Do you feel like your hair has changed in shape or texture? It may not be just an impression. Over time, our hair can become curlier, straighter, thinner, or thicker.
These changes are often associated with the natural maturation process, meaning aging. However, other factors such as stress, diet, and hormonal fluctuations can also influence the appearance of your hair.
In this article, we analyze the main causes of these changes and their impact on your hair.
Genetics
Genetics play a direct role in how your hair evolves over the years. If you are predisposed to hair loss, it can start as early as puberty.
For example, androgenetic alopecia, a hereditary condition, leads to hair thinning at the top of the head due to an increased sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.
Hormones
Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormones have a strong influence on hair health. An excessive level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, gradually shrinks hair follicles, making hair thinner. This hormone also blocks regrowth, which, over time, may prevent follicles from producing hair.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that can impact hair. During pregnancy, estrogen levels increase, reducing hair loss and making hair thicker and shinier. However, 2 to 4 months after childbirth, a sudden hair loss, known as postpartum telogen effluvium, can occur. This is due to the sudden drop in estrogen levels returning to normal. The stress and fatigue of pregnancy are also factors that impact hair loss.
Menopause
Menopause also plays a role in hair health. Estrogen and progesterone levels decrease, leading to a dominance of androgen hormones such as DHT. The result? Hair becomes thinner and more fragile. Growth slows down, while shedding accelerates.
Tips
To reduce hair loss, use the N.04 THE MIRACLE brush. This massaging brush features vegan nylon fibers that fully penetrate the hair for effective detangling. Additionally, it provides an invigorating scalp massage, stimulating blood circulation and promoting hair growth.
Diet
Diet plays a significant role in hair texture. A diet lacking in proteins, iron, vitamins B and C, zinc, or essential fatty acids like omega-3 can weaken hair, making it thinner and more prone to falling out.
Stress
Stress can increase the production of male hormones in the body, which are responsible for hair loss and thinning, making hair fibers finer.
Additionally, stress increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which disrupts sebum production. As a result, hair can become oilier, duller, and rougher.
To minimize stress-related hair damage, prioritize quality sleep and regular physical activity.
Daily Habits
Our daily routines also impact the overall health of our hair.
Frequent use of heated styling tools thins the hair ends and accelerates the formation of split ends.
Excessive heat removes moisture from the hair fiber, making it dry and brittle.
Flat irons and curling irons, if used too often, can alter your hair’s natural shape over time.
Our advice from La Bonne Brosse
To prevent these effects, always use a heat protectant before styling with hot tools.
