of biotin will help grow your hair and make it healthy from the inside out.
Continue reading below ↓Puritan's Pride Biotin, P430, BeautyMNL
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: SugarBearHair Hair Vitamins
This Insta-famous hair vitamin brand is formulated with all the ingredients you'll need to grow thicker and longer tresses. These include biotin, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
SugarBearHair Hair Vitamins, P2,100, BeautyMNL
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Healthy Options Collagen Complete
We all love collagen for the amazing things it can do for our skin, but did you know that this super ingredient is also beneficial for hair growth? This supplement contains amino acids that help build keratin—the protein that builds each strand.
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Healthy Options Collagen Complete, price unavailable, SM Megamall
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Phyto Phytonovathrix Global Anti-Hair Loss Treatment
If you want to use a *concentrated* serum to remedy your thinning hair, turn to this treatment set by Phyto. It contains 12 3.5mL vials that you need to apply thrice a week, so a set will last you almost a month. To use, simply massage it onto clean, damp hair using circular motions to stimulate blood flow and growth. There's no need to rinse it afterward.
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Phyto Phytonovathrix Global Anti-Hair Loss Treatment, P5,450, Rustan's
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Best Anti-Hair Fall Product: Kérastase Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum
This serum is loaded with ingredients like edelweiss native cells, ginger root, and Aminexil that are beneficial for hair growth and thickening. Apply four drops on towel-dried tresses once a day and massage it through your strands. Leave it on your strands to let its ~magic~ work.
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Kérastase Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum, P2,950, HairMNL
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