Is it possible to say goodbye to your hair loss? In this blog, we look at a range of things that you can do at home to make your hair problems a thing of the past.
What causes hair loss?
The most common cause of hair loss is male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It’s estimated to affect nearly half of all men by the age of 50.
It starts with a receding hairline then progresses to thinning of the hair around the crown and temples. Hereditary hair loss can also affect women and young men.
There are other reasons for hair loss in both men and women, such as:
- Damage to the root from wearing your hair up too tightly (traction alopecia)
- A side effect of some medication, for example, blood thinners like Warfarin
- An underlying medical condition, such as a thyroid-related problem
- Stress, trauma, and other hormonal changes particularly during pregnancy
- An autoimmune condition that affects the hair follicles, known as alopecia areata
If you want to say goodbye to your hair loss, then you need to know what’s behind the problem. Understanding the cause, can help you pick the right hair loss treatment.
Top tips to reverse hair loss
The best way to slow down your hair loss is to look after your scalp. For a healthy head of hair, follow these top tips.
1. Eat a well-balanced diet
Protein, vitamin C, and iron are all important nutrients for hair growth, so try to eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables.
Where your diet is lacking, consider taking supplements – zinc, iron, and folic acid are all important for looking after your scalp and promoting hair re-growth.
2. Don’t over style your hair
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your hair, and, if you can, try not to over-style it. Switch your brush for a wide-toothed comb and avoid styling products.
3. Use an anti-thinning shampoo
Anti-thinning hair loss shampoo, such as Alpecin, contains caffeine, zinc, and vitamin B for stimulated hair growth at the root. Some people think that using apple cider vinegar mixed with water strengthens hair and keeps the scalp healthy.
You could also try massaging the scalp with essential oils to stimulate blood flow.
4. Look after your overall health
Stress, excessive alcohol, and smoking can all contribute to poor health and rapid hair loss. To promote hair re-growth, try to de-stress with yoga or regular exercise, and cut down on alcohol and tobacco where you can.
If you think your hair loss is caused by an underlying condition or as a side effect of any medication you are taking, visit your doctor for a check-up.
5. Use a prescription medication
One of the most effective ways to treat hair loss is using a prescription medication like Finasteride (Propecia) which can slow down the process and promote hair re-growth.
What is Finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride is the only licensed medication for treating male pattern baldness in the UK. You might also see it sold under the brand name, Propecia.
It works by reducing a male hormone, known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is linked to oversensitive hair follicles. By stopping testosterone from turning into DHT, Finasteride can slow down hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia.
Studies have shown that Finasteride is effective at promoting hair re-growth, preventing further hair loss, and improving the overall appearance of the scalp.
Finasteride is not available on the NHS but it can be bought from private pharmacies both online and on the high street. Regulated online pharmacies, like Post My Meds, can prescribe Finasteride to patients after a short consultation.
Is it possible to treat hair loss?
Losing your hair is a difficult thing to go through and it can take its toll on your mental health and wellbeing, but thankfully there are lots of treatment options that can help.
Slowing down the loss of hair and restoring it to its former glory starts with a healthy scalp. Combined with anti-thinning shampoos and prescription medicine, like Finasteride, it is possible to stimulate the hair follicles and promote re-growth.
