Hair loss is a common issue for men, even if you won’t admit it. This aging phenomenon may start by the age of 30 due to several factors. Some common factors include genes, diet, medications, and stress.
Do not fret because this natural phenomenon does not happen overnight and is a gradual process. The good news is that there are things you can do to slow down hair loss. Read on to discover ways to prevent hair loss problems.
Get Expert Opinion
Seeking help from a dermatologist may be the first step to solve this issue. They will be able to help determine whether the cause of your hair loss is genetic, medication, stress, or diet-related.
Genetic conditions for hair loss in men is related to androgen hormones. Androgenic alopecia causes scalp sensitivity to the DHT (dihydrotestosterone) hormone. Obvious signs would be a regression of hairline and gradual thinning.
A dermatologist will assess the cause of your condition, genetic or otherwise, and offer all possible treatment options. So before the problem gets worse, you may want to start getting help by being proactive and start prevention early.
Several hair-loss medications and supplements are out on the market and available over the counter. Still, it is best to speak to your trusted dermatologist for the safest and the best course of treatment.
Check Your Diet
If genetics is not the cause of your hair loss, the culprit may be your diet. Your body needs to get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to prevent loss of hair. Simply put, too little protein in your diet may damage your body’s ability to build new hair follicles. So be careful if you are following strict weight-loss diets.
Here are some nutrient-rich foods you may include in your diet to curb hair loss:
- Eggs and Dairy Products
Eggs are powerhouse food that contains B7 or biotin that plays an essential role in fighting hair loss. It is best to consume the yolks as this is where the majority of the nutrients are stored. Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products contain essential hair growing nutrients such as protein, iron, vitamin B12, zinc, and Omega 6 fatty acids.
- Walnuts
Walnuts are also a good source of biotin, protein, magnesium, vitamin E, B1, B6, and B9, all of which strengthen the hair and nourishes the scalp.
- Guava
Vitamin C prevents hair loss by boosting collagen activity. Guava contains more Vitamin C than oranges! Even its leaves also can stop hair loss and increase hair growth. It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties that are essential for a healthy scalp. It also contains Lycopene, protecting hair from the damaging effect of UV rays on the skin as well as on the hair.
- Spinach
Spinach is a substantial source of vitamins A & C, omega 3, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and protein as well. Vitamin A is proven to increase the rate of hair growth. This food is not only vitamin and nutrient-rich but also contains sebum that is known to help condition the scalp to retain more hair.
- Lentils
Lentils are a good source of folic acid that restores the health of red blood cells that supply the scalp with oxygen to prevent breakage. Biotin, protein, iron, and zinc are also present in Lentils.
It is advisable to remove Gluten from your diet as it can inhibit nutrient absorption. Limit sugar intake as well, as high-sugar diets may cause hormonal imbalances that may speed up hair loss.
Manage and Reduce Stress
Another big culprit for hair loss is stress. High levels of stress can result in excessive shedding that may eventually lead to hair loss. It also causes an autoimmune response that attacks the hair follicles resulting in hair loss. Stress-induced hormones disrupt the hair-growth cycle and make hair-growth rest longer.
Re-evaluate areas in your day to day activities that contribute to stress and try to implement stress-reducing techniques. Daily exercise is a proven stress-reliever and promotes overall health together with hair growth. A short walk or run for 30 minutes a day may help balance hormonal levels as well. Alternative therapies like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are also great ways to reduce stress. You may speak with health professionals for methods of reducing stress.
Improve Lifestyle Habits
Smoking and alcohol can also contribute to hair loss problems. We all know that these habits are not the solution to your stress-related issues. Smoking reduces the amount of blood flow to your follicles. Alcohol, on the other hand, causes dehydration. Instead, keep yourself hydrated and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for healthy hair growth.
Proper Hair Care
Proper hair care includes regular washing, gentle styling, and avoiding too many chemical treatments. The key to maintaining healthy hair and scalp is to use mild shampoos.
If you are used to constant hair grooming, Lauric acid from coconut oil may protect your hair from breakage from the roots to the strands. If the cause of hair loss is genetic, Olive oil may help slow down hair loss by preventing dryness and breakage.
Sticky hair styling products that make hair stiff contain toxic chemicals such as butane and polymer. Both ingredients are present in plastics, insect sprays, and gas. These harmful chemicals can get through the bloodstream and even through hair follicles. These chemicals may cause thinning and hair loss if not avoided.
For hair treatments, use alternative options, like organic hair dyes instead of chemical dyes that contain damaging elements like ammonia and peroxide.
Early signs of hair loss are easy to spot. The earlier you prevent it, the more hair you will save! So stop worsening your hair loss by sticking to a proactive plan. Always consult a medical professional and be careful in exploring treatment options.
