Hair loss is one of the leading causes of low confidence in women and men today. As it becomes a more widespread and openly discussed issue, there is also more research being done on why hair loss occurs and what we can do to remedy or prevent it.
As a cosmetologist, I have noticed a void in the hair industry of knowledge of what to do or say when a client approaches a professional with these issues. We want to help, but cosmetology school only brushes the surface of pinpointing the cause of hair loss. It is certainly not common to learn how to treat it!
Most of the time, the first step clients take is to visit the dermatologist in hopes they can diagnose and treat the issue. Sometimes this proves to be the best route. It is common, though, for patients to leave more frustrated than when they arrived.
Dermatologists treat issues of the skin, but hair loss is not always a product of a skin condition. Often it is a result of a combination of things, internally and externally, that ultimately result in the excess shedding of hair. Common causes of hair loss include hormonal issues, stress, genetics, skin disorders, and allergies to topical products. Dermatologists can usually pinpoint the cause, but don’t always offer a wide range of solutions. Patients are commonly sent home with a minoxidil prescription or recommended PRP treatments, but this doesn’t always nix the underlying issue. Fortunately, most of the issues can be fixed, and in some cases the damage is reversible.
So, what else can be done to solve your hair thinning woes? My number one recommendation to clients is to first see your primary care physician. Share your concerns about your hair loss and request recommendations as well as a full bloodwork panel to ensure there are no hormonal imbalances or vitamin deficiencies.
Next, find a hair stylist that specializes in thinning hair to request a style that suits your hair texture and density. A hair extensions expert may be a wise choice, as they often deal with thinning hair and can recommend hair replacement methods as well. In addition to seeing your dermatologist or hairstylist for these issues, you can also search for a trichologist or hair loss practitioner in your area.
A trichologist is a trained practitioner that specializes solely in disorders of the scalp and hair. Most trichologists will consult with you, take a very close look at your scalp using a special scope, and pinpoint any visible issues. They will then offer a wide range of solutions including lifestyle changes, products, laser treatments and even stem cell growth factors!
So, now that you know where to seek professional help, what can you do in the meantime to get your shedding under control? You may be surprised at the parts of your daily routine that could be contributing to your hair troubles. No worries, I’m here to help!
Here are my top 3 recommendations for changing your habits, and to help grow your hair back!
1. Get on a better shampooing regimen.
I’m sure you’ve heard conflicting recommendations for how often you should wash your hair. I hear it all from clients, they have been told anywhere from every day to once a week for washing frequency. While it does depend on your natural oil production and other factors like weather, styling products used and styling methods- there’s still an average wash routine that seems to work well universally.
I highly recommend going no less than 2 days and no more than 4! This will ensure that you are not drying your scalp out (we don’t want to leave our scalp completely devoid of oils) but will also guarantee you aren’t going so long that you’re creating follicle-clogging buildup. Dry shampoos and such can also clog the follicles, so we don’t want to get so greasy that we are relying on heavy, chalky powders to soak up excess oils.
2. Avoid hair growth product gimmicks.
With the persistent culture of targeted ads, anyone experiencing hair loss has likely been bombarded with predatory advertising from “hair loss miracle” product companies. Unfortunately, most of these are just a combination of old wives’ tale remedies and heavy oils. Yes, there are certainly herbs and ingredients that aid in stimulating hair growth- but most of them only work in very specific ways- usually not in the way they have been sold to you. The ingredients, especially heavy oils in some of these products can cause more hair loss.
I always remind my clients that if a product were truly a miracle, everyone would be using it and we’d have completely cured the hair loss problem for all! Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. There is no “miracle product”. I can only image the millions of dollars thrown away on these false promises.
When seeking a product that will truly help, you’ll want to find something backed by a physician or dermatologist. Check into the research done on the product and make sure it was a non-biased study and that the studies were conducted on a large scale for more accurate result reporting. Look for ingredients that have been proven to stimulate hair growth and avoid products with loads of essential oils and heavy serums.
Some key ingredients and verbiage to look for when researching a product line are:
· Horsetail
· Saw Palmetto
· Minoxidil
· DHT-Blocking
· Stinging Nettle
· Gingko Biloba
· Marine Ingredients
These ingredients have been shown to truly enhance hair production and won’t cause pesky buildup or irritation.
3. Rebalance your diet.
Another simple change you can make is to re-evaluate your nutrition habits! Key elements of your diet play a part in your scalp’s hair production. You’ll want to make sure your diet is rich in essential nutrients that stimulate hair growth and prevent shedding.
According to Web MD, “Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s, play a key role in the health of your skin, hair, and nails.” You’ll want to consume a healthy amount of foods rich in these fatty acids. Try adding in more fatty fish, flax and chia seeds, nuts, and cruciferous vegetables. They state that “Protein is also critical for keeping your hair healthy…. Lean meats like fish and chicken, eggs, and soy products are good sources. Eat one serving every day.”.
Vitamins play a key role in hair health as well. B vitamins and minerals as well as folic acid are essential to maintaining a healthy mane. Be sure to take a multivitamin if you feel you don’t get enough of these from your daily food intake.
Overall, there are so many ways to tackle this issue on your own, or with the help of a pro. You’ll have to decide which route is best for you, and that will probably depend on the cause and severity of your thinning. In the meantime, hopefully these tips will help kickstart your journey into regrowing full, beautiful and healthy hair. By using a proper haircare regimen, knowing what to look for in a product line, and make a few simple diet changes- you’ll be seeing results in no time!