Weight loss and hair loss are two things that can sometimes go together. This is because losing weight fast, eating very little, or having weight loss surgery can make the body stressed, low on nutrients, and change the hormones that affect hair growth and quality. This article tells you the possible reasons, dangers, and ways to stop hair loss after weight loss.
Hair loss after weight loss is usually a short-term thing that happens about 3 to 4 months after losing weight and lasts for up to 6 months. The most usual kind of hair loss after weight loss is called telogen effluvium, which is when more hair than normal comes out from the head. This is because the stress of losing weight can make the hair roots stop growing and rest, which makes hair come out.
Some things that can make hair loss after weight loss are:
- Eating very little: Eating too few calories or good things can take away the important parts that hair needs to grow and be healthy. Some good things that are important for hair health are protein, iron, zinc, fatty acids, and vitamin D. Eating very little can also make you stressed, which can also make hair loss.
- Not enough protein: Protein is the main part of hair, as it gives the amino acids that make keratin, the strong protein of hair. When the body does not get enough protein, it cares more about other important things than hair growth, which can make hair loss.
- Weight loss surgery: Weight loss surgery can make you lose weight fast, which can shock the body and make hair loss. Weight loss surgery can also change how you get good things and make you low on good things that can affect hair health. Some studies have found that more than half of the people who have weight loss surgery have hair loss.
- Hormone changes: Weight loss can change the levels of hormones that control hair growth, such as thyroid hormones, estrogen, and testosterone. Hormone changes can make hair loss or thinning, especially in women.
Hair loss after weight loss is not bad or lasting, and it usually goes away by itself as the body gets used to the weight loss and gets better from the stress. But, there are some ways to stop or help hair loss after weight loss, such as:
- Eating a good and healthy food that gives enough calories, protein, and small good things for hair health. Some foods that are good for hair health are eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, tofu, fish, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Taking pills that have biotin, iron, zinc, or other vitamins and minerals that help hair growth. But, pills should not take the place of a healthy food, and they should be taken with the help of a doctor or a nutritionist.
- Drinking enough water to stay wet and get rid of bad things that can affect hair health.
- Moving often to make blood flow better, lower stress, and balance hormones.
- Staying away from bad chemicals, heat, or tools that can hurt the hair and make it break or split.
- Rubbing the head with oils, such as coconut, olive, or almond oil, to make blood flow and feed the hair roots.
- Talking to a doctor or a skin doctor if the hair loss is very bad, lasting, or with other signs, such as head swelling, itching, or pain.
Weight loss and hair loss are two things that can sometimes go together, but they are not always something to worry about. By eating a good and healthy food, moving often, and taking care of the hair, it is possible to stop or help hair loss after weight loss and make the health and look of the hair better.
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