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Hair Loss
What are the causes of female hair loss?
There are genetic factors at play, with androgenetic alopecia being the most common form affecting both men and women. In men, the hair follicles in the balding areas are more susceptible to the effects and attacks of androgens, along with sensitivity causing the hair follicles to progressively shrink and eventually turn into vellus hair follicles, leading to clinical hair loss, folliculitis, stress, and anxiety, as well as smoking. Postpartum, some autoimmune diseases are also associated with androgenetic alopecia, including other autoimmune factors, exemplified by alopecia areata. Some patients with alopecia areata may also have other concurrent autoimmune diseases, such as goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo, etc. Excessive mental stress or sudden shock can also cause alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and other types of hair loss.
Can you dye your hair if you have postpartum hair loss?
You should not dye your hair if you experience hair loss postpartum, as the scalp is already very fragile during this period. Using chemical agents to perm or dye your hair could further damage the scalp foundation, potentially accelerating hair loss. Additionally, it is not advisable to use chemical dyes during the breastfeeding period postpartum because these chemicals can enter the bloodstream through the scalp and subsequently make their way into the breast milk, potentially affecting the baby's growth and development. Therefore, it is best to avoid dyeing your hair during the postpartum period, especially while breastfeeding and experiencing hair loss.
How long does it take to treat hair loss due to kidney deficiency?
Hair loss caused by kidney deficiency varies in treatment duration depending on the specific condition, severity, and individual constitution. Generally, if the condition is mild, it typically takes about 15-30 days of treatment to see effective improvements. However, in cases of severe kidney deficiency, treatment may need to extend between two to three months. Therefore, it is crucial to manage the condition promptly. Initial steps can include dietary adjustments for supplementation, while more severe cases may require timely medication for effective relief.
Can hair loss due to kidney yin deficiency be regenerated?
Hair loss caused by kidney yin deficiency can be regenerated. Kidney yin deficiency mainly refers to the insufficient manifestation of kidney fluids, and so it can be treated by nourishing the kidney yin. To nourish kidney yin in daily life, one should eat more foods that enrich kidney yin, or take some medicines that bolster kidney yin for conditioning. You can choose an over-the-counter medicine like Liuwei Dihuang Pills, but it needs to be taken consistently for a period before effectively improving the symptoms of hair loss. In daily life, you can also eat more softshell turtle, blackfish, etc., which also helps to improve the state of kidney yin deficiency. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)
Can I perm my hair after postpartum hair loss?
During postpartum hair loss, it is not advisable to perm your hair, as perming can accelerate hair loss. The process of perming involves the use of chemical agents, which contain toxic substances, including heavy metals. These can irritate the hair follicles and cause severe hair loss. Additionally, during breastfeeding, the toxic substances from perming can penetrate the scalp and enter the bloodstream, and then make their way into the baby's body through breast milk, causing adverse effects on the baby. The chemicals used in hair perming can also potentially cause allergic reactions in women, and if the baby comes into contact with these substances, they can also trigger allergies. Therefore, for the health of both the mother and the baby, it is best to avoid perming hair at this time.
How to nourish through diet for postpartum hair loss?
When experiencing postpartum hair loss, women should enhance their nutrition by consuming more iron-rich foods, such as soybeans, black beans, seafood, spinach, and red beans, all of which contain abundant iron. Iron deficiency after childbirth is also related to the occurrence of anemia. Additionally, consuming plenty of protein-rich foods is essential, particularly since the growth of hair needs the amino acid cysteine. Therefore, it's indispensable to supplement proteins. In everyday life, one can eat chicken, beef, eggs, milk, and soy products, which all are rich in high-quality plant proteins and are excellent choices. Moreover, it’s beneficial to eat a moderate amount of iodine-containing foods, such as kelp and seaweed.
Can hair follicles recover from kidney deficiency type hair loss?
The main cause of hair loss due to kidney deficiency is the weakness of the kidneys. We can prevent hair loss by conditioning the kidneys. Kidney deficiency does not cause the death of hair follicles; treating kidney deficiency can improve the condition of hair loss. When hair loss due to kidney deficiency occurs, it should be treated early. Traditional Chinese medicine methods can be used for treatment. Keeping the hair clean and ensuring the hygiene of the hair follicles can help prevent hair loss.
How to regulate hair loss due to excessive liver fire?
Patients with hair loss due to excessive liver fire can initially try eating some walnuts and black sesame seeds, as these can effectively help manage the condition. Additionally, it is best to avoid alcohol, smoking, and consuming dry, irritating foods. It is also advisable not to lose temper, as being quick-tempered can further exacerbate the symptoms of excessive liver fire. Moreover, it is important to get ample rest and avoid excessive strain. The diet should primarily be light to effectively prevent the issue, or one could take medications to reduce liver fire for quicker treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)
How long does the hair loss phase of alopecia areata usually last?
The shedding phase of alopecia areata generally lasts about three months. Alopecia areata refers to the sudden occurrence of patchy hair loss on the top of the head, usually caused by excessive mental stress, fatigue, and disorders of the immune system. Alopecia areata typically arises when various factors cause the hair follicles on the scalp to shift from the growth phase to the resting phase, resulting in the hair no longer growing and subsequently falling out extensively. The occurrence of alopecia areata is also somewhat related to genetics. If dieting leads to malnutrition, alopecia areata may also occur. The clinical manifestation of alopecia areata is the appearance of round or oval patches of hair loss on the top of the head. Some occur individually, while others may appear in multiples, varying in size and without any subjective symptoms. If alopecia areata occurs, it is advisable to seek diagnosis and treatment in the dermatology department of a standard hospital.
Postpartum hair loss is related to what?
Postpartum hair loss is related to changes in hormone levels in women after childbirth. After giving birth, the level of estrogen in the body decreases, causing the hair that was in the growth phase before childbirth to enter the resting phase, and it will begin to fall out after a certain period. Generally, hair loss starts three to five months postpartum and gradually becomes a concern. Additionally, psychological factors can also cause hair loss. For example, mothers may experience mental stress and constant worry, which can affect the quality or quantity of hair. Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to insufficient nourishment for the hair, causing hair loss.