Every guy wants to know how to prevent hair loss. Or, every guy wants to cling to the idea that it might be possible—even if he isn’t particularly worried about losing his hair. It’s reassuring to know that there’s some recourse out there if it ever gets bad up there.
Sometimes, hair loss occurs because of factors that are beyond your control, such as hormonal problems, genetics, or illness. But other times, your hair can become brittle, damaged, and prone to breakage, leading to visible hair loss. You may be able to prevent hair loss and damage by taking steps to keep your hair and scalp healthy, such as taking dietary supplements, healthy scalp treatment, altering your hair care regimen, or seeking professional help to promote healthy hair growth.
Every strand of hair on your head has a lifespan of somewhere between two and five years. Hair follicles have a cycle of active growth, transition, and rest. There are circumstances and lifestyle factors that can bring more of your hair into the rest cycle, during which it falls out. This is called telogen effluvium.
When it comes to preventing hair loss, the key is to get in there early. Male pattern baldness (MPB) is a progressive condition that affects about 10% more men per decade of life – around 40% of men in their 40s and so on. So the younger you start thinking about hair loss, the better chance you have of halting its progress.
Telogen effluvium can be a symptom of stress, or it can happen after pregnancy, as a side effect of medication, or as a result of an underlying health condition. If you’re experiencing hair loss that leads to bald spots, patchiness, or large clumps of hair coming out, you should see your primary care physician or a dermatologist for a diagnosis.
To prevent hair loss that may cause hair loss, follow these tips:
How to Prevent Hair Loss
Avoid Hairstyles That Pull On The Hair
Hair is flexible, but research showsTrusted Source that your hair can only be stretched so much before becoming permanently damaged. Hairstyles like cornrows, tight braids, and ponytails can pull your hair away from your scalp and loosen the bond between your hair and scalp over time.
Avoid High-Heat Hair Styling Tools
Using heat to style your hair leaves your hair follicle dehydrated and vulnerable to damage. Hair dryers, hair straighteners, and curling irons can all damageTrusted Source your hair over time.
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.
Regularly Wash Your Hair With Mild Shampoo
Regular hair washing is a part of preventing hair loss by the way of keeping hair and scalpclean. Doing so, you are lowering the risk of infections and dandruff that may lead to hairbreakage or loss. Moreover, clean hair gives the impression of more volume.
Consider Prescription Medications
There are two clinically approved drugs for preventing further hair loss – finasteride and minoxidil. Finasteride works by inhibiting the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes the hair follicles to shrink and eventually fall out, while minoxidil increases blood flow and nutrient uptake to the follicles. Both treatments may result in some hair regrowth as well, but they include the risk of side-effects. Finasteride has been found to lead to erectile dysfunction and decreased libido in approximately 1 in 31 men, while minoxidil can result in skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Build A Proactive Plan That Works For You
There are three hair-loss prevention options that you should consider, and they all work to stimulate re-growth on dormant follicles, too (the ones that have weakened but haven’t died out entirely). Talk to your dermatologist about the following three methods, and how you can use them in tandem for an even better defense.
Finasteride: Finasteride (commonly known as Propecia) blocks the formation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). “DHT is a male androgen hormone which contributes to hair loss by making hair follicles thin and short,” says Green. “Hair grows in three phases, and DHT disrupts the hair growth cycle (anagen phase). As a result of this disruption the hair goes into a longer rest period, which makes the hair stop growing.” So, by blocking the absorption of DHT, finasteride helps promote hair growth.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil (which you might recognize by its patented name, Rogaine) is available over-the-counter. By dropping it onto your crown twice daily, it increases blood flow to the hair follicles, thus strengthening and thickening them. The hair grows fuller, and is in turn less susceptible to permanent fall. Minoxidil also boosts the hair follicle during its regrowth phase, after natural fall occurs. It’s particularly effective on the crown of the head, and will promote uniform thickness, but isn’t an effective defense against hair recession at the temples.
(Both finasteride and minoxidil are available online, through companies like hims, which connect you with a board-certified dermatologist and ship direct to your home.)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): This one might be new to you, and it’s certainly the most unique (and deluxe) option. PRP uses the platelets in your own blood to stimulate hair growth. “The first step in getting PRP is having your blood drawn and then spun in a centrifuge,” says Green. “Spinning the blood separates the red blood cells from the platelet rich plasma. Finally, the plasma is drawn into syringes and injected into the scalp by the doctor. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and stimulate the hair follicle to begin a new growth cycle.” Yes, you read that correctly: They draw your blood, separate the plasma, then inject it around your head.
For the best results, you should do this once a month for 4 months at the start, and then quarterly or biannually afterwards, at minimum, says Green. (Depending on loss.) It can come with a high cost, though, unlike the now-generic drugs finasteride and minoxidil: A single treatment can run you $1500 or more, so be prepared.
Shampoo
It is extremely important to understand your scalp type and choose the right shampoo. Also, you need to wash your hair depending upon your scalp. For instance, over washing hair with a dry scalp can lead to hair fall, or not washing oily locks thrice a week can lead to the same.
Further, make sure the shampoo is not loaded with chemicals including sulfate, paraben and silicone that can make your tresses brittle and hence, prone to breakage.
Ditch Hair Tools That Use High Heat
Heat is always hard on hair. It causes bonds within the hair strands to fracture, causing brittle hair that breaks and falls out. If you decide to use a hair straightener or curling iron, make sure not to leave it on one area of your hair for too long and move it every ten seconds or so. Also keep in mind that if you hear sizzling or burn your fingers, the heat setting is too high and you are also burning your hair. Try to let your hair dry naturally as often as possible and when you do use styling tools, make sure to use a heat-protecting spray that will lessen the damage the tools are inflicting on your hair.
Take a Supplement
If you find that your diet isn’t providing enough of the essential micronutrients your hair needs, you could also try a vitamin and mineral supplement. Look for supplements that include B complex vitamins, Biotin (vitamin H), selenium, and L-lysine.
Iron-deficiency anaemia can cause or exacerbate hair loss, so if you’re following a restricted diet such as vegetarianism or veganism you might want to try an iron supplement to keep your hair healthy.
De-stress
Studies in the past have found medical evidence to link stress with hair loss. De-stress yourself; one of the ways of doing it is by practicing meditation. Alternative therapy such as meditation and yoga not only reduces stress but also restores hormonal balance and reduces hair fall problems.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, is one of the B complex vitamins that help our body convert food into energy. Studies have suggested that including biotin-rich food in your diet or taking biotin supplements may slow hair loss. If you are dealing with hair fall problems, then include biotin-rich foods such as nuts, sweet potatoes, eggs, onions, and oats in your diet.
Change Your Hairstyle
Certain hair accessories — including hairpins, clips, and rubber bands — can cause extensive hair breakage when they are used to hold your hair tightly in place. Tight ponytails, cornrows, or braids can also create tension on your hair and cause it to break and appear thin. For healthy hair, experts recommend minimizing the use of hair accessories and not continuously wearing hairstyles that pull on your hair. And when you do use hair accessories, select hairpins with balled ends, clips with rubber padding, and fabric hair ties instead of rubber bands.
Eat More Protein And Omega-3s
Protein is present in every cell in your body and plays a crucial role in many bodily processes, including hair growth. A 2017 study of people with hair loss found that many had an amino acid deficiency, meaning they weren’t eating enough foods containing amino acids that are critical for protein production, and by extension, hair growth and strength.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet from sources like seafood, lean meats, eggs, and legumes. Fatty acids like omega-3s are also important for maintaining hair and scalp health, and you can get more of those in your diet from sources like seafood and flaxseed.
Use A Shampoo That’s Mild And Suited For Your Hair
The purpose of shampoo is to cleanse your hair of dirt and excess oil. But many commercial shampoos contain harsh ingredients. After just one use, they can stripTrusted Source your hair of the natural oil and fatty acids that make it strong and supple. Read the ingredients of your shampoo and purchase one that’s as close to all-natural as possible. Try switching up products if you’ve been losing excess hair.
Protein
Hair follicles are made mostly of protein called keratin. One 2017 studyTrusted Source 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 neededTrusted 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.
Scalp Massage With Essential Oils
Those who have been experiencing hair loss for quite some time must massage the scalp with essential oil for couple of minutes. It helps your hair follicles remain active. You can add lavender in an almond or sesame oil.
Avoid Brushing Wet Hair
When hair is wet, it is in its weakest state. So avoid brushing wet hair because the chances of hair loss increases. But if you must comb wet hair, use a very wide-toothed comb. Also avoid brushing hair too frequently as doing so can injure hair and increase loss. Use your fingers to undo tangles, not a comb or brush.
Avoid Hot Showers
Overly hot showers can cause damage to the scalp by stripping it of the essential oils that help to protect it, causing dryness and inflammation. There is no direct evidence that hot showers lead to hair loss, but some believe that scalp inflammation can result in miniaturisation of the hair follicles and thinning hair.
Cut The Bad Habits
Stress can’t always be mitigated, but bad habits can be. Many of the things you do routinely might be contributing to your hair loss. Consider these big ones, according to Dr. Green: Not shampooing enough, but also shampooing too often. (Twice a week should suffice, with a specialized shampoo for thinning hair. Rinse and condition daily, though.
“Poor diet can also contribute to hair loss,” she adds. “You should consume a diet rich in oils, protein, and nutrients to nourish your body and scalp.” Lastly, as mentioned in the previous tip, smoking and alcohol both aggravate hair loss. While they might seem to calm stress, they in fact restrict the blood vessels, thus reducing circulation and blood flow to the follicles.
Use Hair Products Targeted To Restore Hair Growth
Because thinning hair and hair loss is a huge cosmetic concern for women, many companies are now creating products specifically aimed at restoring hair growth. This list of hair loss shampoos offers a variety of products that contain numerous oils and minerals that may aid in hair growth, destroy bacteria that can cause hair breakage and loss, increase blood circulation to the scalp, and more.
Consider essential oils
Essential oils have long been touted for their natural benefits and they might just be the ticket to help your hair. Oils such as carrot seed, cypress, lavender, and rosemary – just to name a few – all have regenerative, soothing, and balancing properties that can improve the condition of the scalp and promote hair growth. Because essential oils are increasingly popular as a healthier alternative, these are easy to find online or in health stores. A few drops added to your scalp during your scalp massage is a great way to enhance your massage’s effectiveness and take advantage of all the benefits the oils have to offer.
Keep Hydrated
There’s no getting away from it – the old H2O is essential for our overall health. After all, about 60% of the body is made up of water!
Not drinking enough water (around 6–8 glasses a day) can lead to dry, brittle hair that snaps or falls out more easily. In contrast, staying hydrated helps to optimise hair growth and retention.
Consume More Iron
If your diet doesn’t include enough iron, it could cause your hair to fall out. Your doctor can check this with a blood test. If you are iron deficient, an easy fix to help prevent hair loss is to increase the amount of dietary iron you consume. Good sources of iron include organ meats, clams, oysters, iron-fortified cereals, beans, pumpkin seeds, and spinach. But don’t take an iron supplement without talking with your doctor — too much iron can be harmful.
Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, And Caffeine
Certain habits, like smoking and drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, can worsen hair loss. Smoking reduces blood circulation throughout the body, and blood circulation to your scalp is an important factor in hair growth and retention.
Drinking alcohol and caffeine can contribute to hair fall in a couple of different ways. Too much of either can suppress your immune system, which plays an influential role in the hair growth cycle. Alcohol and caffeine can also lead to sleep problems, and we all know how important sleep is to our overall health and wellness!
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.
Get a Professional Hair and Scalp Analysis
Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine why your hair is falling out — and therefore, how to treat or prevent hair loss. In addition to reviewing your medical history and asking about lifestyle factors that may be affecting the health of your hair, a dermatologist can perform a professional hair and scalp analysis to help determine the cause of your hair loss. Your dermatologist will carefully study your hair and scalp and may take a sample of your hair or a scalp biopsy to gather more information.
Let Your Hair Air-Dry
High heat from blow dryers can be extremely damaging to your hair and leave it susceptible to breakage. When you hold a blow dryer close to your wet hair, it can actually boil the water in your hair shaft, which can cause your hair to be brittle. Rubbing wet hair vigorously with a towel can also lead to breakage and thinning. To reduce your risk of hair damage and help prevent hair loss, let your hair air-dry when possible, and limit your use of heated styling tools.
