Can Hair Go Bad? Is It Really Possible?
Yes, hair does ‘fall out’. However, it is important to understand this statement correctly. Medically speaking, ‘falling out’ refers to hair follicles entering a resting phase known as the **telogen phase**. Under normal circumstances, hair follicles go through a cyclical process comprising three main phases:
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase): This is the phase during which hair follicles are actively producing new hair.
- Catagen Phase (Transition Phase): During this short phase, the hair follicle ceases to grow.
- Telogen Phase (Resting Phase): The hair follicle stops growing, and the hair becomes ready to fall out.
Situations where hair ‘goes on strike’ are those in which the duration of the telogen phase is prolonged and the hair follicles do not produce new hair for an extended period. This condition is associated with a common type of hair loss known as **telogen effluvium**. In short, ‘hair going on a strike’ is a phenomenon with a scientific basis and is not merely a psychological expression.
Why Does Hair Fall Out? The Most Common Causes
Hair breakage can be caused by many different factors. These factors often trigger one another, which can lead to long-term hair problems. Here are the main factors that can cause hair breakage:
- Physical and Emotional Stress
Conditions such as severe stress, trauma, major surgery or illnesses accompanied by a high fever directly affect the hair growth cycle. When the body channels its energy towards vital functions, ‘secondary’ functions such as hair growth take a back seat. This can cause hair loss.
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during the postnatal period, the menopause or the sudden discontinuation of the contraceptive pill, disrupt the hair growth cycle. In women in particular, the main cause of postnatal hair loss is that the hair has ‘rebelled’ against these changes.
- Incorrect and Inadequate Nutrition
A deficiency in nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and vitamin D disrupts the healthy functioning of hair follicles. In this situation, the hair follicles exit the anagen phase and enter the telogen phase; in other words, they go into a resting phase.
- Intensive Chemical Applications
Frequent treatments such as hair dyes, bleaches, perms and exposure to high heat damage the hair follicles. A damaged hair follicle loses its ability to produce hair and enters a prolonged resting phase.
- Sudden Weight Loss or Diets
Significant weight loss over a short period, or long-term calorie-restricted diets, can have a negative impact on the nourishment of hair follicles. This causes the hair to go into a resting phase, meaning that new hair growth is halted.
How Can You Tell if Your Hair Is Damaged?
Another question just as important as ‘Does hair go into a dormant phase?’ is how you can tell whether your hair has gone into a dormant phase. In this case, you can look out for the following signs:
- My Hair Isn’t Growing: If your hair isn’t growing, even if it isn’t falling out, the roots are not in the active phase.
- Thinning and Dilution: If there is a noticeable loss of volume in the hair, this indicates that the number of hair follicles entering the resting phase has increased.
- Irregular Hair Loss: If your hair is not falling out in handfuls but is falling out continuously and extensively, this may be a sign of telogen effluvium.
- A Dull and Lifeless Appearance: If your hair has lost its natural shine and the strands have become dry and brittle, it means your hair follicles are not active enough.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, there’s a high chance your hair follicles have ‘gone dormant’.
What Should You Do If Your Hair Has Gone Dull?
It may take some time for your hair to return to the active phase and start producing new hair, but it is possible to speed up this process with the right treatments. Here are the steps you should take if your hair has become thinning:
- Reduce Stress
Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises is the first step towards restoring your hair’s health. Remember, the more relaxed your body is, the stronger your hair will be.
- Eat a Balanced and Nutritious Diet
To maintain healthy hair, you should ensure you are getting enough micronutrients such as protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, biotin and vitamin D. If necessary, you can take supplements on the advice of your doctor.
- Massage Your Scalp
Gently massaging your scalp for 5–10 minutes a day boosts blood circulation. This, in turn, helps to reactivate the hair follicles.
- Avoid Chemical Treatments
Take a break from chemical treatments such as hair dyeing, bleaching and straightening for a while. Allow your hair to return to its natural balance.
- Get Herbal and Medical Support
Using products containing natural ingredients that support hair health, such as saw palmetto, biotin and keratin, can help hair follicles enter the regrowth phase. Where necessary, medical treatments may also be started on the advice of a dermatologist.
How Long Does It Take for Hair to Recover If It’s Damaged?
Although the resting phase of hair follicles varies from person to person, they generally transition back into the growth phase within **3 to 6 months**. However, to ensure this process runs smoothly, it is essential to follow the recommendations listed above carefully. Genetic factors, age, hormonal balance and general health can also influence this process.
Measures You Can Take to Prevent Hair Breakage
- Eat a regular and balanced diet
- Make sure you drink enough water
- Make sure you stick to a regular sleep routine
- Practise stress management
- Build your hair care routine using natural products
- Avoid having chemical treatments done too often
- Use hair dryers on a low heat setting
These measures are the basic steps to ensure that your hair follicles remain active and do not become dormant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hair really fall out because it’s ‘upset’?
Yes. When the resting phase of the hair growth cycle is prolonged, the hair follicle does not produce new hair, and this manifests as hair loss or a lack of growth. In common parlance, this is referred to as ‘hair going on strike’.
Is hair loss permanent?
No. If your hair has become damaged, the hair follicles can be reactivated with the right care and nutrition. However, the process takes time.
Which vitamins are beneficial for preventing hair loss?
Biotin, zinc, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in strengthening hair follicles.
Once hair falls out, does it never grow back?
In cases of temporary hair loss, hair follicles may regenerate. However, if the hair follicle is completely dead, no new hair will grow.
When should you see a doctor if your hair has started to fall out?
If you experience hair loss lasting longer than three months, a lack of hair growth, or significant thinning of the hair, you should definitely consult a dermatologist.
