There are many factors that can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. Most often, hair loss occurs due to increasing age, but it can also be the result of hormonal changes, infection, and various medical conditions. Hair loss is a process that may differ from person to person. For some, it can be gradual, while others may experience sudden loosening of hair and patches of baldness all over their head. While complete hair loss is sometimes irreversible, most forms of hair loss can be easily treated. There are many affordable, accessible ways to reduce long term hair loss and maintain a thick, full head of hair. In the following 4-minute article, we discuss how to reduce hair loss and provide 12 easy ways to help maintain a full head of hair.
Hair loss can be defined as recession or loss of hair from any part of the body. However, most hair loss occurs on the scalp of the head. Hair loss can be the result of aging, hereditary conditions, hormonal changes, or medical conditions. It is more commonly seen in men than in women, and can often be treated through oils, creams, shampoos, and transplant procedures.
For most people, hair loss occurs for years before a person becomes fully bald. During this time, it is possible to mitigate and slow hair loss with the use of applicable creams, shampoos and oils. Severe cases of hair loss may require hair transplant surgery. Many mild cases of hair loss can be improved through cheap, accessible, at-home remedies. The following are 12 of the most convenient and effective practices to mitigate hair loss.
Regularly washing your hair with shampoo is an easy way to reduce hair loss that most people already practice. Doing so can significantly lower your chances of contracting scalp and hair infections. Experts recommend that most people wash their hair every 2 to 3 days.
Increasing your daily vitamin intake can improve both your overall health and the condition and quality of your hair. Supplements of iron and vitamin D can help red blood cells carry oxygen to your hair, keeping it full and healthy. The best vitamins for hair loss include biotin, iron, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
Massaging your scalp with essential oils helps hair follicles stay active, and prevents them from entering the telogen, or resting phase of the hair cycle. Popular essential oils that promote hair growth include lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass and thyme oils.
Brushing your hair when it is wet increases the chances of hair loss occurring. This is because, when your hair is wet, it is more vulnerable to tear and damage. It is also advisable to avoid brushing hair too frequently as doing so can injure hair and increase hair loss. Using your fingers to undo tangles, and not a comb or brush, can also help keep hair intact.
Staying hydrated promotes healthy oil production on the scalp and keeps hair follicles strong and healthy. If you do not consume enough water, your body becomes dehydrated. Without ample fluid, the body often diverts the little fluid it has to more essential organs, such as the kidneys and lungs, leaving your hair out to dry.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that occasionally rubbing green tea into your hair and scalp can help slow down hair loss. This can be achieved by first brewing two bags of green tea in one cup of water. Leave the tea to cool before applying it to your hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly after an hour. For best results, it is advisable to continue the practice daily for a week to ten days.
Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, sometimes referred to as binge drinking, can lead to extreme hydration. Over time, consistently dehydrating your hair will damage hair follicles and lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
Smoking is thought to cause hair loss in a number of ways. When you inhale cigarette smoke, chemicals in the smoke travel from your lungs to other parts of your body, including your hair. Smoking can reduce blood flow to the scalp and permanently damage hair follicles.
Consistent physical activity is a staple of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to make time for physical activity every day. Choosing to walk, swim or bike for 30 minutes a day helps balance hormonal levels, thus reducing high stress levels that can contribute to hair loss.
In many cases, it is better to let your hair dry naturally than with the help of a blow drier or other accessory. It is also important to avoid rubbing your hair dry with a paper towel, as this can put excessive stress on the scalp and hair follicles.
Touching your hair too much can make your hair greasy and thin. Your hands and fingers carry oils that, when placed on your scalp, can lead to imbalances in moisture levels in the hair. Washing your hands regularly and training yourself to touch your head less can help prevent oil buildup and hair loss.
Certain hairstyles are more restrictive than others, and can put stress on the hair to a point where it falls out. Popular hairstyles that may actually do more hard than good include tight ponytails, cornrows, dreadlocks, and weaves.
Certain prescription drugs can also be used to treat hair loss. One of the most common hair loss medications, finasteride, is a prescription drug for men that can slow down hair loss and, in some cases, lead to new hair growth. The negative effects of hair loss can also be mitigated through at-home treatments such as minoxidil, laser caps and combs, and microneedling.
Hair loss is a common condition that may affect every person in a different way. Some people start to lose hair when they are young, while others maintain a relatively full head of hair for most of their life.
Hair loss can be treated and mitigated through prescription medications such as finasteride, as well as surgical procedures. However, there also exist many simple home remedies for hair loss. These include changing your diet to add more vitamins and minerals, avoiding restrictive hairstyles, and increasing hydration.
