Discover the reasons behind premature graying and methods for its treatment and prevention.

Everyone wishes for lustrous and healthy hair. However, many people have experienced the sudden onset or exacerbation of graying hair symptoms during periods of high psychological stress, disrupted daily routines, physical weakness, or illness. This is a warning sign that the body might have underlying issues. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind premature graying and methods for its treatment and prevention.

Understanding Hair Physiology and Anatomy

Each strand of hair grows from a hair follicle, and the dermal papilla and hair matrix form the hair bulb at the follicle’s base. The dermal papilla regulates the number of matrix cells, determining the length of the hair; it also contains capillaries to supply nutrients to the hair. The hair matrix contains melanocytes responsible for hair pigmentation. In the middle part of the follicle, sebaceous glands secrete oils to nourish both the hair and scalp.

When the blood supply from the capillaries at the base of the hair follicle is inadequate or when the sebaceous glands secrete excessively, it can lead to blocked pores and inflammation. This, in turn, causes the hair bulb to shrink, resulting in hair loss. On the other hand, insufficient melanocytes in the hair matrix can lead to the development of gray hair.

8 Major Causes of Hair Loss

The leading causes of hair loss are often associated with factors such as genetics, stress, illness, hormones, nutrition, and dietary habits.

1. Genetics: Primarily affecting males, male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition caused by male hormones and is the most common form of baldness. This type of hair loss typically starts around 20 to 30, shows a familial tendency, and progresses most rapidly around 30.
2. Excessive stress and immune imbalance: Hair loss resulting from these factors often manifests as alopecia areata, also known as the “ghost shaved head” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It also includes conditions such as seborrheic hair loss. Patients may observe a sudden patch of hair loss. This is characterized by non-inflammatory, nonscarring alopecia in round or oval shapes on the scalp, with clear boundaries and smooth skin in the affected area.
3. Medication: Many medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. These include drugs used to treat conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Additionally, contraceptives, hormonal replacement therapy for both females and males, steroids, medications for adolescent acne, anti-thyroid drugs, anti-seizure medications, and chemotherapy drugs are also known to have this side effect.
4. Hormonal changes: Women may experience significant hair loss during periods of hormonal fluctuations, such as postpartum and menopause. Generally, the situation improves once hormonal levels stabilize.
5. Hypothyroidism: The thyroid releases various hormones to regulate the body’s metabolism, and an underactive thyroid may lead to hair loss.
6. Iron deficiency anemia: Anemia can cause insufficient microvascular blood supply to the hair, leading to diffuse hair loss.
7. Deficiency in essential nutrients: Apart from iron deficiency, inadequate intake of essential nutrients such as protein or vitamins C and B group and the mineral zinc can also lead to hair loss.
8. Unhealthy dietary habits: Excessive consumption of fried, spicy, or charred foods can contribute to hair loss. The primary reason is that such foods tend to induce chronic inflammation in the body, leading to abnormal secretion of sebaceous glands. This, in turn, results in excessive scalp oiliness, clogging pores and causing hair loss.

Additionally, a fungus called Malassezia coexists with the human body on the scalp and thrives by consuming sebum. When there is an excess secretion of sebum, Malassezia rapidly multiplies, leading to inflammation in hair follicles and, consequently, hair loss.

A study published in Nature in 2021 found that when fed a high-fat diet, mice developed sparse fur due to inflammation of hair follicle stem cells.

Treatment for Alopecia Areata

In the ancient medical text “Golden Mirror of Medicine,” alopecia areata is described as follows: “This condition presents with dry and scorched hair, patchy hair loss, bright red and shiny skin, accompanied by itching resembling insect movement, commonly known as ghost shaved head. It is caused by the dilation of hair follicles, allowing pathogenic wind to invade the body. This leads to an excess of wind and blood dryness, preventing the nourishment of hair. It is recommended to take Shen Ying Yang Zhen Dan to address the root cause while using Hai Ai Tang externally to alleviate the symptoms.”

1. Shen Ying Yang Zhen Dan

Ingredients: Angelica sinensis, white peony root, Chuanxiong rhizoma, prepared Rehmannia root (steamed with wine, then mashed into a paste), Notopterygium incisum, and Gastrodiae Rhizoma. In ancient medical texts, there is also mention of adding papaya and dodder seed, each in equal parts, grounding them into powder, and forming honey pills about the size of a pea.

 Formula analysis: This formula is derived from the “Treatise on the Three Categories of Pathogenic Factors and Prescriptions (San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun).” Angelica sinensis, Chuanxiong rhizome, white peony root, and prepared Rehmannia root work to nourish the blood and activate blood circulation. Prepared Rehmannia root, papaya, and dodder seed nourish the liver and kidneys. Gastrodiae Rhizoma and Notopterygium incisum, being acrid and warm, dispel wind, remove collateral obstruction, and guide the medicinal properties upward to the crown of the head.

Method: Take 0.35 ounce (10 grams) each time, twice a day. Administer after meals with warm wine or a salty soup.

2. 7-Star Needling Technique

The seven-star needle, also known as the plum-blossom needle, is used to tap on the affected area of the scalp. This technique can activate local qi and blood circulation, stimulate metabolism, and accelerate hair growth. It is particularly effective for issues such as receding hairlines and alopecia areata.

Method: Sterilize the seven-star needle with alcohol, then gently tap the area of hair loss on the scalp until it becomes slightly flushed and warm. Follow by applying some safflower oil. It is crucial to avoid excessive force during tapping to prevent skin injury. If bleeding occurs, apply sesame oil or topical skin medication.

A study revealed that patients with seborrheic alopecia, after applying a TCM solution to the affected area and gently tapping with the seven-star needle, in combination with oral Chinese medicine, exhibited significant improvement in hair loss and promotion of hair growth, with an effectiveness rate reaching 95 percent.

Treatment for Diffused Hair Loss

The main causes of diffused hair loss include insufficient qi and blood, liver and kidney essence, blood deficiency, and local blood stasis. The treatment approach involves nourishing qi and blood, tonifying liver and kidney essence and blood, promoting blood circulation, and removing stasis. Formulas such as Shiquan Dabu Tang, Renshen Yangrong Tang, Qibao Meiran Dan, and Tongqiao Huoxue Tang can be employed for therapy.

Diet Therapy for Hair Loss

To ensure the activation and strength of our hair, it is essential to provide it with an adequate supply of nutrients, particularly the following five essential nutrients:

1. Iron: Animal sources include pig’s blood, duck blood, meat, and seafood. Plant sources include red amaranth, Okinawan spinach, seaweed, legumes (such as soybeans, red beans, and green beans), red dates, black dates, raisins, and nuts and seeds (such as sesame seeds and cashews). The absorption and utilization of iron from animal sources are generally superior to those from plant sources in the human body.
2. Protein: dairy products, eggs, seafood, meat, legumes, and whole grains.
3. Vitamin B: foods rich in vitamins B6, B9, and B12. Animal-based foods include tuna, salmon, pork liver, beef liver, beef, chicken breast, clams, and milk. Plant-based foods include white rice, potatoes, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower, avocado, and banana.
4. Vitamin C: kiwi, citrus fruits, guava, papaya, strawberries, and tomatoes.
5. Zinc: oysters, mussels, clams, lobster, crab, pork, beef, lamb, egg yolk, milk, cheese, nuts (cashews, almonds, and pumpkin seeds).

Simple and Effective Hair Care Techniques

1. Massaging the Scalp With Infused Alcohol

The primary method for treating hair loss is to enhance the circulation of qi and blood in the scalp, thereby stimulating the regeneration of hair follicles. One technique involves soaking approximately 1 ounce (30 grams) of ginger peel and 2 ounces (60 grams) of Rhizoma Drynariae in alcohol for 10 days. The infused alcohol is then applied to the affected area three times a day.

2. Combing the Hair With 10 Fingers

The simplest and most convenient method for treating and preventing hair loss is “frequent hair combing.” In ancient times, hair combing was highly emphasized in health preservation. Su Dongpo, a renowned poet from the Song Dynasty who experienced significant hair loss, received advice from a skilled physician to diligently comb his hair morning and night. Following the physician’s guidance to comb his hair over a hundred times before sleep and allowing his hair to scatter while lying down, Su Dongpo was able to cure his hair loss in a short period.

TCM considers the head the “convergence of all yang energies” and the “house of the original spirit,” where all the body’s meridians (energy pathways) eventually gather. According to TCM’s holographic theory, the head reflects the entire body. By stimulating specific scalp areas through acupuncture, corresponding internal organs can be treated. Therefore, scalp massage promotes blood circulation in the scalp and can address various ailments throughout the body.

Method: Use all 10 fingers to comb the hair, starting from the hairline and moving toward the roots. Begin with both hands moving from the center toward the back, then separate both hands and comb toward the sides. Repeat this process 100 times every morning, afternoon, and evening. Consistency is the key to yielding positive results with this practice.

Important Notice: This article was originally published at www.theepochtimes.com by Kuo-Pin Wu where all credits are due.

Disclaimer

The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah™. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah™ are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information being provided should only be considered for education and entertainment purposes only. If you feel that anything you see or hear may be of value to you on this page or on any other medium of any kind associated with, showing, or quoting anything relating to Dr. Farrah™ in any way at any time, you are encouraged to and agree to consult with a licensed healthcare professional in your area to discuss it. If you feel that you’re having a healthcare emergency, seek medical attention immediately. The views expressed here are simply either the views and opinions of Dr. Farrah™ or others appearing and are protected under the first amendment.

Dr. Farrah™ is a highly experienced Licensed Medical Doctor certified in evidence-based clinical nutrition, not some enthusiast, formulator, or medium promoting the wild and unrestrained use of nutrition products for health issues without clinical experience and scientific evidence of therapeutic benefit. Dr. Farrah™ has personally and keenly studied everything she recommends, and more importantly, she’s closely observed the reactions and results in a clinical setting countless times over the course of her career involving the treatment of over 150,000 patients.

Dr. Farrah™ promotes evidence-based natural approaches to health, which means integrating her individual scientific and clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research. By individual clinical expertise, I refer to the proficiency and judgment that individual clinicians acquire through clinical experience and clinical practice.

Dr. Farrah™ does not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of any multimedia content provided. Dr. Farrah™ does not warrant the performance, effectiveness, or applicability of any sites listed, linked, or referenced to, in, or by any multimedia content.

To be clear, the multimedia content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any website, video, image, or media of any kind. Dr. Farrah™ hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of the content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.