I lost 70% of my hair – 3 rules I followed if you want your locks to grow back as quickly as mine
A WOMAN has opened up about her struggle with severe hair loss, losing up to 70% of her hair, but thanks to three simple lifestyle changes, her hair grew back quickly.
Deepa Berar went through a dramatic hair transformation and now proudly flaunts thick, healthy brunette hair.
She credits her success to a routine that had her hair regrowing within just two months.
According to Treatment Rooms London, about 40% of women show signs of hair loss by the age of 50.
Deepa shared her journey on her TikTok account, ‘deepa.berar’, where she explained how hormonal hair loss affected her, a condition that millions of people face.
She said: “[My hair] was super thin, then I went through another alopecia areata flare.
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"This wasn’t my first time. I first experienced alopecia areata back in 2016.
"Both times, I lost 70% of my hair, but this time I knew exactly what to do because I had regrown it before.”
An alopecia areata flare occurs when someone with the condition experiences a sudden, severe loss of hair.
It’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out in small, round patches.
Flares can happen quickly and vary in severity, often triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes.
Though unpredictable, hair can eventually grow back, though flares can return from time to time.
For Deepa, three key changes helped her regrow her hair: “One was supplementing my nutrient deficiencies.
"Second was to focus on stress management techniques.
"And the third was going on the AIP diet, which is the gold standard when it comes to autoimmune diseases."
The AIP diet (Autoimmune Protocol Diet) is a strict elimination plan designed to reduce inflammation and support healing in people with autoimmune issues. It eliminates foods that could trigger immune responses, like grains, dairy, legumes, nightshades - such as tomatoes and peppers - processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Covid caused a lot of people to lose hair, including me
TikTok comment
The focus is on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods such as lean meats, fish, vegetables (except nightshades), fruits, healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil, and bone broth.
Deepa wants to remind her 18.3k followers that hair regrowth is “absolutely possible” and encourages them “not to lose hope.”
Many people commented on her post, sharing their own hair loss experiences.
One user wrote: “Never had hair loss until Covid, and now it happens every year without fail.
"My inflammation markers have been super high for years, which probably makes it worse.”
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Another said: “Thanks for sharing! So good to know hair loss is reversible.”
A third added: “Covid caused a lot of people to lose hair, including me.”
Hair Loss 101
HAIR pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why Does Hair Loss Happen?
Hair loss can be influenced by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet, and even hair care habits can all impact hair strength.
It's perfectly normal to lose some hair each day, but sometimes the body can shed more than usual, responding to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why It Happens More This Time of Year
Have you ever noticed your hair seems to shed more in autumn? That’s seasonal shedding!
During summer, we hold onto extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it’s like our body recalibrates and lets go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose a little extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair loss
The great news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on pricey treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages—they’re so simple but really help boost blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that’s rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding a bit more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also work wonders for overall hair health.
Products to Avoid
Steer clear of products with high levels of alcohol, sulphates, and parabens - they can be drying and damage hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, hydrating formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier through the seasons.