Why does hair fall out | What can I do about it?
The hair on your head goes through a life cycle that involves growth, resting, and shedding. It’s common for people to lose around 100 hairs a day.
If you experience more sudden loss, loss in patches, or overall thinning, you may want to see your doctor.
Some shedding is temporary and may respond well to changes in diet, certain treatments, or lifestyle changes. Other loss may be more permanent or not stop until an underlying condition is treated.
By age 40, about half of all men will experience hair loss due to hereditary conditions like androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Likewise, more than half of women will experience genetic hair loss (female pattern baldness) before the age of 70.
Tips to stop hair loss:
Diet
1. Mediterranean diet
A 2018 study revealed that a diet containing raw vegetables and fresh herbs, like the Mediterranean diet, may reduce the risk of androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness) or slow its onset. Best results were observed when participants consumed high amounts of these foods — such as parsley, basil, salad greens — more than three days a week.
2. Protein
Hair follicles are made mostly of a protein called keratin. One 2017 study of 100 people with hair loss noted several nutritional deficiencies in participants, including amino acids that serve as the building blocks of protein. While researchers note that more studies are needed trusted Source, eating a diet rich in protein may help prevent hair loss. Healthy choices include foods like eggs, nuts, beans and peas, fish, low-fat dairy products, chicken, and turkey.
Supplements
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is composed in part of retinoids, which has been shown to increase the rate of hair growth. This vitamin may also help with sebum production, keeping the scalp healthier and able to retain more hairs. Fill your plate with foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach, just to name a few.
4. Multivitamin
Scientists have determined that vitamins A, B, C, D, iron, selenium, and zinc are all important to the hair growth and retention processes, specifically with cell turnover. You can find daily multivitamins at most grocery stores or drugstores or ask your doctor to prescribe one to you.
5. Vitamin D
One 2018 study noted that vitamin D is associated with nonscarring alopecia. Treating deficiencies may help with regrowth. Speak with your doctor about taking 800 to 1000 IU daily
6. Biotin
Biotin — vitamin H or B7— is involved in fatty acid synthesis in the body. This process is essential to the hair life cycle and you may experience hair loss if you have a deficiency. Speak with your doctor about taking three to five milligrams daily.
8. Ginseng
Ginseng contains certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on the scalp. Further study is needed to recommend specific dosages. In the meantime, speak with your doctor about taking ginseng supplements or consider trying topical solutions that contain this ingredient.
Haircare
9. Regular washing
Washing hair daily may protect against hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy and clean. The key is to use a mild shampoo. Harsher formulas may dry hair and cause it to break, leading to hair loss. Serioxyl by L'Oreal, or Ethica Beauty products are formulated specifically to combat hair loss, promote healthy hair and scalp.
10. Coconut oil
According to a 2018 review of studies, researchers believe that coconut oil may help prevent hair damage from grooming and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Lauric acid found in coconut oil helps bind protein in hair, protecting it from breakage at the root and strand. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp may promote better blood flow and help with regrowth.
11. Olive oil
Olive oil can be used to deep condition hair, protecting it from dryness and associated breakage. Olive oil is also a central ingredient to the Mediterranean diet, which may help slow genetic hair loss. Consider applying a couple of tablespoons of olive oil directly to hair and letting it sit for 30 minutes before washing out.
12. Gentle styling
Skip tight braids or ponytails that may pull on hair at the root and potentially lead to excessive shedding. While you’re at it, let your hair air dry to avoid irritating your scalp. Heat stylers, like curling or straightening irons, may also damage or break the hair shaft.
13. Hair processing
Chemical treatments, like perms or hair color, may also damage hair and scalp. Ask your stylist about alternatives, like organic hair dyes and others that don’t contain ammonia, peroxide, or para-phenylenediamine (PPD).
Medical treatments
14. Laser therapy
Low-level lasers may help improve hair density for people with genetic hair loss and loss due to chemotherapy. This option is also called red light therapy, and it may work by stimulating epidermal stem cells. You can find home laser devices for between $200 to $600. It may take many treatments to see results.
15. Platelet-rich plasma
Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp helps stimulate growth in areas already impacted by hair loss. Blood is run through a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and then injected into the scalp. In one 2017 study, 11 participants saw 30 percent more growth in thinning areas after four sessions.
Medications
16. Minoxidil
Otherwise known as Rogaine, this over-the-counter (OTC) drug is known to work for around two-thirds of women and Men who try it, according to the Mayo Clinic. Apply the liquid or foam to your scalp each day. Side effects include scalp irritation and acne at the site of application. Rarer side effects include irregular heartbeat and blurred vision.
17. Finasteride
Otherwise known as Propecia, this prescription pill may help slow hair loss and even promote new growth. It is approved for men and works better for men under the age of 60, according to the Mayo Clinic. Women who are or who may become pregnant should avoid this medication.
18. Phenylephrine
Topical phenylephrine may help with hair loss due to styling by stimulating the follicle muscles to contract. This makes it harder to pull out hairs during brushing, for example.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to keep an eye out for this medical solution. Scientists have developed a specific formula called AB‐102, but it has not yet been released to the public.
Other methods
19. Essential oils
Essential oils may help reduce hair loss. A 1998 study divided 86 people with alopecia areata into two groups, one of which cedarwood oil mixed with lavender and rosemary into their scalps. After seven months, 43 percent of that group showed improvement in their condition.
Other essential oils to consider include lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint. Try mixing couple drops of any or all of these oils with a couple tablespoons of carrier oil, like jojoba or grapeseed, and apply to the scalp for 10 minutes before washing.
20. Onion juice
People with alopecia areata may see regrowth after applying crude onion juice to their scalps twice a day. While research on this treatment is limited, the juice did appear to promote growth in nearly 87 percent of participants in a small 2014 study. How does it work? Scientists believe the magic lies in the onion’s sulphur content.
21. Massage
We know scalp massage feels good, but can it help grow your hair, too? Maybe.
One small 2016 study showed participants seeing results with as little as four minutes of massage a day over the course of 24 weeks.
22. Yoga
Hair loss caused by stress may respond well to yoga. Try these stress-relieving yoga poses to prevent and slow hair loss: Downward Facing Dog, Forward Bend, Camel Pose, Shoulder Stand, Fish Pose, and Kneeling Pose. You can find a flow through these poses for free on YouTube.
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