How to Prevent Hair Loss

Published on  28  October ，2024   10:37PM  By Alice

A typical person loses about 50 to 100 hairs a day, and new hair usually grows in its place. Some conditions cause hair loss that is temporary or permanent, such as hormonal changes related to pregnancy and childbirth, or a person loses about 50 to 100 hairs a day, and new hair usually grows in its place. Some conditions cause hair loss that is temporary or permanent, such as hormonal changes related to pregnancy and childbirth or some medical issues like alopecia areata or ringworm of the scalp (tinea capitis).

Hereditary factors can also cause receding hairlines and bald spots. See a doctor for help diagnosing the problem and getting effective treatment.

Medications

Various types of hair loss can be effectively treated with medications, some of which are available without prescription. These include topical minoxidil, which promotes new growth in some men and women with male or female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia); follicle-stimulating drugs that help with hair growth by triggering dormant follicles; and corticosteroids that reduce inflammation and prevent your body's immune system from attacking the hair follicles.

Your doctor will diagnose the cause of your hair loss by taking a medical history, asking about medications you take and whether you have a family history of the condition, examining the scalp for signs of inflammation or thinning, and obtaining a sample of the hair for laboratory testing. The test results may indicate an underlying medical illness, such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or an imbalance of sex hormones.

A fungal scalp infection, known as tinea capitis, may be causing your hair to fall out. Your dermatologist will prescribe terbinafine (Lamisil), griseofulvin V (Grifulvin), or it raconazole (Sporanox) with or without shampoos that contain selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue, Head & Shoulders) or ciclopirox (Nizoral). For these medications, the phrase can be rewritten for clarity as: "They are taken." by mouth daily and must be continued for months to eradicate the fungus and encourage new hair growth.

Corticosteroid injections are given directly into the scalp and can stimulate follicles to grow new hair. Your doctor may give you a course of treatment that requires multiple injections over 4 to 6 weeks.

Finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) are two medications used to treat male pattern baldness. These medications affect the hormone testosterone and may reduce shedding and encourage new hair growth in some men with androgenic alopecia. They are not recommended for use by women of childbearing age because they can cause congenital disabilities in male children, and women of this age should use birth control while on the medication.

A trichologist is a specialist in scalp and hair disorders who can provide expert advice on preventing further hair loss and encouraging new hair growth. They can also recommend a range of treatments, including hair replacement options.

Diet

Hair health is affected by nutrition, so a healthy diet is vital for beautiful locks. Adding nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you get the nutrients you need for healthy hair.

Some essential nutrients for hair include vitamin A, B vitamins, iron, and folic acid. A diet deficient in these nutrients can lead to thinning hair or hair loss. Fortunately, most nutrient deficiencies can be addressed and corrected through diet and supplements. However, you should always approach nutritional supplements cautiously; over-supplementation can lead to unintended side effects like toxicity.

Start your day with a nutrient-rich breakfast of eggs and berries, oatmeal topped with bananas, pumpkin, chia seeds, or a green smoothie for a healthy, nourishing meal. For lunch, enjoy a salad packed with leafy greens and tomatoes. Add grilled chicken or tofu to boost the protein content. Dress your salad with a lemon and olive oil vinaigrette to enhance flavor and add extra nourishment.

A healthy dinner includes a mix of protein and iron-rich ingredients, such as lentil curry with fresh spinach and tomatoes. For those who eat meat, try a lean cut of fish or chicken with sauteed spinach.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy hair growth by lowering inflammation in the scalp and reducing sebum production. Vitamin A also protects the follicles from brittleness.

Zinc is a mineral that helps your body repair cells, including those that make hair. Zinc-rich foods include beef, liver, shellfish, nuts, and fortified cereals.

Leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin C and iron, essential for healthy hair. Incorporate a wide variety of leafy greens into your meals to ensure you get the nutrients you need for healthy hair.

Exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for healthy hair growth. Exercise can improve blood circulation to the scalp, boost follicle activity, and reduce stress levels. However, specific exercises are better for your hair than others. For instance, high-intensity strength training can increase cortisol levels and trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss that causes hair to fall out. To avoid this, opt for moderate-intensity aerobic activities like brisk walking or cycling. Incorporating breathing exercises into your exercise routine also helps to reduce stress levels and promote healthy hair growth. Try the Corpse Pose (Bhujangasana) or Deep Breathing (Pranayama). These exercises can help to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common contributors to hair loss.

Consult a dermatologist or trichologist if you're experiencing severe or persistent hair loss. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a treatment plan.