Although it is not usually a cause for concern, hair loss can have severe negative impacts on the afflicted individuals, often affecting their confidence and self-esteem. In some cases, it can even lead to depression, anxiety, and social phobia. Hair loss usually starts with gradual thinning at the crown and ends with widespread bald patches. It can be triggered by different causes, including unhealthy habits, poor nutrition, genetic predisposition, sudden weight loss, old age, or certain medical conditions. Naturally, the best way to stop or slow down hair loss will depend on the root cause of the problem, so it’s important to identify the culprit before moving forward. That said, here are some of the most effective ways to fight hair loss.
GET A HEALTHY DOSE OF MULTIVITAMINS
Your hair’s health depends on your overall health, so it only makes sense that proper nutrition would be the first solution on this list. In cases of malnourishment or nutritional deficiency, which can be easily detected by a blood test, new hair may fail to grow from the follicles. If your blood tests show that you have a nutritional deficiency, your healthcare provider will likely recommend a multivitamin with iron, zinc, and folic acid to stop hair loss and promote the growth of thicker and stronger hair.
EAT FOOD RICH IN OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that improve our cardiovascular health and overall health, in general. Found in foods such as salmon, light tuna, mackerel, and flaxseeds, omega-3 fatty acids help our bodies fight inflammation, which might, in some cases, lead to premature hair loss. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids improve overall skin health, which benefits the scalp and, by extension, the hair follicles. You can get omega-6 fatty acids from plant-plant-based oils, such as sunflower oil, as well as soybeans, corn, nuts, eggs, meat, poultry, etc.
CONSIDER HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERY
Hair transplants are one of the newest, most advanced hair restoration methods in the world. A plastic or dermatological surgeon takes hair from thicker areas of the scalp (usually from the back or the side) or other parts of the body, then implants it into the thinning or balding areas on the scalp. Those who suffer from androgenetic alopecia or any form of irreversible hair loss often resort to hair transplant surgery, as it is more effective than most OTC topical treatments. However, those who suffer from hair loss due to medications, such as chemotherapy, or have thick scars on their scalp due to a previous injury may not experience the same results. Before you consider this solution, it is important to note that just like regular hair, the transplanted hair will thin over time.
GET PRP INJECTIONS
When injected into the scalp, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) helps stimulate hair growth in thinning or bald areas. To prepare PRP, a blood sample is drawn from the patient, which is then run through a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the platelets before injecting it into their scalp. One study conducted in 2017 on eleven participants reported a 30% increase in hair growth after only four PRP therapy sessions. For the best results, you should undergo one session a month for four months, after which you would only need four or two sessions a year, depending on the severity of your condition. However, the biggest downside to this treatment is that it comes with a high cost. A single session can cost anywhere between $500 and $1500, so you might end up paying a small fortune if the hair loss is extensive.
USE TOPICAL MINOXIDIL PRODUCTS
Minoxidil is an OTC, FDA-approved topical product used to treat male pattern baldness, and extensive hair loss, in general. It can be found as a liquid solution or foam. When applied directly to the scalp twice a day, it increases the blood flow to the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth in the balding spots. However, it is not an effective solution for receding hairlines. It can take up to four months for minoxidil to kick in, provided that you use it consistently. While it is generally safe to use, it can cause scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the neck and face in some cases.
As you can see, there are many things that you can do to stop or minimize hair loss, but the best solution for you will depend on the reason why your hair is falling out. If you are unable to identify the cause of the problem on your own, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider. They will be able to determine whether your hair loss is caused by an underlying medical problem and recommend the proper treatment accordingly. Keep in mind that it can take between six and nine months for the treatment to kick in, so don’t expect to see noticeable results right away.
