Premature hair loss is something many people will have to deal with eventually. In fact, over 80 million Americans suffer from some sort of disorder that results in hair loss. Unfortunately, many people think it’s just a natural process of getting older, but don’t realize there are easy things they can do to help slow down or prevent it from even happening.
Some of the things to look out for are a receding hairline, or not having as much volume in some areas. If this happens to you, don’t start panicking. Read on for fast facts that will educate you about hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Like mentioned above, the loss of hair is actually a daily occurrence. Many probably don’t even know it’s happening, because the growth of new hair makes up for it. The end result is the overall thickness sees no change.
It’s when rapid hair loss occurs that people start noticing. Some of the things to look out for are:
- Receding hairline
- Losing a lot of hair suddenly
- Hair thinning
- Patches of missing hair
If one of these things happens, there are several culprits that could be to blame.
The most common cause of hair loss is pattern hair loss, which is also known as pattern baldness. Studies have shown that it could be related to genetics, especially in males. About 1 in 2 men have pattern baldness, and around 1 in 4 for women.
This kind of baldness tends to happen slowly though. If hair is falling out at a more rapid or sudden rate, some things to examine are:
- Anxiety or stress-filled situations
- Hormone problems or changes
- Certain medications
- Hairstyles that are too tight
Ways To Prevent Or Slow Down Hair Loss
Losing your hair can be a very stressful thing. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it or slow it down.
Protein
Protein is something that can affect hair growth. If you aren’t consuming enough of it, your hair is possibly not growing fast enough to replace the strands falling out. Research has shown that you need around 50 grams of protein every day.
You don’t necessarily need to double down on loads of meat either. Protein shakes are a good way to get in a boost, especially if you are vegetarian. If you can consume dairy products, Greek yogurt is definitely a good source. Chowing down on beans and legumes is another non-meat alternative.
Vitamins
Like with protein, the lack of certain vitamins can also influence hair to not grow. A deficiency in vitamins A, B, C, D, or E along with minerals like zinc or iron might be the cause of noticeable hair loss. The only way to know for certain is to go to a doctor to get yourself tested.
Some medical professionals have found success with Biotin Forte, which is a blend of biotin (vitamin b7), vitamin c, and zinc. It is also often prescribed for getting healthier skin and stronger nails. Just be sure to check with your doctor first before taking any supplements, and always get them from a credible vendor.
Eat a Mediterranean Diet
If you’ve ever looked into any kind of diet plan, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the Mediterranean diet. The thing with certain diets is that they might be restricting you from eating things you need for healthy hair. However, the Mediterranean diet in particular is a lot more balanced than others. This has led some hair loss experts to suggest to follow it if you are trying to watch what you eat.
Over-the-counter Medication
There are many products you can purchase without a prescription to help hair loss. These kinds of medications can either come in an oral form, or as a topical cream, foam, or liquid. Even though they don’t require a prescription, it would still be wise to consult with a doctor or other professional before commencing self-treatment.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Also known as LLLT, this treatment uses lasers or another form of light to combat hair loss. There have been multiple studies over the years about its effectiveness, with varying results. Although the FDA has approved several devices, most can be an expensive undertaking. Some can even cost thousands of dollars.
According to medical professionals, these kinds of treatments can reduce skin inflammation while encouraging the growth of hair. This can be an alternative to pills or other chemicals, especially if you have an allergy to a certain medication. The main thing to watch out for is sunburn from being exposed to it too long.
Take Care Of Your Hair
Like with many other things, sometimes the best cure is taking steps to prevent it in the first place. Using too many chemicals in your hair such as dye or bleaching can cause long-term damage. Heat is another source of damage, which includes using hair styling tools like irons and dryers. Finally, remember to wash your hair and scalp properly when bathing or showering.
Reversing Hair Loss and Final Word
It might not be too late if you are experiencing rapid hair loss. Obviously, hair loss due to something like anxiety can be reversed if the source of stress is removed. Other forms of hair loss are permanent, such as with certain medical conditions like alopecia. To get a clearer picture, you should consult with your doctor.
It’s been mentioned several times, but it’s definitely something that bears repeating: speaking with a medical professional is an important step in hair loss prevention. It can be a scary thing to deal with by yourself, and having a doctor in your corner will be very helpful.
