7 Tips To Help Prevent Hair Loss
09 / 16 / 19

7 Tips To Help Prevent Hair Loss

There are approximately 35 million men and 21 million women who experience hair loss. Experts say hair loss typically will begin around age 35 for men with a 40 percent loss rate and increasing to a rate of 80 percent by age 80 and by age 60, 80 percent of women will experience hair loss.

While hair loss can be the result of many different things for both men and women, there are some things you can do to help prevent or slow the process.

Determine Your Risks

The best first step in preventing or slowing hair loss is to determine your future risk of it. Since men and women experience hair loss differently - and for different reasons - understanding whether or not you are at risk for it can help you be preemptive.

For men, Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness) is a hereditary condition. If it runs in your family, you may be at risk of developing it as well.

For women, things like stress and medical conditions can cause hair loss to occur in addition to Androgenic Alopecia. If you have a particularly stressful lifestyle or are going through hormonal changes, you are at risk of losing some of your hair.

Mind Your Diet

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may not be getting enough protein which is essential for hair and skin. In addition, too much sugar can cause hair follicles to become inflamed which can make your hair fall out. Instead, foods rich in biotin (vitamin B7) such as eggs, spinach, nuts, seeds, and salmon can help promote hair growth. Avoid foods high in mercury such as tuna or swordfish. Surprisingly, high fructose corn syrup has been found to be a source of mercury as well.

You can also take biotin supplements and other daily vitamins and minerals that help promote hair growth.

Care For Your Hair

Avoid using harsh chemicals or treatments on your hair. Allow your hair to dry naturally without heat and use a broad-toothed comb or other gentle brush to comb it out so your hair won't be pulled out. You can also damage your hair by over washing it or using the wrong products on it.

Avoid Styles That Stress Hair

Traction Alopecia is the result of wearing hair styles that put excessive pressure on the scalp and hair. Things like dreadlocks, weaves, and plaits are examples of these kinds of styles.

Avoid Unhealthy Habits

Things like smoking and consuming alcohol can contribute to hair loss.

Reduce Stress

We all have stress in our lives and sometimes it can't be avoided but constant or elevated stress damages our lives in many ways, including causing hair loss. Three different types of hair loss associated with stress include:

  • Telogen Effluvium
  • Trichotillomania
  • Alopecia areata

The way our bodies handle stress is to release hormones and chemicals that disrupt our hair growth cycle by sending the follicles into a longer-than-usual resting phase. This results in hair loss.

There are many ways to reduce stress - from exercise to meditation - but at least ensuring you're getting enough rest and eating properly can help mitigate many of the effects of stress.

Develop A Plan

If you are concerned about eventual hair loss, working with a specialist in trichology can help you to develop a plan to be proactive in preserving and protecting your beautiful head of hair. Since our hair loss specialists are experts in hair and scalp concerns, they can help you determine the best course of action in the event that you are at risk of hair loss.

At LH Hair we are passionate about helping our clients achieve the best hair they can have. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.