Preventing Hair Loss: How to Hang Onto Your Hair

The Problem of Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common problem, affecting about 85 percent of men and 33 percent of women. The fact that it’s common doesn’t make it any less upsetting to those dealing with it, but can it be prevented? There are some steps you can take to prevent hair loss, but whether or not you will be successful depends largely on the type of hair loss you’re experiencing, among other factors.

What Causes Hair Loss

Sometimes hair loss is genetic, but it can also be caused by things like stress or hormonal changes. Certain hair styles and haircare can also cause hair to fall out, as can medications like chemotherapy and medical conditions like thyroid disease or fungal infections. It is important to see a dermatologist, who can help to identify the cause of your hair loss and help you find treatment that will work for you. Some types of hair loss, like cicatricial alopecia, are permanent, though hair loss caused by stress or certain medical conditions are temporary. While you are sorting it out, with the help of your doctor, try these methods for preventing hair loss.

Improve your Nutrition

Recent research indicates that the Mediterranean diet can help reduce the risk of androgenic alopecia or slow its progression. This type of diet contains plenty of raw vegetables, fresh herbs, and lean protein, particularly fish. Eating a diet rich in protein can also slow hair loss, and foods rich in vitamin A, like sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, and spinach, can support healthy hair growth.

Consider Supplements

It can also be helpful to add a multivitamin, to ensure that you get the right vitamins and minerals to promote healthy hair growth and retention, as well as cell turnover. Important vitamins include A, B, C, and D, and hair healthy minerals include iron, selenium, and zinc. Other supplements, like saw palmetto and ginseng, can also help improve hair quality.

Take Care of Your Hair and Scalp

When you wash your hair daily, you protect against hair loss by keeping your scalp healthy. However, you must use a mild shampoo, because harsh shampoos can damage your hair and cause breakage. There is some evidence that rubbing coconut oil into the scalp can help prevent hair damage, and deep conditioning with olive oil can also promote hair health. Avoid pulling your hair back too severely or styling it in damaging ways, using chemical treatments and heating tools.

Manage Your Stress

Keeping stress under control can help prevent stress-related hair loss. Meditation, mindfulness practices, and yoga are all good ways to keep your stress in check. Talk to a professional if you find it difficult to manage stress on your own.

Talk to Your Dermatologist

There are medical interventions that can help prevent hair loss, and your dermatologist can help you find the ones that are right for you. Minoxidil is an over the counter treatment known to help with hair loss. Finasteride, also known as Propecia is a prescription pill that can slow hair loss and promote new growth, and there are other medications your doctor can prescribe as well. Other treatments that have shown great promise in promoting hair growth and preventing loss include low level laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma injections. Your dermatologist can help you find the treatment that is right for your type of hair loss.

Talk to Swinyer-Woseth About Addressing Hair Loss

If you need the help of a dermatologist in addressing your hair loss, look to Swinyer-Woseth Dermatology. Committed to providing superior, professional hair and skin care in a manner that’s practical, efficient, and compassionate, we have over 30 years of experience providing dermatological services in Salt Lake City. We provide a variety of services, from cosmetic skincare to treatment for skin cancer. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and licensed cosmetic service providers are here to provide you the care you need in a comfortable, professional atmosphere. Make an appointment to address your hair loss by calling (801) 682-4715 or contact us through our website.