Hair Loss Prevention Starts Now

Written by Louisa Emhof

Hair loss is a common problem faced by millions of men and women across the globe. Approximately 85% of men and 55% of women will experience hair loss in their lifetime.

Although some genetic hair loss is not preventable, much of the hair loss that people experience can be prevented with the right approach and early prevention. From having a healthy, balanced diet to incorporating hair loss prevention products into your daily routine, there may be some actionable steps you can take today to prevent, slow and sometimes reverse hair loss.

Research on Hair Loss Prevention

Because so many men and women are impacted by hair loss, the amount of research on hair loss prevention has expanded. This, of course, has helped us understand what steps we can take to prevent hair loss and promote hair and scalp health, an important component of prevention and reversal.

Research on hair loss and hair loss prevention has shown that hair loss is a common condition with a plethora of causes. When considering treatment, first, it is important to determine the cause of your hair loss. Treatment for hair loss from a hormonal imbalance will look completely different from treatment for hair loss caused by traction alopecia. Prevention should start as early as possible. If you think you might be experiencing hair loss or thinning, consult a dermatologist and get on a treatment or preventative regimen.

Hair Loss in Women

Although hair loss is often associated with men, women can also suffer from this condition. Hair loss in women is often caused by genetic female-pattern hair loss (also called androgenic alopecia), hormonal conditions, aging or thyroid disease. Approximately 50% of women will experience some form of androgenic alopecia by their 80s.

Other health concerns, such as anemia or unusually heavy menstrual cycles, can also cause hair loss because strong hair relies on a healthy amount of iron in your blood. If anemia is causing your hair loss, consult your doctor to see whether iron supplements would be right for you. Taking iron supplements can treat hair loss in patients with anemia.

It is also common for women to experience hair loss during pregnancy and immediately following childbirth. This is due to the major hormonal changes the body is going through and can also be caused by the added stress of pregnancy and motherhood. Thankfully, hair loss following childbirth is typically reversible, and most women see their hair return to normal within a year.

What Causes Hair Loss?

There are several causes of hair loss, some more prevalent than others. For example, men suffer from male pattern hair loss more than women do, and many women experience hair loss during pregnancy and after childbirth. Genetic hair loss accounts for about 50% of all hair loss for men and women, so it is easily the most common culprit.

However, multiple other causes may hide behind your hair loss, such as chemotherapy, scalp psoriasis, STDs, nutrient deficiencies, side effects of certain medications and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Heavy chemical hair treatments can cause hair loss in some extreme cases. Bleaching your hair can damage it by splitting the keratin molecules, the protein that makes up most of your hair. Consistent bleaching can cause hair breakage as well as overall hair loss. If you’re looking to change up your hairstyle, consider opting for a more natural approach and seek professional advice.

Hair Loss Prevention

Going to a dermatologist for hair loss concerns is a great way to determine what is causing your specific hair loss. Once you know the exact cause, you can start tackling treatment options that will work for you.

If your hair loss results from stress or hormonal imbalance, it may be important to incorporate stress-relieving exercises like yoga and walking into your daily routine.

If the dermatologist suggests that you may be experiencing hair loss from nutritional deficiencies, you can rework your diet or add in some supplements to ensure that you’re getting a balanced and nutritional diet.

Being gentle with your hair can go a long way in hair loss prevention from conditions like traction alopecia. This condition is caused by excessive tugging at the hair, which can be a nervous habit or even be caused by tight hairstyles like buns or tightly woven braids. Opt for loose hairstyles or switch up your styles regularly to give your scalp a break.

Hair loss is a progressive condition, so it’s important to get an early start on prevention. As soon as you notice your hair thinning or more hair loss than usual, consider starting a hair loss prevention regimen. Consult with a dermatologist to determine the cause and get expert advice on how to treat it. Like most conditions, regularly exercising to relieve stress and eating three balanced meals a day is crucial for promoting and maintaining health.

Hair Loss Shampoo

Some products, like certain shampoos, can help prevent hair loss by ensuring that your scalp is healthy. Although genetic hair loss cannot be prevented through shampoos and conditioners, hair loss from scalp conditions such as scalp psoriasis or scalp infections can certainly be helped by using the right shampoo. Shampoos that gently exfoliate your scalp with ingredients like salicylic acid will promote circulation throughout the scalp, which can make a big difference in preventing hair loss and thinning.

Even if you’re not looking to get shampoo specifically to prevent hair loss, it may be a good idea to check the ingredients of your current shampoo and ensure it’s not causing damage. Some shampoos include harsh ingredients like sulfates and parabens that can harm your hair’s health.

Although there are currently no studied links between these ingredients and hair loss, they can still harm your hair follicles and make your hair dry and frizzy, leading to increased breakage. If hair loss is a particular concern of yours, consider avoiding harsh ingredients or treatments like bleaching, coloring or perming your hair.

If you want to go for a colored hair look, ask your hairdresser about alternative, organic hair dyes or dyes that don’t contain peroxide or ammonia. Shampoos containing 1% hydrocortisone, 1% ketoconazole, pumpkin seeds, yucca root or biotin are worth adding to your routine to promote hair health and cut down on breakage.

A Parting Reminder

Using gentle hairstyles and shampoos can be a great way to promote your scalp and hair health and may also contribute to preventing hair loss. If you’re experiencing significant or new hair loss, reach out to a dermatologist for professional insight on what may be causing the hair loss and what measures you can take to treat it. Remember that getting regular checkups with your healthcare provider, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet can go a long way in improving your preventative healthcare, including hair loss.