The most common reason for hair loss is genetic. This is called androgenic alopecia, which most of us refer to as male or female pattern baldness. Although it is impossible to completely halt nature’s genetic forces, there are steps you can take to slow the process for years. A hair loss solution doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some simple tips to keep it healthy and where it belongs–on your head!
- Keep chemicals off your hair. Dye can be a major chemical irritant to your hair follicle. Limit hair dying to once every 8 weeks to keep your scalp healthy.
- Heat weakens your hair and makes it brittle. Minimizing the use of hair dryers, hot curlers, and straighteners will help keep your hair from losing its protein composition.
- Avoid constant pull on your hair. “Traction alopecia” is caused by excessively tight hairstyles or using hair rollers. Minimizing the amount of pull will maximize the time your hair stays anchored to your scalp.
- Don’t brush your hair while wet. Hair brushes cause “breakage” which can permanently damage hair. This occurs with more frequency when your hair is wet.
- Wash regularly with a gentle shampoo to keep your scalp clean and to avoid scalp infection.
- Decrease stress in your life, increase your exercise, and get enough sleep. Having an unhealthy lifestyle can cause accelerated hair loss, so take care of your body to have a healthy scalp.
- Modify your diet to include “hair healthy” vitamins and minerals: iron, vitamin C, Zinc and Omega 3 fatty acids all have a role in preventing hair loss. Load up on these minerals in your diet or with supplements.
- Avoid foods that can accelerate hair loss. These include soda and raw egg whites.
Recent medical advances have resulted in the development of two “breakthrough medications” that can help if the above techniques fail. These non surgical hair transplant treatments include Minoxidil and Finesteride. Minoxidil stops hair loss, while Finesteride can actually help grow new hair in almost 50% of men that take it.