6 Ways to Reverse Hair Loss

A problem such as hair loss can be embarrassing and diminish the quality of your daily life. Affecting over 80 million men and women in the US, it not only indicates possible health concerns but also acts as a warning sign for something more coming your way. Identifying potential triggers can help eliminate the ill-effects of hair loss. Both men can often experience hair thinning that can lead to pattern baldness. In this technological era where we are surrounded by the Internet at all times, several marketing gimmicks that promise to provide luscious locks and frizz-free hair can actually pose problems for your hair. Hair loss can be caused due to various reasons - stress, genetics, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, medications, health conditions, etc. If hair loss becomes a problem for you, talk to your dermatologist to get to the root of the problem and figure out a suitable treatment plan for yourself. Meanwhile, here are some effective ways that can help prevent and reverse hair loss.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

Our hair is mostly made up of proteins, amino acids, and peptide bonds. Deficiency of any of these can lead to hair loss. Therefore, to achieve healthy hair growth, taking a nutrient-dense diet is essential. You should also consider staying away from unhealthy and processed foods to improve hair health.
Add these vital nutrients to your daily diet and keep your hair healthy.

Protein: Hair strands are primarily made up of a protein called keratin. Lack of protein can lead to hair loss. Adding protein-rich foods to your diet can help produce keratin. Protein-rich foods include lean meats such as beef, lamb, pork, etc., fish, eggs, tofu, beans, lentils, spinach, etc.
Biotin and Vitamin B Complex: B vitamins play a fundamental role in cell metabolism. Deficiencies of vitamin B complex can lead to hair loss. On the other hand, biotin (known as vitamin H) plays an important role in the health of hair, skin, and nails. Taking vitamin B supplements and biotin can increase hair growth. Supplemental daily intake is around 5000 mcg.
Vitamin C: Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C can aid in the production of collagen which is essential for producing hair cells. It also helps in the absorption of iron - deficiency of which can cause hair loss. Foods high in Vitamin C include bell peppers, amla, oranges, broccoli, kiwifruit, tomatoes, etc.
Iron and Zinc: Iron is responsible for carrying oxygen to the roots of hair follicles which helps the hair to grow faster and longer. Iron also helps the body use protein to grow and build strong hair. Zinc, on the other hand, aids in repairing and growing hair cells. If you’re deficient in any of these vital nutrients, consider taking a supplement or add foods such as peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas to your diet.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 fatty acids provide nourishment and support hair growth. They also help to reduce the inflammation associated with hair loss. Adding Omega 3 fatty acids (or unsaturated fats) to your diet can help promote hair growth and boost hair health.
Silica: Silica is one of the most important nutrients that help the hair to retain its elasticity and repair damaged hair follicles.

According to experts at Hisblue, what you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. Any kind of nutritional deficiency can impact both hair structure and hair growth. Taking the right amount of nutrients can keep your hair healthy and prevent hair loss.

Avoid the Use of Styling and Damaging Treatments

Excessive use of hair styling products such as bleaches, chemical hair straightening, etc. can damage hair and lead to breakage. Furthermore, wearing tight hairstyles that lead to constantly pulling off hair can damage the hair at their roots. Therefore, it’s important to educate yourself about the use of these styling products and hairstyles as they can be detrimental to your hair health.

Watch Your Stress Levels

Stress is one of the contributing factors for almost every health concern today. The same goes for hair loss as well. Prolonged periods of stress can push the hair follicles into the resting phase. Your body’s energy and nutrients get used up to maintain body and organ functions which leave the hair unprotected.
Stress-related hair loss is often temporary. Hair grows back when stress levels return back to normal. You may experience patchy hair loss or a condition such as a telogen effluvium. Learn and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, etc. Workout regularly to lower down your stress levels. If you find trouble managing stress on your own, seek help from a therapist. A therapist can help identify the root cause of stress and help you manage it effectively.

Make Use of Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an approved hair loss treatment for use in both men and women. It is a vasodilator that increases the blood flow to the hair follicles and supplies necessary nutrients and oxygen to them. It comes in the form of a topical solution that can be applied directly to the scalp and in the form of tablets that can be taken orally. It hasn’t shown promising results for a receding hairline but works wonders at the crown of the head. Minoxidil when used in combination with Finasteride has been to be more effective than using it alone. It is easily available over the counter and can be purchased online.

Try Finasteride

Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of hair loss in men. It is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that works by blocking the effects of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and decreases the amount of DHT in the body. It also decreases the size of the prostate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is sold under the name Finpecia 1 mg which comes in the form of oral tablets. It can take anywhere around 6-9 months to experience the full effects of this medication provided that a daily dosage of the drug is followed.

Use Low-level Laser Therapy

Also known as red light therapy and cold laser therapy, it is a non-surgical, clinical strength technology that stimulates cellular activity and blood circulation to potentially stop hair loss and regrow hair. It is a safe, tolerable, and less invasive procedure than hair transplant surgery that irradiates photons into scalp tissues. It’s an effective therapy that essentially puts brakes on hair loss. Results can be experienced within 4-6 months and fuller and thicker hair can be achieved.

Going through the problem of hair loss can be distressing and embarrassing. However, with proper treatment, it can be prevented and reversed to a greater extent. Make use of these science-backed methods listed above and achieve a healthy head of hair.