Hair loss can be a difficult and embarrassing issue to tackle, but it doesn't have to be. With the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can reduce your risk of developing hair loss and even treat it effectively. The first step is to speak to your doctor about any medications or supplements you take that may be causing hair loss. Additionally, it's important to protect your hair from ultraviolet light sources, such as sunlight, and to stop smoking.
Daily washing with a mild shampoo can also help keep your scalp healthy and clean, which can help prevent hair loss. It's essential to use a shampoo that isn't too harsh, as harsher formulas can dry out your hair and cause it to break, leading to hair loss. Minoxidil products are also available that can help many people grow their hair back or reduce the rate of hair loss, or both. However, it's important to note that at least six months of treatment will be needed before you'll start seeing results.
It may take a few more months before you know if the treatment is working for you. If it is helping you, you'll need to keep using the medication indefinitely in order to maintain the benefits. Another option is a prescription pill called Propecia, which can help delay hair loss and even promote new growth. Vitamins and minerals are also important for normal cell growth and function, and deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to hair loss. Hormones also play a role in hair loss. Over time, these hormones can cause the hair follicles to shrink, resulting in shorter, finer locks of hair.
Eventually, this can lead to permanent hair loss. If you're experiencing hair loss, it's important to see a doctor for an evaluation. The doctor will look at other areas of the body, such as the eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, pubic area, legs, and arms, in order to evaluate for hair loss. Vitamin A is composed of retinoids which promote healthy hair growth and influence the hair cycle. Biotin deficiency can also cause hair loss; however, there is no evidence-based data that shows biotin supplementation promotes hair growth. Vitamin D levels have also been linked to both AGA (androgenic alopecia) and TE (telogen effluvium). While the relationship between vitamin D levels and these conditions is still being debated, most authors agree that supplementing with vitamin D in patients with hair loss and vitamin D deficiency is beneficial. In some cases of patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), the hair may grow back without treatment within a year.
Hair transplants are another option for those who want to restore their full head of hair; this procedure involves removing patches of hair from the head and re-inserting them into bald sections. Dermatologists are specifically trained in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the skin, nails, and hair—including hair loss. Nutrition and diet also play an important role in treating hair loss; research into this area is ongoing. If you're concerned about your risk of developing hair loss or if you're already experiencing it, talk to your doctor about what steps you can take to reduce your risk or treat it effectively.
