Hair loss, mainly bitemporal recession, afflicts 64.4% of women and 98.6% of men. Although most patterns of male and female hair loss have a genetic predisposition, factors such as increasing age, thyroid disease, hormonal conditions, and invasive hair care routines have also been attributed. Here are some tips for preventing hair loss.
1. Proper hair care
Hair strands have a lifetime of between two and seven years, depending on the thickness, the care provided, and human genetics. However, lifestyle factors such as improper hair care can disrupt follicular cycles (active growth, transition, and rest) and cause premature balding. The following hair care tips will help you to maintain a full head of hair longer:
- Wash your hair regularly using clean water and mild soap. In addition, shampoo it around two to three times every week to prevent infestations from fungi such as seborrhoeic dermatitis. Use a natural shampoo that does not strip hair oils.
- Moisturize the hair after having a shower or bath using organic oils. Coconut oil, for instance, is a rich source of lauric acid, which strengthens the hair root and protects it from breakage. It also increases blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, spurring regrowth. You can use olive oil to condition the hair afterward.
2. Hairstyling
While attending social events such as parties, women like to wear sophisticated or “invasive” hairstyles that end up damaging their hair. Even though the hair is flexible, twisting it or exposing it to high heat treatments can break it. To prevent hair loss, avoid high heat hair styling methods. Hair dyes and chemical treatments look good, but also cause breakage. Finally, tight braids and cornrows can exert a lot of stress on the hair follicles, thereby leading to hair breakage and loss over time.
3. Diet
The body needs the following vitamins or nutrients for growing long and luscious hair:
- Antioxidants from blueberries and strawberries, legumes such as beans, and leafy vegetables such as kales fight off oxidative stress, which damages hair. A Mediterranean diet containing fresh herbs, raw vegetables, and berries has been shown to slow the onset of hair loss or lower its risk in men and women
- The hair consists mainly of a protein called keratin, and nutritional deficiencies can fast-track hair loss. White meat from chicken and turkey, low-fat dairy products, and fish are rich sources of its building blocks
- Use vitamin A, vitamin D, biotin, and multivitamin supplements to increase sebum production, boost hair growth, and maintain a healthy hair life cycle
- Processed fats, sugar, and alcohol increase oxidative stress, which damages hair. You should lower their consumption or eliminate them from your diet
- Home remedies such as saw palmetto,
ginseng, and peppermint can help
4. Behavior change
Untoward behavior such as cigarette smoking is not only harmful to health but can also increase the risk of hair loss. You should reduce or stop cigarette smoking completely.
5. Hair treatments
Restorative hair treatments have helped many men and women to reverse hair loss. If dieting or scalp massage has not worked for you, use one of the following remedies:
- Androgen medications such as Aldactone
- Rogaine, commonly known as minoxidil
- Iron supplement if you lose hair after heavy menstrual cycles
- Hormone replacement therapy after reaching menopause
- Follicular unit extraction or transplantation
You should liaise with your doctor to find a remedy that will work the best for you.
To summarise
Hair loss is a frustrating occurrence, especially for women. Fortunately, you can now restore hair loss naturally and on a budget by consuming a proper diet or using restorative treatments such as a follicular unit transplant. You should also clean your hair and moisturize it often, and avoid hairstyles that can damage your hair follicles.