Hair loss is a common concern that can profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life. It may result from various causes, including genetic predisposition, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, inadequate nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and stress.
1.Inadequate Nutrition
Optimal hair health relies on a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Both generalized nutritional deficiencies and specific imbalances—such as an excess or lack of certain vitamins or minerals—can disrupt the body’s equilibrium and contribute to hair thinning or loss.
Since early clinical trials, the identification of vitamin deficiencies and their role in human health has influenced the development of nutritional medicine. Today, many individuals seek evidence-based guidance on vitamin and mineral supplementation, as well as diet modifications, to support hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Of the approximately 100,000 hair follicles on the human scalp, nearly 90% are actively growing in the anagen phase and remain unaffected by alopecia. This growth phase demands essential nutrients—particularly proteins, vitamins, and minerals—to support the growth of healthy hair. Consequently, trace elements like vitamins play a vital role in maintaining hair follicle function and overall scalp health.
2.Hormonal Imbalances
Hair follicle development is governed by complex molecular and genetic mechanisms. Multiple hormones contribute to this process, including thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin-like growth factor-I, and prolactin. However, androgens—particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—play the most pivotal role in regulating hair growth and are closely associated with conditions such as androgenetic alopecia.
3.Stress
Stress is a leading contributor to hair growth disorders and hair shedding, primarily due to elevated cortisol levels. Both acute and chronic stress are well-established causes of telogen effluvium, a condition in which hair prematurely enters the resting phase. Furthermore, stress can exacerbate other forms of alopecia linked to hormonal imbalances, autoimmune activity, and exposure to toxins. Notably, the emotional distress caused by visible hair loss may create a vicious cycle, prolonging or worsening the condition.
Why Hair Transplantation May Be the Most Effective Long-Term Solution
While nutritional support, stress management, and hormonal regulation can help slow hair loss and improve overall hair health, these measures may not reverse advanced or genetically driven conditions such as androgenetic alopecia. In such cases, hair transplantation offers a proven, permanent solution by redistributing healthy hair follicles to thinning or balding areas, restoring natural density and appearance.
References
- Gokce N, Basgoz N, Kenanoglu S, et al. An overview of the genetic aspects of hair loss and its connection with nutrition. J Prev Med Hyg. 2022;63(2 Suppl 3):E228-E238. Published 2022 Oct 17. doi:10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2022.63.2S3.2765
