Alopecia, commonly known as hair loss, or balding is a fear that haunts many. Individuals expend a lot of time, money, and energy into ensuring that they keep their hair and scalp healthy. But unfortunately, that’s just not enough. People lose hair for many reasons – disorders, deficiencies, diseases, and even genetics.
There is no set time and age for balding. While some can have a full head of hair until they are 60 or even more, others start to see the first signs of balding in their teens and twenties. What are these signs? Here are a few you can look out for:
Receding Hairline or Bald Spot
A receding hairline and bald spots are early signs of balding. Keep a check on your hairline by paying close attention to your temples and forehead. If you are losing hair, then your temples will start to look more prominent and your forehead larger. Every few days, do keep a check on any bald spot you may be developing as well.
You can identify a receding hairline by comparing pictures of yourself with dry and unstyled hair taken in gaps of no less than 4-5 months. While the difference may not be prominent, it is usually enough to take action.
Thinning
This normally happens before the hairline recedes and usually goes unnoticed. For men, the volume on the top of their heads starts to thin. While women need to keep a check on the top of their heads too, they also need to keep a close eye on the area where they commonly part their hair. Watch out for a widening partition, it is one of the best ways to catch hair loss in its early stages.
People with short hair can identify thinning by feel. They will feel a difference in the volume of hair when they run their hands through their scalp. It is a tad bit simpler for individuals with long hair. A thinning ponytail is a perfect way to understand if they are experiencing hair loss.
Excessive Hair Loss After Showering or Brushing:
While it can be a good way to watch out for hair loss, it creates most panic. To avoid panic, here are some things you can do:
- Clean your hairbrush every day and do not have hair from the previous day sitting in it.
- Use the right kind of brush for your hair.
- Use a serum to detangle your hair before brushing.
- Do not tug at your hair while brushing to keep roots strong.
We lose around 100 hair every day and that is considered normal. Anything over that can be a cause for concern. Keep a close eye on cushions, pillows, and other surfaces you rest your head on to see if there is hair left behind. If you are seeing an increase in the amount of hair on these surfaces, it’s time to take precautions.
It’s only natural to be paranoid about hair loss, especially because the conventional standards of beauty include a full head of hair. You need to keep in mind that some signs may seem to indicate balding, but they don’t. So, if you are experiencing these things, hold your horses and just relax:
- Occasional itchy scalp – there could be many reasons for this from dirt and dust, to pollution, dry scalp, etc. The list goes on.
- Thinner-looking hair after hair wash/swimming – this only means that your hair has clumped together and your scalp is revealing itself.
- Few strands falling off – If this happens rarely, it only means that it had reached its telogen state and it will grow back normally.
What You Can Do
Taking care of your hair and scalp regularly is essential for healthy hair. Find the right products that suit your locks and treat your scalp every once in a while with hair masks, oils, and nourishment to maintain the strength and volume of your hair. After all, it is your crowning glory.
