What Can You Do to Stop Hair Loss?

For men and women who suffer from hair loss due to thinning hair, some of the most effective non-surgical treatments available include prescriptive topicals, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and oral supplements. The Whole Beauty® Institute offers hair restoration in Chicago for many individuals who are bothered by thinning, patchy, or balding areas on the scalp. Healthy-looking hair is considered by many to be a sign of health and beauty, so when an individual notices hair loss occurring, it can be a cause for concern. However, hair loss (or shedding) is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. On average, we lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day. If you’re regularly losing more than this, or you have a receding hairline, it may be best to see a specialist to determine whether you have hair loss that’s caused by an underlying condition.

Some of the most common causes of hair loss are genetics, hormonal changes or imbalances, aging, medical conditions, stressors, and hairstyles that pull on the scalp. Hair thinning and balding are very common conditions. In fact, studies have shown that more than 80 million Americans suffer from hair loss (alopecia) of some sort.

For most types of hair loss, treatments such as prescriptive topicals combined with PRP are available to restore fuller, healthier hair. Prescriptive topicals 5% Minoxidile and 5% Minoxidile Finesteride help to reset the hair growth cycles (growth, transition, resting, and shedding) for those whose shedding cycle is too long, and gets it back into the growth phase. These topical prescriptions are made to order for each patient and are free of preservatives found in OTC Minoxidil (propylene glycol and alcohol), which can dry and irritate the scalp.

Additionally, PRP is a regenerative treatment that speeds up the body’s healing process. It involves using a small sample of a patient’s own blood to extract healing and growth factors, which strengthen existing hair and help minimize hair loss.

Along with these combined treatments for hair restoration, you can also take these additional steps to reduce hair shedding.

1. Eat More Protein

Nutrition is something that can have an impact on hair growth. Inadequate protein can cause noticeable effects on your scalp. Hair is mostly made up of a protein called keratin. We need 60 to 100 grams of protein a day to support healthy hair. Your nutrition can also impact hair growth in other ways. For example, it’s important to avoid fad diets that prevent you from getting the adequate amount of nutrients you need, such as fatty acids and zinc.

2. Take Vitamins

There’s some evidence to suggest that vitamins can help reduce hair loss. If you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, the lack could cause you to lose hair. Optimal nutrient intake is thought to be the key to improving hair quality and growth. Some of the most important vitamins and minerals to support healthy hair are vitamins A, B, C, D, E, iron, selenium, and zinc. Taking a multivitamin supplement may be helpful for your hair.

3. Care for Your Hair and Scalp

Inflammation on the scalp can be detrimental to hair growth, so you should try to take proper care of your hair and scalp to avoid skin problems. Refrain from having any types of overly harsh treatments for your hair—such as heating tools, hair dyes, and bleaching—if you’re concerned about hair loss. Chemical treatments can be damaging to the hair and scalp. Avoid tight ponytails or braids that pull on the hair too much and make the shedding worse. Wash your hair and scalp regularly to maintain health and hygiene.

4. Scalp Massage

There is limited research on the effects of scalp massages on hair growth, but there’s some evidence to suggest they may be beneficial. A massage for the scalp is similar to what you’d have done on the neck or back, but gentler. This type of massage improves blood flow and can also be relaxing and help to reduce stress or tension.

Learn more about hair restoration by contacting the Whole Beauty® Institute at 312-751-2112 (Chicago Gold Coast Office), 847-446-7562 (North Shore (Winnetka) Office), or submitting a contact form to schedule a consultation so that you can find out if hair restoration treatments would be beneficial for you.