Hair loss – not the medical condition alopecia – but hair thinning as a result of an unhealthy lifestyle is a common complaint. However, we must bear in mind that it we lose between forty to one hundred hairs on a daily basis.

Between 1000,000 and 350,000 follicles occupy the human scalp, but not all of these hairs undergo a cyclical phase of growth and rest. During the growth phase, there is an active genetic expression of protein synthesis. As the hair matures, it enters a resting stage, before the hair bulb migrates outward and is eventually shed. It is during the migratory phase that the stage is set for a new hair to fill the remaining papilla after the original hair has been lost. Age, pathology and a wide variety of nutritional and hormonal factors influence the duration of the hair cycle. By the age of forty, hair growth slows down and both men and women suffer from age-related hair loss. Medication, nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism and excess androgens can also affect hair growth.


Dietary advice

Zinc, vitamin A, essential fatty acids and iron are the most common nutritional deficiencies affecting hair loss. I would certainly advocate eating foods high in these nutrients.


Remedies

Please remember that if you are taking any prescribed medication or have a medical problem,you should consult your own medical practitioner before starting any new course of treatment.

It is not appropriate to make specific recommendations via our website, please contact the clinic for an appointment or call our helpline.