Hair loss: Why does it happen and what can we do?

With blowing out 50 candles comes a whole host of emotions and thoughts. It may mark the start of a ‘mid-life crisis’ or a whole new "Who cares! You’re only as young as you feel!?" lease on life. It all comes down to attitude. But, for many women they may observe a loss of hair (happy birthday right!), which can hinder confidence and their state of mind. Whilst hair loss is more common as we age, it can happen at any stage of our lives.

The tell-tale signs of hair loss: A widening part, a thinner ponytail and a brush full of hair – all things nobody wants to wake up to. We chat to Helen Feeney of Viviscal™ about hair loss and treatment options.

What are some of the common causes of hair loss?

There are many factors that can prevent the body from absorbing the nutrients it needs for healthy hair growth. The most prevalent include hormonal changes most likely to be caused as a result of the contraceptive pill, post pregnancy and during menopause. Over styling, colouring and treating the hair may cause hair loss. As we age, the number of hair follicles reduces with every decade as well as the hair follicle becoming thinner. Hair is considered non-essential by the body so medications, a lack of good nutrition, dieting or a stressful environment can have a negative impact on the hair.

What can women do to prevent hair loss and keep their locks & scalp in top shape?

Having a healthy scalp is important to maintain healthy hair growth so it’s advisable to shampoo the scalp to remove the build-up of sebum and dead skin cells. However, try to avoid over-shampooing, over-use of heat treating appliances and harsh chemical treatments. Style with care avoiding tightly pulled hair. Believe it or not the old cliché about stress leading to hair problems is indeed true. Stress can trigger telogen effluvium which is a type of shedding caused when a large percentage of hairs are shifted into the ‘shedding’ phase of the hair cycle. Finally, a healthy and balanced diet full of nutritious lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids will help to promote a healthy scalp, strengthen hair and promote hair growth. Consider a dietary supplement such as Viviscal.

How do Viviscal growth supplements benefit the hair?

Viviscal™ Maximum Strength supplements are scientifically formulated to nourish the hair and support healthy hair growth from within in women with thinning hair. The nutrients provided by Viviscal™ benefit the hair during the Anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. The hair follicle receives the nutrients from the bloodstream as it is attached to the dermal papilla deep in the dermal layer of the scalp. Viviscal works over 3 stages:

Stage 1 (up to month 2): Viviscal™ works to nourish the hair follicles from within (users may notice that their nails are stronger and growing faster after 3-4 weeks).
Stage 2 (months 2 & 3): Viviscal™ strengthens and promotes the growth of existing hair
Stage 3 (months 4 & 5): Promotes growth of hair where it has temporarily slowed down or stopped. These hairs may be thin or wispy at first, like baby hair. (Users may notice fine baby hairs growing, initially these may look like broken hairs, they are not, they are new growth. In the 6th month the hair becomes stronger, thicker, healthier and more vibrant.

Viviscal recommends taking Viviscal supplements for a minimum of 6 months however most customers see improvements after 3-4 months.

What key ingredients or technology is behind the making of the products?

The key active ingredient in Viviscal™ supplements is AminoMar C™ – a ground-breaking, proprietary marine protein plus a blend of vitamins and nutrients including Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C and Iron.  Our hair is made from a structural protein called Keratin, therefore, a diet rich in protein is essential for healthy hair.

Our Viviscal Densifying Shampoo, Conditioner and Elixir contain the proprietary complex Ana:Tel™ blended with Biotin, Keratin and Zinc. This unique formula helps to promote the appearance of thicker, fuller and gorgeous hair on the outside.

What are Viviscal’s key products for ensuring hair looks fuller and thicker?

Viviscal® now offers a triple-action approach using clinically researched ingredients. Viviscal’s award-winning Viviscal hair growth supplements, with proprietary AminoMar C™ marine protein complex, promote thicker, fuller hair growth from within. The supplements perfectly complement Viviscal’s Gorgeous Growth Densifying collection that makes hair look gorgeous on the outside. The range contains the proprietary Ana:Tel™, a formula which helps to promote healthy looking hair growth. Plus, Viviscal’s Conceal & Densify Volumising Fibres, in a range of colours, provide instant coverage to make hair look thicker. Their volumising effect creates the appearance of thicker looking hair in seconds.

Aside from the obvious loss of hair, are there any other symptoms that are linked with hair loss?

Hair is an important part of a woman’s femininity and self-esteem. The psychological effects of hair loss can be significant including loss of confidence and self-esteem.

What are the differences in hair loss for men vs. women?

While they can play a small contributing part, hair loss in men is less likely to be the result of environmental factors and far more likely to be genetically inherited or hormonally related. Male pattern baldness occurs when Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced in the male body. This inhibits hair growth by preventing nutrient supply to the follicle. Male hair loss, also known as Androgenic Alopecia or male pattern baldness, is caused by the effect of the male hormones, called androgens, on genetically predisposed hair follicles. For those with a family trend toward hair loss, the male hormone ‘testosterone’ is converted into ‘Dihydrotestosterone’, or ‘DHT’. It is the effect of DHT which inhibits hair growth by preventing nutrient supply to the hair follicle, which in time leads to male hair loss.

For further information head to Viviscal

CONSUMER HOTLINE: 0800 007 009