How Should You Deal With Hair Loss?
Pexels / Yaroslav Shuraev
Hair shedding isn’t always genetic. A dermatologist breaks down common triggers, warning signs, and the habits that can affect your hair.
Whether you have thin or thick hair, no one is completely immune from hair loss, especially when external factors affect the scalp. Hair loss isn’t always about genetics; stress, fatigue, lack of sleep, and environmental changes can also trigger reactive hair loss, a temporary form of shedding that can affect the hair cycle.
To give extra attention to this concern, Phyto Paris launched its PhytoPhanère Anti-Reactive Hair Loss Treatment, which has a botanical formula developed to address factors linked to stress-related shedding. Formulated with botanical extracts, it targets oxidative and psychological stress, two factors that can affect the hair cycle.
Vogue Philippines sat down with Dr. Corren Copuyoc during the launch to get her expert opinion on hair care.
Common cause of hair loss
Dr. Copuyoc says that stress is one of the most common causes of hair shedding. During the pandemic, many of her patients started experiencing hair shedding because of stress and after contracting the virus. “But I also do get a lot of female pattern hair loss and male pattern hair loss,” she adds.
How to know if it’s concerning already
It may worry some, but rest assured that seeing some strands fall is normal. According to Dr. Copuyoc, losing 50 to 100 strands of hair a day is not yet a cause for concern. What should prompt you to address it, however, is when you start seeing bald patches or when your hair is becoming noticeably thinner. “Also if it’s persistent. So sometimes normal hair shedding can be like three months and [that’s] still fine.” If it goes on for so long, “you should have it checked.”
Habits to avoid
Aside from psychological and genetic factors, there are seemingly harmless habits that can also contribute to hair loss: tugging your hair, using harsh hair products, and wearing hairstyles that put traction on your scalp, such as tight ponytails and buns. Even frequently styling your hair with heat stylers can contribute to hair damage.
Hair loss can be a sign of something more serious
Hair loss is not something to dismiss as not a serious concern, according to Dr. Copuyoc. “Hair loss can be a sign of something deeper; it can be nutritional deficiency or stress that’s eating your psyche,” she says. She then advises that while its connection to our overall health can make it concerning, hair loss is also preventable. “Hair loss can actually be treated well by doing self-care, like forming healthy habits, and seeking consultation with a dermatologist.”
What to do at the first signs
Dr. Copuyoc advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist at the first signs because your specific hair loss may be caused by an underlying medical issue or something that cannot be treated with hair products alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
PHYTO Paris is a French hair-care brand known for its plant-based approach to hair and scalp care. Its products focus on addressing different hair and scalp concerns through botanical ingredients.
The treatment uses a blend of botanical extracts designed to target oxidative and psychological stress, which can affect the hair cycle. It is applied once a week to damp, towel-dried hair for three months.
Dr. Corren Copuyoc is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and scalp concerns. She spoke with Vogue Philippines about common causes of hair loss and when shedding may require professional attention.
The PhytoPhanère Anti-Reactive Hair Loss Treatment is available at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Alabang, and Rustan’s Gateway.
Some hair shedding is normal, but persistent shedding, bald patches, or noticeably thinning hair may be signs to seek professional advice. A dermatologist can help identify the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.