It is understandable to feel bombarded by all of the different options for preventing and restoring your hair. And, figuring out what works for you is no easy process. Often, it involves trial and error, and what will work for you depends on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. In some cases, hair loss is temporary, such as after childbirth, called postpartum hair loss or stress-related hair loss called telogen effluvium. However, most people with hair loss will struggle with this issue potentially for the rest of their life unless they work to prevent hair loss. Preventing and dealing with hair loss is an on-going process. Here are our best tips on how to (actually) prevent hair loss.
It's important to note that there is currently no 'cure' for hair loss. You can help prevent and delay hair loss by following these tips which have helped millions of customers doing so successfully.
Diet and Supplements
One of the simplest ways you can prevent hair loss is to eat a healthy, wholesome diet. For hair to grow, your body requires key nutrients from the food you eat. People who are deficient in certain vitamins, minerals, and protein (such as people with eating disorders) will struggle with hair loss. Because our diet is something that most of us can control, this is a great place to start when you are struggling with hair loss. Start by ensuring that you are getting a sufficient intake of the following nutrients:
- Protein - Hair is made up of proteins like keratin. Making sure you have plenty of protein in your diet can help lengthen the anagen (or growth) phase of the hair growth cycle and keeps your hair healthy and strong.
- Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E - Vitamins serve numerous roles in the human body, and many of them are involved in cellular growth and development, inlcuding in the hair follicles. For example, vitamin A has retinoids, which boost hair growth. This vitamin group may also play a beneficial role in sebum production, which is essential for your scalp health.
- Biotin - Also called vitamin H, biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that helps convert food into energy. Biotin deficiencies have been linked to poor skin and hair health, so many people take biotin supplements to increase their hair thickness and length.
- Iron - This mineral is vital because it helps oxygen bind to blood and carries it throughout our bodies. Having plenty of iron means that your hair follicles can get the oxygen they need to grow more quickly and lengthen the hair growth cycle.
- Zinc - People with a zinc deficiency often experience hair loss. This mineral is essential for cellular growth and tissue repair, including your hair follicles.
These essential nutrients for hair health can all be found in fruits, vegetables, meat, nuts, and seeds. Many people aiming for whole-body health (including hair health) adopt the Mediterranean diet because it is rich in fish, lean proteins, vegetables, nuts, plant oils, and fruit.
For people concerned that their diet is insufficient to support hair growth (or for those looking for extra nutritional support), dietary supplements specifically designed for hair health can be powerful. For example, the Revita Nutraceutical Tablets from DS Laboratories contains all of the essential nutrients you need to combat hair loss of all types (including male and female-pattern baldness and telogen effluvium).
Hair Care
The way you treat your hair can impact hair health and growth. People who use harsh styling techniques, such as chemical treatments and dyes, or frequently use hot styling tools, are more likely to damage existing follicles and increase fallout. Similarly, chemicals can soak into the scalp, which can compromise cells within the hair follicle.
Applying a lot of tension or traction on the hair can also damage follicles. For example, people who put their hair in tight ponytails or buns can stress the follicles. Additionally, frequently playing with your hair or overbrushing it can cause breakage.
Generally, washing your hair every 1-3 days helps to curb oil build-up and remove toxins and allergens. Finding the best shampoo for your specific hair type and needs can make a big difference in your hair health. Some shampoos contain ingredients that actively support hair growth. Look for shampoo and conditioner systems that have the following components:
- Caffeine
- Taurine
- Ketoconazole
- Biotin
- TriCopper Peptides
- Procyanidin B2 (also known as apple extract)
You can find all of these ingredients in the Revita High Performance Hair Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner line. See what dermatologists say about Revita shampoo.
Medications
Men who struggle with hair loss can take medication to suppress the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Finasteride (also called Proscar or Proprecia) is used primarily to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men. However, it is also approved for treating male-pattern hair loss. This medication is more effective at treating a receding hairline than hair loss that occurs around the temples. As with all medications, there are side effects to using finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido.
Finasteride does help suppress DHT in the scalp, making it an effective treatment option for hair loss. However, it has unpleasant side effects that make it an undesirable option for many men. Furthermore, this medication is not approved for use in women.
Professional-Grade Hair Growth Products
Using a topical hair regrowth product is often more ideal than medication, as there are rarely systemic side effects. One of the most common hair regrowth products is minoxidil, which is commonly sold as Rogaine. This product has been on the market since the 1950s and has certainly helped people regrow their hair. However, hair growth ceases once you stop using minoxidil. Additionally, the product can also irritate the scalp.
Newer advancements in pharmaceutical technology have led to the development of Nanoxidil 5%, a powerful hair regrowth formula. Nanoxidil works to prevent hair loss by:
- Opening ion channels
- Blocking DHT
- Preventing follicular fibrosis
- Prolonging the anagen phase (or growth phase) of the hair growth cycle
- Blocking chronic inflammation
- Increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor
You can find Nanoxidil 5% in the SPECTRAL product line at DS Laboratories, in Spectral.DNC-N and Spectral.CSF.
Additionally, using a derma roller can make it easier for your scalp to absorb the beneficial ingredients in topical products that facilitate hair growth. Start by using a derma roller with needles that are either 0.3mm or 0.5mm in length, as this length can allow for products to reach your follicles. We added these products at the end of this article.
Are You Trying To Prevent Hair Loss? Start Here.
Early action is crucial when it comes to preventing hair loss. If other people in your family struggle with hair loss, it is vital to start taking preventative steps as early as possible. Make sure you have a healthy diet and use good hair care products. Your daily hair care practices are also important. Use a shampoo and conditioner system that not only cleanses and hydrates but encourages hair growth and wards off hair loss. When you think you may be at the age where you can expect some hair loss, start using hair regrowth products that contain Nanoxidil 5%. Finally, if these solutions are not restoring the hair on your head, meet with your dermatologist to see if there is another condition causing hair loss, such as a skin infection or autoimmune condition.
One person may see results from just using one product or a variation of products than another person. It's key as we stated in the intro, to go through trial and error until you find what works best for you and your body as it related to hair.