Hair loss is a natural change that happens as we age, but there are other factors, including stress and medications, that can cause hair loss. Trying to stay on top of all these different factors can seem daunting, so we’ve put together a list of ways to help prevent hair loss.
Check your diet
Your diet can have an impact on hair loss and we advise our clients to follow a balanced diet to get the correct nutrients and vitamins to promote hair growth. Vitamin B found in bulgur wheat, green peas and brown rice is essential for maintaining healthy hair and is important for preventing hair loss. Zinc boosts tissue growth and repair; keeping your scalp and hair healthy. Chickpeas, oysters, beef and wheat germ are all good sources of zinc.
Protein is important in promoting hair growth as your hair consists mainly of protein so it is vital to make sure you are consuming an adequate amount in your diet from meat or vegetable sources, or supplements.
These fatty acids travel to the hair shaft and the cell membranes in your scalp, nourishing the follicles and promoting hair growth. Flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, tuna and kale are great sources of Omega 3.
Try not to get too stressed
Getting too stressed can cause alopecia areata – a short term hair loss condition. This can cause discreet spots of hair loss. The hair will grow back over time, engaging in relaxing activities and reducing causes of stress can help to prevent hair loss.
Choose your hairstyle wisely
If you frequently have a tight hairstyle such as a high ponytail or braids you can cause hair loss. This can cause traction hair loss which is caused by constant pulling on the hair follicles. To avoid this, try having your hair down or in a loose style.
Take supplements
Certain hair loss supplements can help support optimal hair growth and condition; protein supplements from quality sources and vitamin formulations containing biotin can help as part of a healthy balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements could help minimise any genetic hair loss. The supplements can be taken either individually or as a normal multi-vitamin formulation depending on your preference. It is however, important to note that supplements will not cause new hair growth.
Avoid damaging your hair
Your hair can get damaged easily through many everyday activities, such as heat from blow-drying your hair, brushing roughly or even towel drying your hair. You should be gentle when brushing and towel drying your hair to try and avoid breakage. It is also important to keep heat tools to a minimum – and if you do use them, to use a heat protector. When using heat tools ensure you keep away from the scalp as a burnt scalp can permanently damage the hair follicles.
Avoid dying your hair, or using bleach
Frequent use of hair colouring chemicals can cause damage to your hair, it is recommended to never dye your hair more often than every 4 to 6 weeks. Bleaching your hair removes the natural pigment and by doing so this changes the structure of your hair, making it prone to damage as it is weaker.
If you would like more information on hair loss or our hair transplants please contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.