Hair loss is a complex issue since it can be caused by hormones, mechanical issues, or medical conditions. Additionally, whether your hair is breaking off or falling out at the root can make a significant difference in effective treatments. There are ways you can reduce or stop some instances of hair loss.
Revamp Your Hair Care
Some cases of hair loss can be caused by doing too much or too little for your hair and scalp. Washing your hair frequently, especially if you have dry hair, and using many products might be counterproductive. Stick with a simple shampoo and conditioner. Depending on your hair type, you may only need to wash your hair weekly. Even people with oily hair should consider washing their hair every other day and using a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil between washes. Leave-in conditioners can be helpful for people with dry hair because it adds moisture and offers some protection against the elements. Be cautious about gel, mousse, and hair spray, since many of these products contain alcohol and drying ingredients. Additionally, the more products you use combined with infrequent washing, you are more likely to develop build-up, which can clog hair follicles.
Identify Mechanical Concerns
Mechanical hair loss can be caused by anything that causes pulling or friction. Improperly installed braids, wigs, and weaves can cause unnecessary pulling on the hair, which over time causes the hair to never grow back. Similarly, friction from hats or pillowcases can leave you with thinning or bald spots where the hat or pillowcase rubs against your head. Some people only wear hats with a satin lining, which can reduce friction. Cotton pillowcases should be avoided and swapped for satin or other silky fabrics. Playing with your hair frequently or having a condition where you compulsively pick at different areas of your scalp can cause long-term hair growth problems. Sometimes mental health intervention can be necessary for compulsive hair picking issues.
Integrate Specialty Treatments
When more conservative methods for regrowing hair are not helpful, you can use specialty anti hair loss products. The most effective product you can purchase is minoxidil. It is available in different concentrations and should be applied to your scalp multiple times each day. Although minoxidil is highly effective, any hair regrown during treatment will fall out once you stop the treatment. Some people also find success by using ketoconazole shampoo, which is frequently used for dandruff and other scalp conditions. This specialty shampoo is mainly effective for male-pattern baldness, because it may inhibit dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Since both approaches are easily accessible, they are worth trying.
Hair loss is a common problem that can be caused by any number of issues. Before considering more drastic remedies, there are ways you can try and tackle the problem yourself.
