While frustrating, hair loss is common for both men and women. In fact, it’s considered normal to lose about 100 strands of hair a day. But just because it’s “normal” doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. There are several ways to prevent hair loss.
From topical treatments to switching up your diet, you can make changes today to keep your hair strong and healthy. In this article, we share a few tips. Keep reading to learn the best ways to prevent hair loss:
1. Understand The Cause
There are several different types and potential causes of hair loss, and understanding the cause can help you manage hair loss more effectively.
While some hair loss is due to genetics, some conditions are caused by hormonal changes. Hair loss may also result from a medical condition, like a fungal infection. And certain medications, like those used during chemotherapy, can also lead to hair loss. Believe it or not, wearing certain hairstyles can also cause hair loss. (Yes, really!)
So rather than ignore the cause, consult a medical professional to help you identify the reason behind your hair loss. Knowing this will make it easier for you to find treatment.
2. Try Topical Treatments
Male pattern baldness can be frustrating, especially if your hair is a large part of who you are. Luckily, there are a variety of treatments available, and one of the most common is minoxidil.
Minoxidil is a treatment used to treat baldness, particularly in men. It increases blood flow and stimulates hair growth on the scalp. Regularly using this product allows hair to grow back thicker and stronger.
One of the benefits of minoxidil is that it’s non-invasive. Unlike other hair restoration treatments, like microneedling, minoxidil doesn’t involve needless and won’t require any downtime. You can simply apply it as part of your regular morning or evening routine. Not to mention, it’s usually fairly affordable, making it an attractive option for anyone.
It’s important to note that Minoxidil isn’t effective if you don’t have any hair follicles. It’s important to start early. It’s a great option if you’re experiencing the early signs of male pattern baldness or mild hair loss.
3. Pay Attention To Your Diet
If you’re experiencing hair loss, it may be due to your diet. Believe it or not, certain foods can contribute to hair loss. For instance, high glycemic foods have been found to increase testosterone secretion. While testosterone doesn’t directly cause hair loss, an increase in testosterone can increase DHT levels, which can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss.
To help combat hair loss, consider avoiding foods that rank high on the glycaemic index (GI), like potatoes, sugary products, and white bread. Instead, eat foods low on the GI, like beans, fruits, and whole grains. You also want to make sure you’re consuming enough protein so your hair has what it needs to grow.
Many people don’t realize that protein is essential for overall health. It helps build muscle and even assists with weight loss. Additionally, your body needs protein to build tissue cells, including skin, nails, and hair cells. In short, not getting enough protein can damage your hair, in some cases, even causing it to shed. So, make sure your diet is rich in the nutrients necessary to keep your hair healthy and strong.
4. Use The Right Supplements
There are several benefits to taking supplements. From keeping your heart healthy to giving you energy, the right vitamin can do wonders. And some can even help prevent hair loss and increase hair growth.
Biotin is popular for hair growth. Your body needs it to produce keratin, a protein that supports healthy nail and hair growth. Ginseng is another popular supplement for hair health since it contains phytochemicals that can promote growth. If you don’t already take a multivitamin, you should consider choosing one with vitamins and minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium. These increase cell turnover, which improves the hair growth process.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to take supplements to get these nutrients. Vitamins and minerals are found in food. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it may mean you need to mix up your diet. Before buying a supplement, find out whether you can consume the same vitamins through food.
5. Maintain Good Hair Care
How well you take care of your hair determines how healthy it is. Do you make time to wash your hair regularly? If you answered no, that might be your problem. To combat hair loss, you need healthy hair, and that starts with regular washing.
It’s important to keep your scalp healthy and clean. You want to avoid using harsh shampoo and conditioner, as that can dry out your scalp. Look for mild products that will make your hair feel clean and strong. Natural ingredients are often gentler and more safe on hair. You might also consider applying coconut or olive oil. Coconut oil has been found to prevent hair damage, and olive oil protects against dryness.
Additionally, be mindful of how often you apply heat to your hair. You may like straightening your curls every morning, but too much heat can be damaging. Do your best to embrace your natural texture, and let your hair air dry rather than using a blow dryer. Healthy hair takes work, and you must ensure you’re using the right products and tools (and avoiding the wrong ones).
While hair loss is a common issue, it doesn’t have to be permanent. And while there are ways to combat hair loss, prevention is key. Use the tips above as a guide to help you prevent hair loss and combat any existing thinning.