Knowledge Base
Welcome to our knowledge center where we share expert insights about hair health, hair loss causes, and treatment options. Whether you're experiencing hair loss or simply want to maintain healthy hair, you'll find valuable information here.
Knowledge Base
Welcome to our knowledge center where we share expert insights about hair health, hair loss causes, and treatment options. Whether you're experiencing hair loss or simply want to maintain healthy hair, you'll find valuable information here.
Causes of Hair Loss
Understand the various factors that can lead to hair loss
Genetic Factors
The most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as hereditary hair loss. This form of hair loss is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and hormonal factors. In men, this typically manifests as a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, while women tend to experience diffuse thinning across the entire scalp.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Women often experience this during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, or with thyroid disorders. In men, an imbalance of sex hormones, particularly elevated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, can lead to progressive hair loss.
Medical Conditions
Various medical conditions can cause hair loss, including autoimmune diseases like alopecia areata where the immune system attacks hair follicles, or skin conditions like psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Scalp infections such as fungal infections can also lead to hair loss.
Nutritional Factors
Malnutrition, particularly deficiencies in iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and protein, can lead to hair loss. A balanced diet is crucial for hair health. Sudden weight loss or strict diets can also disrupt the hair cycle and lead to increased hair shedding.
Stress and Lifestyle
Chronic stress can lead to a disruption of the hair cycle and cause hair loss. This form of hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, is usually temporary. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep can also affect hair health.
Medications and Treatments
Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect, including blood thinners, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and gout medications. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer treatment also commonly lead to temporary hair loss.
Optimal Hair Care
Tips and instructions for proper care of your hair
Proper Hair Washing
Proper hair washing is crucial for healthy hair. Use lukewarm water, as hot water can dry out the scalp. Choose a mild, sulfate-free shampoo that suits your hair type. Gently massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. For most people, washing hair 2-3 times a week is sufficient to maintain natural oils.
Proper Conditioning
Conditioner should be applied mainly to the lengths and ends of your hair, not the scalp. Leave the conditioner on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. For particularly dry or damaged hair, deep conditioners or hair masks can be used once a week.
Gentle Drying
After washing, gently pat your hair dry with a towel, don't rub to avoid hair breakage. Let your hair air dry whenever possible. If you use a hair dryer, set it to a low heat and speed setting and keep it at least 15 cm away from your scalp.
Proper Brushing
Use a brush with soft bristles or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle your hair. Start at the tips and work your way up. Don't brush your hair when it's wet, as it's particularly susceptible to breakage then.
Protection from Environmental Factors
Protect your hair from harmful environmental factors such as UV radiation, chlorine, and salt water. Wear a hat in summer or use hair care products with UV protection. Before swimming, you can wet your hair with tap water to reduce the absorption of chlorine or salt water.
Diet for Healthy Hair
A balanced diet with adequate protein, iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, and E is important for healthy hair. Particularly recommended foods include eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and berries.
Pre and Post-Care for Hair Transplantation
Important information for optimal results before and after the procedure
Preparation for Hair Transplantation
Good preparation is crucial for the success of a hair transplantation. Two weeks before the procedure, you should avoid alcohol, nicotine, and blood-thinning medications such as aspirin. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. The day before the procedure, you should wash your hair thoroughly and avoid styling products. On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing with buttons or a zipper to make dressing and undressing easier.
Immediate Aftercare
In the first few days after hair transplantation, careful aftercare is crucial. Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling. Avoid physical exertion, alcohol, and nicotine for at least one week. Follow your doctor's specific instructions for cleaning the donor and recipient areas. Do not wear hats or caps unless explicitly allowed by your doctor.
Hair Washing After Transplantation
The first hair wash after transplantation should be done according to your doctor's instructions, usually 48-72 hours after the procedure. Use a mild shampoo recommended by your doctor and lukewarm water. Massage the shampoo in very gently without applying direct pressure to the transplanted follicles. Rinse carefully with lukewarm water without using strong water pressure.
Long-term Aftercare
After about 10-14 days, the transplanted hairs fall out, which is a normal part of the process. New hair growth usually begins after 3-4 months. During this time, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, pay attention to a balanced diet, and reduce stress. Regular check-ups with your doctor help monitor progress and identify any problems early.
Medications and Supplements
Your doctor may prescribe certain medications after hair transplantation, such as minoxidil or finasteride, to promote the growth of transplanted hair and prevent further hair loss. Supplements such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D may also be recommended to support hair growth.
Realistic Expectations
It's important to have realistic expectations about the results of a hair transplantation. The final results are usually visible only after 12-18 months. The quality of the results depends on various factors, including the quality of the donor hair, the surgeon's technique, and individual healing ability.
Interesting Facts About Hair
Amazing information about our hair that you might not have known
Growth Rate
Human hair grows at an average rate of about 1.25 cm per month, or about 15 cm per year. The growth rate can vary depending on age, gender, season, and genetic factors.
Hair Life Cycle
Each hair goes through a life cycle consisting of three phases: the growth phase (anagen), the transition phase (catagen), and the resting phase (telogen). The growth phase can last between 2 and 7 years, depending on the body region.
Number of Hairs
An average person has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on their head. The exact number varies depending on hair color: redheads have an average of 90,000, black-haired people 110,000, brunettes 140,000, and blondes up to 150,000 hairs.
Hair Strength
A single healthy hair can carry a weight of up to 100 grams. A whole head of hair could theoretically carry a weight of 12 tons, which is about the weight of two adult elephants.
Everyday Hair Loss
It's normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs daily. This natural hair loss is part of the normal hair cycle and not a cause for concern as long as new hair grows back.
Fastest Growing Tissue
After bone marrow, hair is the fastest growing tissue in the human body. This explains why hair loss is often an early sign of health problems or nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrition for Healthy Hair
Optimal nutrients and foods for strong, shiny hair
Protein
Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein. Adequate protein intake is therefore crucial for healthy hair growth. Good protein sources include lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Iron
Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Iron contributes to the production of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the hair follicles. Iron-rich foods include red meat, spinach, lentils, and fortified grain products.
Zinc
Zinc plays an important role in cell division, protein synthesis, and hormone regulation, all of which are important for healthy hair growth. Oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and lentils are good sources of zinc.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Biotin is known for its role in promoting healthy hair and is often used in supplements for hair growth. Natural sources include eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and helps in the production of collagen, an important part of the hair structure. It also improves iron absorption. Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and broccoli are rich in vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss. Besides sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods are good sources of vitamin D.
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Dion Hair Clinic
Schürenweg 61
41063 Mönchengladbach
Germany