Hair Loss

Question
Hi Melanie,

My hair has been falling out at an alarming rate lately.  I have about a quarter of what I had a year ago.  My hair is very fine, straight, 18" long.  It's never been dyed or permed.  The hair I have left is very healthy.  I have a good diet and take a multi vitamin as well as an Omega 3-6-9 every day.  However, I have gotten in the habit of brushing my hair all the time.  I use a Mason Pearson brush, which I couldn't use for a long time because it hurt too much (I have sensitive skin).  Could excessive brushing be the cause of my hair loss?  I can think of no other explaination.  I am 30 years old and in good health.  Any advice you could give me would be appreciated.  

Thank you,

Elizabeth


Answer
Hello Elizabeth:

Over-brushing does not usually cause hair loss. If you are brushing harshly through tangled hair it could cause breakage but not actual hair loss. If the brushing has caused damage to your sensitive scalp you may want to focus on healing the scalp. Any type of scalp disorder can inhibit healthy hair growth and lead to hair loss.

Because you say your hair is falling out at an alarming rate your condition sounds more like telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium can occur anytime the body feels a change, imbalance or disturbance in which it has a difficult time adjusting to. It can be physical or emotional in nature. Even a minor imbalance can cause this condition. Telogen effluvium is often temporary and self-correcting. Other times the underlying issue must be determined and addressed. Some common causes of telogen effluvium include medications, vaccination (including flu shot) birth control, change in diet/weight, stress, exposure to toxins or allergens, infection, high fever, nutritional imbalance, low iron/ferritin, illness. The hair usually begins to shed approximately 2-3 months later. I used essential oil treatments very successfully for my own chronic telogen effluvium. You can learn more about the types and causes of female hair loss and using essential oils for hair growth at the links subdivided below. Feel free to browse my website for more information and articles. Please let me know if I can help you further.

Sincerely, Melanie Vonzabuesnig



Essential Oil Scalp Massage for Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/aromatherapy%20for%20hair%20loss.html



Understanding Female Hair Loss

http://www.vzbotanicals.com/overcomefemalehairloss.html