How Do You Fight Hair Loss?

Research shows that it’s normal to lose around 100 hairs a day due to the typical growth cycle. However, if you’re losing more than that, you might want to talk with a doctor and rule out any underlying medical conditions first before exploring any other options.

Most people consider a full and healthy head of hair a rather central feature of their appearance and self-confidence. If it starts to thin or fall out, it can be quite distressing. It can also be helpful to know that there are many things you could do to help prevent hair loss or even encourage hair growth.

Probably the most efficient way to slow or even stop hair loss is to figure out and address any underlying cause. Hair loss comes from factors like childbirth, surgery, or even stress, in some instances. In others, it’s a bit more complicated. Here are 22 practical ways in which you might be able to stop hair loss and address other questions you might have on the matter:

Diet: Mediterranean diet

There’s a 2018 study that shows how a diet rich in raw vegetables and fresh herbs, such as the Mediterranean one, could potentially reduce the risk of androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness and male pattern baldness) or even slow its onset. The best results were noticed when participants ate a high amount of raw vegetables and fresh herbs, whether it was parsley, basil, or even salad greens, more than 3 days a week.

Protein

Hair follicles are made from a protein known as keratin. One 2017 study of 100 people with hair loss observed a series of nutritional deficiencies in those who participated, including amino acids that served as the building blocks of protein.

Even if researchers noted that additional studies are required, eating a diet rich in protein could potentially prevent hair loss. Some of the healthiest choices include eggs, nuts, beans, peas, fish, low-fat dairy products, chicken, and turkey.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A has a retinoid component, which supports healthy hair growth and influences the overall hair cycle. However, it’s dose-dependent, which means that consuming too much or too little might ultimately damage your hair.

However, it’s highly unlikely you will receive too much vitamin A only from dietary sources. So you might as well fill your plate with foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach.

Supplements- Multivitamin

Scientists have established that the following vitamins and minerals are quite important to the hair growth and retention process, especially with cell turnover: vitamins A, B, C, and D, iron, selenium, and zinc. You can easily find multivitamins at most grocery stores or even drugstores, or even ask the doctor to prescribe them to you.

Vitamin D

One 2018 study noted that vitamin D is often associated with nonscarring alopecia. Treating deficiencies could potentially increase regrowth.

Biotin

Biotin, meaning vitamin H or B7, is involved in fatty acid synthesis in the body. This process is highly important to the hair life cycle, and you could even experience hair loss if you have a certain deficiency.

Saw palmetto

Derived from the fruit of American dwarf pine trees, this herb maintains the right levels of testosterone. There’s a 2020 review made from seven studies that showed how saw palmetto doses of 100 to 320 mg could potentially help hair quality, hair count, and hair density. The authors concluded that palmetto could help people with AGA, telogen effluvium, and self-perceived hair thinning.

Ginseng

Ginseng has certain phytochemicals that could promote hair growth on the scalp. Further study is required to recommend specific dosages. In the meantime, speak with your doctor before adding ginseng supplements to your diet.

Hair care: regular washing

Washing your hair on a daily basis could protect it against hair loss because it keeps the scalp healthy and clean. The secret is to use a mild shampoo. Harsher formulas could potentially dry the hair and cause it to break, which could lead to hair loss.

Coconut oil

According to a 2018 review of studies, researchers think that coconut oil could prevent hair damage from grooming and, even more importantly, from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Lauric acid discovered in coconut oil helps bind protein in hair, and it also protects it from breakage at the root and strand. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp could also promote better blood flow and encourage regrowth.

Olive oil

Olive oil can be used to deep condition the hair and protect it from dryness and associated breakage. Olive oil is also a main ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, which could help slow genetic hair loss. What you need to do is apply a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and let it sit for 30 minutes before washing the oil out.

Gentle styling

Try to skip the tight braids or ponytails that could pull on hair at the root and ultimately lead to excessive shedding. And while you’re at it, you might want to let your hair air dry, just to make sure you don’t irritate the scalp. If you can, avoid heat stylers, such as curling or straightening irons, because they can add additional damage to your hair.

Hair processing

Chemical treatments, such as perms and hair color, could also damage your hair and scalp. You need to ask your hairstylist about your options, such as organic hair dyes and other formulas that don’t contain ammonia, peroxide, or para-phenylenediamine (PPD).

Medical treatments: laser therapy

Low-level lasers could improve your hair density, especially if you suffer from genetic hair loss or chemotherapy-induced hair loss. This option is commonly known as red light therapy, and it works by stimulating epidermal stem cells. You can find home laser devices on the market, but beware, as you might have to use the device regularly to see results.

Platelet-rich plasma

Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp will stimulate growth in certain areas that are already impacted by hair loss. Blood is introduced into a centrifuge that separates the platelets and is then injected into the scalp.

There’s one 2014 study that showed that after four sessions, 11 participants saw 30% more growth in certain areas with thin hair. The price range is between $1,500 and $3,500 for the first three treatments, and it’s most likely not covered by insurance.

Medications- Minoxidil

Also known as Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter drug that helps alleviate hair loss. Just apply the liquid or foam to your scalp every day and pay attention to the side effects, which can include scalp irritation and on-site acne. There are other side effects, more rare, which include an irregular heartbeat and blurred vision.

Finasteride

Commonly known as Propecia, Finasteride is a prescription pill that slows hair loss and even enhances new growth. You might have to use the medication for 12 months to notice any results, and it also presents a series of side effects, such as loss of libido and, in some cases, erec*ile dysfunction.

Phenylephrine

Topical phenylephrine alleviates hair loss caused by styling. It stimulates the follicle muscles to contract, which makes it harder to pull out hairs during brushing.

Other methods: essential oils

There’s a 2020 review that showed how various essential oils, such as chamomile oil, thyme oil, tea tree oil, and other types, could improve certain hair conditions like alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, but also psoriatic alopecia.

Other essential oils include lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint. You can mix a couple of drops of any of these oils with a tablespoon of your preferred carrier oil, such as jojoba or even grapeseed. Apply it to the scalp for 10 minutes before washing.

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