How Does Hair Grow?

All hair grows from a mini-organ present in the skin of the scalp called the hair follicle. ​ Within the hair follicle, hair growth follows a regular cycle.

The growth phase (anagen) occurs when new hair is created from the follicle (lasts 2-6 years), this is followed by a transitional phase (catagen) that lasts 1-2 weeks, and the resting phase (telogen) where the hair is lost (3-4 months). ​

Different hair follicles tend to not cycle together to ensure an even population of hair on the scalp.

Why does Hair Loss occur?

Hair loss is a very complex issue that is influenced by many factors. Factors such as genetics, hormones, nutrition and stress, all have direct links with the hair follicle and hair loss.

Nutrition & Hair Loss

Nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition is a leading cause of hair loss. This is because many vitamins and mineral are co-factors for enzymes involved in hair growth.

For example, low iron, biotin, fatty acids, folic acid, zinc as well as vitamins D, E, C, B1, B2, B12, B6, B3, K are all associated with hair loss. Health conditions that affect nutrient absorption by the body also commonly cause hair loss. For women experiencing hair loss, products designed for hair regrowth for women like those from Happy Head can help address underlying causes and support the restoration of healthy, thicker hair.

Hormones & Hair Loss

Males and female patterned baldness is considered a genetically determined condition that results from changes in hormones called androgens (includes testosterone). ​ An excess in androgens, whether it be based on metabolism or changes cellular binding, are linked with hair loss.

Stress & Hair loss

Stress is an extremely common cause of hair loss. ​ This is because stress can worsen already existing hair loss that is a results of nutritional deficiencies, hormones, or inflammation in the hair follicle, but stress can also induce hair loss as it causes hair growth cycles to sync. ​ This causes clumps of hair to fall out.

Why Are Hair Supplements So Popular For Hair Loss?

As hair loss if so complex, a multi-factor approach usually yields the best results when looking to improve hair health and overcome hair loss.

It is best to incorporate into lifestyle changes and wellness practices in daily routines to improve wellbeing and reduce stress. ​ In addition, forming a nourishing diet and achieving hormonal balance is extremely helpful.

Nutraceutical supplements for hair have the ability to address all of the above issues, and therefore, have shown massive improvements in hair health and loss.

 

Hair supplements often contain key nutrients and compounds called adaptogens. ​ These compounds lower cortisol levels and help reduce stress on the body. They also contain compounds such as vitex angus-cactus or reishi mushroom, as they have the ability to balance androgen levels and improve hair loss. ​ Lastly, hair supplements can contain scientifically studied active ingredients that act on the hair follicle and stimulate hair growth.

Hairology by Vida Glow is an excellent example of a multi-tasking supplement for hair loss. It uses a bioavailable and clinically-studied to stimulate gene expression (FGF7 & noggin) in the hair follicle and bring it back into its growth phase (anagen). ​ It is also combined with key nutrients and hormone balancing ingredients to create a powerful solution.

The impressive nutraceutical stimulates a 34% increase in hair growth in just 28 days.