Hair loss in both men and women often takes an extreme emotional and social toll. At the first signs of thinning hair, feelings of low self-worth, embarrassment and anxiety often begin to develop. If you are dealing with beginning or advanced hair loss, you can take back control of your well being with these 25 ways to slow or reverse the condition.
1. Try Skin Exfoliation
Shampoo, conditioner and styling product buildup can block hair follicles and contribute to premature hair loss. Exfoliate with gentle cleansers to open up pores and encourage new hair growth.
2. Switch To Zinc Soap
Fungal growth on the skin can impede healthy hair growth. Use a bar of zinc soap while in the shower to kill fungus and heal other skin conditions.
3. Pick Sulfate Free Shampoo
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a harsh detergent in shampoo that can contribute to follicle damage over time. Apply a sulfate free shampoo to gently remove dirt and oil without injuring your skin.
4. Use Cool Water Rinses
Hot water can worsen inflammation that contributes to the development of thinning hair and bald patches. Rinse with cool water instead to soothe skin inflammation and reverse related damage.
5. Rub On Vitamin E Oil
Hair loss related to oxidative stress can be relieved with the application of vitamin E products. Only apply a drop or two of vitamin E oil at a time to avoid clogging your hair follicles.
6. Brush Hair Gently
Traumatic stress from rough hair brushing can pull hairs out of the follicles and cause them to fail to grow back. Prevent damage from brushing by using a natural bristle brush and a soft touch.
7. Prevent Sun Damage
Skin damage from the sun can lead to ongoing inflammation that impedes hair growth. Wear hats, apply sunblock and stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible to avoid worsening inflammation.
8. Avoid Heat Styling
Heat styling increases inflammation of the scalp and damages hairs at the root. Avoid hair straighteners and set hair dryers to cool to prevent heat styling damage.
9. Have Hormones Checked
Excess testosterone flowing through your blood stream converts into an enzyme that reduces follicle size and output. Have your doctor perform a blood test to check and correct your hormone levels.
10. Rule Out Thyroid Disease
Both high and low thyroid hormone levels are linked to premature hair loss. Your doctor can perform blood tests and an ultrasound to determine if your thyroid needs regulating medications.
11. Solve Skin Inflammation
Alopecia, folliculitis and other skin conditions cause chronic inflammation, which damages the hair follicles. Your doctor can prescribe treatments to reduce or reverse the inflammation.
12. Obtain Dandruff Treatment
Dandruff flakes can build up and block thin hairs from growing to their natural length. Obtain a prescription dandruff treatment to keep your follicles clear.
13. Check Medications
Certain medications can contribute to follicle shrinkage and hair growth decreases. Discuss your medications with your doctor to see if any have side effects related to hair loss.
14. Take Vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels leave your body without the protein it needs to grow thick, strong hair. Talk to your doctor to find a vitamin D dosage level to maintain on a daily basis.
15. Find Stress Relief
Chronic stress increases inflammation and hormone production levels, which in turn, contribute to premature balding. Reduce stress with fun hobbies, massage therapy and meditation.
16. Seek Scalp Massages
Head massages increase blood flow to the scalp to encourage healthy hair growth. Attend massage sessions at least twice a month for the best results.
17. Address Sleep Deficiencies
Poor sleep patterns decrease cell regeneration and increase stress levels, eventually causing hair growth to thin. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule to restore your follicles’ functionality.
18. Pump Up Your Nutrition
A good diet with high protein and moderate carbohydrate levels helps facilitate hair growth through damaged or blocked follicles. Try to eat .4 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day.
19. Wear Hats Wisely
Hats constantly abrade your scalp, damaging hair follicles and causing skin inflammation. Do not wear tight fitting hats or helmets to avoid accelerating hair loss.
20. Shower After Exercise
Sweat accumulation on your scalp will build up and block weak or thin hair from growing out of the follicles. Shower immediately after exercise to keep follicle openings clear.
21. Skip Chlorine Pools
Harsh chemicals in chlorine pools can damage your hairs all the way down to the root. Choose to swim in natural waterways or saltwater pools to avoid contact with harsh chemicals.
22. Choose Cortisone Shots
If skin inflammation does not decrease over time, your doctor can use cortisone shots to heal your skin. Quarterly shots usually slow hair loss as skin inflammation decreases.
23. Schedule Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help reduce stress, inflammation and systemic imbalances throughout your body. Talk to your acupuncturists about activating points connected to strengthening hair growth.
24. Consider Regrowth Products
Doctors can prescribe several different hair regrowth products to restore follicle function or strengthen tresses. Discuss potential side effects before selecting the best product for you.
25. Discuss Hair Restoration
You can elect to have hair restoration or transplant procedures performed to restore hair lost through premature balding. Your physician will help you find the best procedure for your age, gender and overall health condition.
To learn more about which treatment option is right for you, schedule a Frank & Honest Hair Consultation with Dr. Frank or call our team in New York City or Columbus, OH.
