Hair loss is one of the most researched care issues by both men and women. Seeing more strands of hair than normal in the bathroom, on the pillow, on the comb, or on the clothes during the day can worry the person. Hair loss may attract more attention, especially during seasonal transitions, periods of intense stress, irregular nutrition, postpartum processes, hormonal changes or periods when the scalp is worn out.
However, when evaluating hair loss, focusing on a single cause is often not enough. Hair health; It is affected by nutrition, vitamin-mineral balance, scalp care, hormonal status, genetic structure, stress level, sleep patterns, cosmetic products used and environmental factors. Therefore, the best approach to hair care is to create a holistic support routine from inside and outside, rather than focusing only on external products or only supplementary foods.
In this article, we will discuss in simple language what to pay attention to during periods of hair loss, why scalp care is important, how ingredients such as biotin, keratin and zinc are evaluated in terms of hair health, and how to plan an internal and external support routine.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss can occur for many different reasons. Not all hair loss is the same and it does not occur for the same reason in every person. Therefore, when evaluating hair loss, the person's lifestyle, diet, health history and hair care habits should be considered together.
Common factors that can lead to hair loss include seasonal changes, stress, busy work schedule, irregular sleep, rapid weight loss, insufficient protein intake, iron, zinc, B vitamins or vitamin D deficiencies, hormonal changes, postpartum period, thyroid problems, some medications, genetic predisposition and scalp problems.
Additionally, procedures that strain the external structure of the hair can also increase the appearance of shedding. Frequent blow-drying, high heat, harsh combing, tight combing, dyeing, lightening processes, use of wrong shampoo and products that irritate the scalp can cause hair strands to break and the hair to appear weaker.
There is an important distinction here: Hair loss from the root and hair strand breakage are not the same thing. Breakage is mostly related to the wear and tear of the hair strand. Root loss is more closely related to the hair cycle, scalp, nutrition and internal factors.
How Many Strands of Hair Loss a Day Is Normal?
A certain amount of hair loss per day is considered normal. Hair grows, rests and falls out in a natural cycle. Thanks to this cycle, space is made for new hair strands. However, the amount of shedding may vary from person to person.
In some periods, shedding may increase temporarily. Especially seasonal changes, stressful periods, malnutrition, post-illness recovery process or hormonal changes can affect the hair cycle. If the loss continues for a long time, there is significant thinning of the hair, there is regression in the hairline, regional thinning is observed, or if it is accompanied by scalp symptoms such as itching, redness and crusting, it would be appropriate to consult a dermatologist.
Food supplements and cosmetic hair care products are not used for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases. Therefore, it is important to determine the underlying cause of intense and long-term shedding.
Why is Internal Support Important for Hair Health?
Hair is one of the structures affected by the general condition of the body. In periods when sufficient protein, vitamins, minerals and healthy oils are not consumed, hair strands may appear more lifeless, dull and weak. For this reason, simply changing shampoo may not always be enough for hair care.
The basic structure of hair contains a protein called keratin. Therefore, protein intake is important for hair health. In addition, biotin, zinc, selenium, B vitamins, iron and some amino acids are also considered among the nutrients that play a role in maintaining normal hair structure.
Biotin, zinc and selenium are micronutrients that contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. However, there is an important issue to consider at this point: Not all hair loss is caused by vitamin deficiency. Even though there is no deficiency, using high dose supplements does not always mean better results. In fact, taking too much of some vitamins and minerals may cause undesirable effects.
Therefore, the internal support approach must be conscious and balanced. The aim is not the logic of “the more supplements, the better hair”; It is to support the nutrients that the hair may need in a balanced routine.
What Does Biotin Do for Hair?
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as vitamin B7. It contributes to the protection of normal hair. For this reason, it is frequently included in hair, skin and nail support products.
Biotin deficiency may be associated with hair loss, nail breakage and skin problems in some people. However, serious biotin deficiency is not common in people with a healthy and balanced diet. Therefore, when evaluating products containing biotin, it is not right to have ambitious expectations such as "biotin will grow hair in everyone".
Biotin can be considered a supportive ingredient in a hair care routine. It may be meaningful to include vitamin-mineral complexes that contribute to the preservation of the normal structure of the hair, especially during periods of hair loss. However, in cases of intense hair loss, regional thinning or long-term hair loss, it is a better approach to seek expert advice rather than relying on biotin alone.
Why is Keratin Important for Hair?
Keratin is one of the basic structural proteins of the hair fiber. Keratin structure is important for the strong, flexible and healthy appearance of hair. Hair strands can be damaged due to heat, dye, environmental factors, sun, sea, pool water and wrong care practices. This damage can cause the hair to appear dull, dry and brittle.
Hair care products containing keratin or keratin-supported formulas are frequently preferred in the hair care routine. The aim here is to support the appearance of the hair and help it look more well-groomed and stronger. Supplementary foods containing keratin are among the ingredients associated with the structural protein needs of the hair.
However, keratin alone is not a miracle solution. For hair health, adequate protein intake, balanced nutrition, gentle hair care and regular support of the scalp should be considered together.
The Role of Zinc and Selenium in Hair Health
Zinc and selenium are minerals that are frequently researched when it comes to hair health. Both contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Zinc also contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and nails. Selenium is among the minerals that contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
During periods of hair loss, people often look for supplements containing zinc and selenium. However, dose balance is very important in mineral supplements. Taking too much zinc can cause stomach upset in some people, and long-term high intakes can affect other mineral balances. It is not appropriate to take selenium in high amounts and without control.
Therefore, when choosing vitamin-mineral supplements for hair, the product's dosages, usage recommendations and ingredient table should be carefully examined. The daily usage amount on the product label should not be exceeded.
Why is Scalp Care Important?
In hair care, most people focus on the strands; but the scalp is an essential part of this routine. For healthy looking hair, the scalp must be balanced, clean and well-groomed.
When there is excess oiliness, dryness, dandruff, itching, sensitivity or accumulation on the scalp, the appearance of the hair can also be affected. Using the wrong shampoo, not cleansing the scalp sufficiently, washing it too often or too rarely, and using heavy stylers can create a feeling of imbalance in the scalp.
The aim of scalp care is not to provide a miraculous effect to the hair follicles; is to keep the scalp clean, fresh and well-groomed. It is important to choose a shampoo suitable for your scalp, to wash regularly and gently, to avoid using hot water and to stay away from harsh applications that will irritate the scalp.
What to Look for When Choosing an Anti-Hairing Shampoo?
When choosing an anti-hair loss shampoo, it should first be remembered that the shampoo is a cosmetic product. Shampoo helps clean and care for the scalp and hair strands and makes the hair look stronger. However, it alone does not eliminate the medical causes of hair loss.
The following points can be considered when choosing shampoo:
Is it suitable for my scalp?
Does it contain ingredients that are too heavy and accumulate in the hair?
Does it dry your scalp too much?
Does it make hair strands harder?
Is it suitable for regular use?
Does the care contain supporting ingredients?
Are the product instructions for use clear?
Components such as caffeine, panthenol, herbal extracts, hydrolyzed proteins, zinc PCA are frequently used in scalp and hair care products. These ingredients can strengthen the product's care profile. However, the expectation must be set correctly: Shampoo is a supportive external care product; It should be considered together with internal support and lifestyle factors.
How to Create an Internal and External Support Routine?
The most logical approach during periods of hair loss is to create a balanced routine that provides internal and external support. This routine helps both support the nutrients that the hair may need and keep the scalp in regular care.
On the internal support side, supplementary foods containing ingredients such as biotin, zinc, selenium, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and keratin can be considered. These products do not replace normal nutrition; It is used to support daily nutrition.
On the external support side, shampoo, hair care spray or scalp care products suitable for the scalp can be used. The aim is to keep the scalp clean, fresh and well-groomed; It helps the hair strands look more vibrant and stronger.
The most important point in this approach is regularity. The hair cycle is not a process that changes in a short time. It is not right to use the product for a few days and expect immediate results. Hair care routines generally become more meaningful when applied regularly and patiently.
Daily Routine Suggestions During Hair Loss
When hair loss occurs, simply changing products may not be enough. Daily habits should also be reviewed.
First of all, attention should be paid to adequate protein intake in the diet. Eggs, fish, chicken, red meat, yoghurt, kefir, legumes, nuts and whole grains can be parts of a diet that supports hair health.
Since parameters such as iron, B12, vitamin D, zinc and thyroid values may be associated with hair loss, medical supervision is important in long-term hair loss. Especially in women, iron deficiency and low ferritin are frequently investigated topics in hair loss complaints.
Hair should not be washed with very hot water. High heat can dry out the scalp and make hair strands more brittle. If heat applications such as blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons are used frequently, support can be obtained from heat protective products.
Hair should not be combed harshly when wet. Wet hair may be more sensitive. A better approach is to use a wide-tooth comb and gently detangle the hair.
Gathering the hair too tightly, constantly pulling it from the same area, and using heavy pins can create mechanical pressure on the hair follicles. Therefore, it is important to gather the hair more loosely and not to strain the scalp.
Stress management and sleep patterns should not be neglected. Periods of intense stress can affect the hair cycle. Regular sleep, balanced nutrition and daily exercise are important for overall body balance, including hair health.
Is Seasonal Hair Loss Normal?
There may be an increase in hair loss during seasonal transitions. Especially in late summer and autumn, many people notice more strands of hair on the comb or in the bath. This situation may be temporary in some people.
However, it is necessary to distinguish between seasonal shedding and long-term and intense shedding. If the shedding continues significantly for more than a few weeks, if there is a visible decrease in hair density, if there is regression in the hairline, or if there are symptoms such as redness, itching, and crusting on the scalp, a dermatologist should be consulted.
Creating an internal and external support routine during seasonal periods can help your hair look more well-groomed during this transition period. However, the expectation should be realistic. The aim is to support the normal structure of the hair and regularize scalp care.
Common Mistakes in Hair Care
Some mistakes made during the hair loss period can cause the hair to look weaker and more damaged. The most important of these is panicking and using too many products at the same time. Uncontrolled use of multiple shampoos, serums, oils, masks and supplements can tire the scalp and make it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of the products.
Another mistake is to change shampoo too often. Regular use of hair care products is important. It is not right to expect a miracle from a product in just a few washes.
Using high heat, rubbing the hair with a hard towel, sleeping with wet hair, scratching the scalp harshly with nails, and the habit of tying tightly can also cause more hair strands to break.
On the supplement side, the idea that "more vitamins give better results" is wrong. Unnecessarily high intakes, especially of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, may have undesirable consequences. For this reason, the usage amount on the product label should be followed and professional advice should be sought if there is a special health condition.
Who Should Seek Expert Opinion on Hair Loss?
If hair loss is short-term and mild, it can be supported with a care routine. However, in some cases, expert evaluation is required.
If there is sudden and intense hair loss, regional hair loss, wounds on the scalp, redness, crusting, itching, rapid regression of the hairline, hair loss that continues for a long time after birth, hair loss after rapid weight loss, a history of thyroid disease, suspicion of iron deficiency, hormonal irregularities and a family history of significant hair loss, a dermatologist should be consulted.
Using random products without knowing the cause of hair loss can waste time. Using the right approach, care and support products consciously; Not to neglect medical evaluation when necessary.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Hair Care is a More Accurate Routine
Hair loss is a multifactorial issue that cannot be explained by a single product or a single ingredient. Nutrition, stress, sleep, hormonal balance, genetic structure, scalp health and external care habits should be evaluated together.
Biotin, zinc and selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Keratin is one of the structural proteins of hair. Shampoos and care products suitable for the scalp are important parts of the external care routine.
Therefore, creating an internal and external support routine during periods of hair loss offers a more holistic approach. While internal support helps support the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that the hair may need; External care contributes to a more well-groomed appearance of the scalp and hair strands.
Regular use, correct expectations, balanced nutrition and expert opinion when necessary are the healthiest road map in hair care.
Note: This article has been prepared for informational purposes. Food supplements are not medicines; It is not used for the prevention or treatment of diseases. Cosmetic products are not used to treat diseases; It is used to support hair and scalp care.