Hair loss or alopecia is a common problem among men, and it also affects some women. While a significant number of people adapt and learn to live with it untreated, many others would prefer to seek treatment. This article gives several practical tips that can help you prevent hair loss and restore healthy hair growth.
Go Easy On Your Hair
Hair loss may be permanent or temporary. It may be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, aging, cancer treatments, medications, and stress. Knowing what causes hair loss makes it easier to manage. If you notice signs of thinning, it is best to be very gentle with your hair. This also applies if you know you are susceptible to hair loss, owing to your genes, age, or medications. That means, avoiding harsh hair products and treatments, such as hot-oils, hot rollers, and curling irons. These weaken the hair even further, causing more hair loss.
Evaluate and Manage Stress Levels
Stress is a leading cause of hair loss. It deters hair growth by making hair follicles dormant. Several types of hair loss may occur when your stress levels are high. These include Alopecia areata, Telogen effluvium, and Trichotillomania. Managing your stress and anxiety levels helps to slow down and prevent hair loss. Exercise and meditation are effective ways of reducing stress.
Low-Level Laser Devices
Laser devices for hair loss treatments are FDA approved means to reduce hair loss while supporting regrowth. Laser hair treatment devices are designed for home use and utilize low-level laser light. Low-level Laser Light Therapy promotes relief, healing, and regeneration of tissues. Light energy is directed to hair follicles when absorbed; it increases microcirculation and stimulates an abundant supply of nutrients and blood into the hair follicle. They utilize wavelengths between 500-1000 nm, which is very close to infrared light, thus, making it suitable for home use. Both men and women can benefit from laser hair therapy despite the lengths of their hair. It is also effective for various hair loss types, including androgenetic alopecia, Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV, and multiple forms of receding hairlines. More reasons to consider laser treatments include the fact that it is safe, non-invasive, painless, and it increases hair thickness and strength.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, commonly referred to as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved over-the-counter hair loss medicine. The product is applied directly to areas you want to restore hair. The drug is associated with increased blood flow and facilitates the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles. For the best results, apply it to your scalp twice a day, in the morning and at night. It will take some time for the hair to grow, but the hair that grows back is fuller and healthier and won’t easily fall off. It is most useful for the crown area, but you are unlikely to notice the same results around your temples. It is important to note that stopping the treatment results in hair loss, and so, you will have to take on the treatment permanently.
Finasteride
Studies show that approximately two-thirds of all men begin losing hair in their mid-thirties. Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is an oral medication recommended for men who do not benefit from using Minoxidil. It is only suitable for men and not recommendable for women because it stimulates increased testosterone levels and reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is an androgen hormone found in men that is linked to making hair follicles short and thin. Its effectiveness depends on how long it is used and the extent of hair loss. According to Science Direct, the success rate of Finasteride for men is more than 90%. However, although an effective method of stopping hair loss, it has several undesirable side effects, including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
Adjust Your Diet
Beautiful and healthy hair requires a sufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients. Vitamins, proteins, and minerals play a key role in the metabolism of keratin, which is the hair protein. Therefore, sufficient supply of these nutrients may prevent hair loss and boost healthy hair growth. Carrots, eggs, poultry, whole grains, dark green vegetables, and low-fat dairy products are healthy foods that will help with your hair condition.
Hair loss is preventable, provided you identify the factors that increase your risk of developing alopecia early and find ways to mitigate the condition. Quit or avoid smoking as some research links smoking to baldness in men.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
