Are You Dieting Your Way Into Hair Loss?

By Kristal Hall, HLCP, MPC

Glamorous Styles Hair Studio

. https://glamouroustyles.com/

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Are You Dieting Your Way Into Hair Loss?

This time of year many people have goals that begin with weight loss, better health regimens, and becoming a better version of yourself. Often times, we start with a full detoxification that may include fasting, liquid diets, or a newfound plant-based/vegetarian lifestyle. We strive to eliminate all the elements in our diet that we believe are “unhealthy.” Unfortunately, we do not always thoroughly research the impacts that drastic changes to your diet will have on your body. Did you know loss of key nutritional elements can send your hair follicles into a premature telogen (resting) phase?

The medical term is called telogen effluvium or “diffuse” hair loss. Telogen effluvium is a result of a large number on anagen (active) hairs prematurely converting to telogen hairs, with the result of excessive shedding. It can be divided into two categories “Temporary self-correcting” and “Permanent until cause corrected.”

On a single head of hair, individual hair follicles undergo three different growth cycles that are simultaneously active at the same time and complete baldness will never be visible with diffuse hair loss. The anagen phase is our active growing cycle, the catagen phase is the intermediate cycle, and the final cycle is the telogen (shedding) phase. It is usually observed 1-3 months after a triggering event. That event can range from loss of a love one, surgery, extreme psychological stress, nutritional deficiencies, childbirth, rapid weight loss, illness, medication or fasting. In most cases less than 50% of hair is lost with telogen effluvium, which is typically only noticed by the person suffering with it.

Hair follicles are very sensitive to any metabolic imbalances due to the fast rate of hair growth, and hair loss can follow the slightest irregularities with an unbalanced diet. What causes telogen effluvium in one person, can be completely different in another.

Before beginning any new health regimen, be mindful of the potential that you may be eliminating key nutrients like protein, amino acids, and essential vitamins that are imperative for productive hair growth. Obtain a complete physical, inclusive of blood work.

Talk with your healthcare professional to get an understanding of what your normal levels are for iron, calcium, and zinc. If you have questions regarding hair loss in any capacity, research a qualified trichologist for a complete consultation and microscopic evaluation. Partner with your hair loss and restoration professional today.