Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women, with various factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stressors playing a role. While hair loss can impact self-esteem and quality of life, emerging research offers promising solutions. There are many different thoughts on how to approach hair loss, some of which can be crazy. Before we dive into my suggested supplement ingredients, let’s take a closer look at what may be happening beneath the surface of hair loss.
Statistics[i]
- Around 85% of men and 33% of women sometimes experience hair loss, which is more common than you might think. Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, accounts for around 95% of male hair loss cases.
- Over 65% of American men will have hair loss of various degrees by age thirty-five. By age fifty, around 85% of men will have signs of thinning hair.
If those numbers aren’t bad enough, hair loss also affects other areas of our lives. Emotional effects also occur, including decreased self-esteem, depression, and impact on career and relationships. About the last two points, 40% of women suffering from alopecia have had problems in their marriage due to hair loss, and around 63% claim to experience issues related to their careers.[ii]
What contributes to hair loss?
Many factors can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. These factors include:
- Stress
- Medication
- Thyroid disease
- Radiation/Chemotherapy
- Hormonal and nutritional imbalances
- Certain skin diseases
- Genetics
Phases of Hair Growth
To best understand why ACTRISAVETM caught my attention, we must look at the first three phases of the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen.
1st Phase: Anagen
The anagen phase is also called the growth phase and begins the hair formation and growth process. This phase is the longest and can last up to 5 years for the hairs on your head. At any point, approximately 90 percent of your hair is in this phase. The average hair on your head grows at about ½ inch per month. In this phase, hair papilla cells play a pivotal role in hair formation, growth, and cycling.[iii]
2nd Phase: Catagen
The catagen phase begins when the anagen phase ends and lasts 7 to 10 days. The catagen phase is a transition phase where the hair stops growing and becomes detached from the base of the hair follicle. Approximately 1-3 percent of your follicles are in this stage.
3rd Phase: Telogen
The telogen phase is a resting period when strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing because they have been cut off from the blood supply. This phase lasts approximately three months, and an estimated 10% of your hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time.
While the final phase (Exogen) is not critical to our discussion, it would be good to understand the whole cycle. The exogen is when hair is released from the follicle and falls out. When this occurs, the process can start all over again. In those who have androgenic alopecia (better known as male pattern baldness), the anagen phase decreases, and the telogen phase either remains the same or increases. The comparison of the two is called the anagen: telogen ratio. If the amount of time spent in the anagen phase decreases and the amount of time in the telogen phase either increases or remains the same, this leads to more hair loss.
Key Ingredients for Hair Loss and Why
ActrisaveTM
Actrisave is formulated with botanical extracts rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. It addresses hormonal imbalances and oxidative stress. Clinical studies have demonstrated its role in reducing hair loss by modulating androgens and protecting against free radical damage.
In a recent seven-month study,[iv] ACTRISAVETM supplementation raised the anagen percentage to 80.3% and improved the anagen: telogen ratio (45.7% at three months and 85.8% at six months). Clinical experts’ scoring of the hair growth cycle showed improvements of 63.4% at three months, 95.1% at six months, and 87.7% at seven months (even after the supplement was completed).
Collagen Peptides
Collagen is essential for maintaining the scalp’s dermal structure and elasticity. It provides amino acids crucial for keratin production, while its antioxidant properties protect hair from environmental stressors. A recent study found that collagen peptides enhanced hair regrowth and increased dermal papilla cells.[v]
HairAge
HairAge, a botanical targeting hair loss, combines antioxidants and nutrients to promote hair growth and reduce oxidative stress. Studies suggest its effectiveness in supporting hair follicle health by increasing blood flow to the scalp. Studies of both men and women showed improvements in hair follicle development, hairline, and hair loss. The mechanisms of action appear to be the inhibition of 5α-reductase and prostaglandin D2. Which helps improve hair growth and decrease hair loss.[vi]
Practical Tips for Managing Hair Loss
- Balanced Diet: Incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, D, E, iron, and zinc.
- Gentle Hair Care: Avoid excessive heat styling and harsh chemicals.
- Scalp Health: Regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles.
- Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress-induced hair loss.
Hair loss is multifactorial, requiring a comprehensive approach that combines lifestyle changes, nutritional support, and targeted treatments. Ingredients like Actrisave, Collagen peptides, and HairAge offer scientifically backed solutions to enhance hair health and restore confidence.
References:
[i] Medihair website, Hair Loss Statistics (2023), https://medihair.com/en/hair-loss-statistics/, published 2022, accessed July 10, 2023
[ii] Medihair website, Hair Loss Statistics (2023), https://medihair.com/en/hair-loss-statistics/, published 2022, accessed July 10, 2023
[iii] Matsuzaki T, Yoshizato K. Role of hair papilla cells on induction and regeneration processes of hair follicles. Wound Repair Regen. 1998 Nov-Dec;6(6):524-30. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-475x.1998.60605.x. PMID: 9893172.
[iv] Cestone, Enza, Eleonora Spartà, Vincenzo Nobile and Vincenzo Zaccaria, et al. “Efficacy of Oryza Sativa L. (Black Rice) and Opuntia Ficus Indica L. Blend in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” J Cosmo Tricho 9 (2023): 207.
[v] Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 7;23(19):11904. doi: 10.3390/ijms231911904. PMID: 36233206; PMCID: PMC9569759.
[vi] Clayton P, Bogoda N, Rao A. Efficacy of an oral Ageratum conyzoides formulation on increasing hair growth and decreasing hair loss in males and females:A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. Trichol Cosmetol Open J. 2023; 6(1): 1-6. doi: 10.17140/TCOJ-6-119