Losing hair is a reality for millions, leading many to hope and search for ways to reverse the process. This can be complicated because the cause of hair loss varies. The most common causes include aging, hormone imbalances, genetics, and various medical conditions, but not all treatments work for all types of hair loss.
Fortunately, treatments for hair loss have come a long way, giving you various options for regaining a full scalp. From medications to surgical interventions, deciding the best option for you can be overwhelming. Understanding your choices allows you to make an informed decision about your hair growth journey. Here are four techniques for regaining a full head of hair.
1. Surgery
Hair transplant surgery is one of the most effective ways to win back your full head of hair. The two most common types of hair transplant are follicular unit extraction and follicular unit transplantation. Costs for surgeries vary and are typically based on how much hair is transplanted. During these procedures, hair is taken from other parts of your scalp and moved to areas with little to no hair. The surgeon will begin by cleaning your scalp and injecting a numbing medication.
With follicular unit transplantation, a strip of skin is removed from the back of the head and set aside. The scalp is sewn closed, and the strip is separated into tiny hair grafts to be implanted. The individual follicles are removed and planted somewhere else during follicular unit extraction. The kind of graft you receive depends on your hair quality, type, and where you receive the transplant. It’s wise to speak with a hair transplant professional to discuss the best option for you.
2. Medications and Supplements
Medication is another popular route for dealing with balding or thinning hair. Minoxidil, or Rogaine, is an over-the-counter medication that comes as shampoo, liquid, or foam and is applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil products help regrow hair and slow down the rate of hair loss. It works because it improves blood flow to the hair follicles, meaning they get the nutrients they need to grow hair.
Finasteride is another FDA-approved medication for hair loss. It’s a daily prescription pill for men that reduces hair loss and promotes regrowth. It works by blocking the hormones that lead to male pattern baldness. Finasteride can also come in this form if you prefer a topical solution. Often, it’s combined with minoxidil to give users multiple benefits.
In addition to prescription and over-the-counter medications, some supplements can help you manage hair loss. Some studies suggest that zinc, vitamin E, omega-3, and biotin improve hair density. However, it’s important to remember research is more limited on the success rates of these supplements than medication. Speak with a healthcare provider before taking any medicine or supplement.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes could make a significant difference in reversing hair loss. Firstly, your diet plays a role in your overall health, as well as the health of your hair. Eating a protein-rich diet can benefit your locks because hair mostly consists of a protein called keratin. Lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans are all great protein sources.
Iron also plays a large part in hair health. When you don’t consume enough iron, your body can’t produce the hemoglobin that carries oxygen to your hair follicles. This action is essential for the growth and repair of hair cells in your body. Low iron levels could also lead to anemia, ramping hair shedding. Fill your plate with spinach, legumes, red meat, and shellfish if you need more iron.
Beyond poor diet, smoking and being under constant stress are two other factors that contribute to hair loss. If you’re a smoker, toss out your cigs or vape to allow your hair — and lungs — to stay healthy and strong. In addition, take care of your mental health. Poor stress management can lead to many types of hair loss, so you need to find techniques for managing these feelings. Therapy, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices can help you productively deal with stress.
4. Properly Care for the Hair You Have
Properly caring for your hair is crucial to preventing hair loss from worsening. Firstly, use a gentle shampoo and moisturize with conditioner after every wash. Properly nourishing your hair reduces hair breakage, frizz, and split ends. A leave-in conditioner and detangler can also be beneficial if you struggle with thinning hair that easily breaks. Gently brushing or combing your locks is another helpful technique to reduce hair loss and strengthen your strands.
Knowing what not to do to your locks is as important as learning best practices. Avoid coloring your hair too frequently, especially if you take the at-home approach. You should also limit using heat tools like flat irons, blow dryers, and curling irons, as these tools can damage hair. If you do choose to use heat tools, make sure you apply a heat protectant first.
Regarding styling, avoiding tight hairstyles like braids, buns, and ponytails is also important. Wearing these styles too often pulls on your scalp and can lead to traction alopecia. This hair loss is directly connected to tight hairstyles where follicles are under much pressure.
From Bald to Beautiful
Balding can affect more than just your physical appearance; losing your hair can hurt your self-esteem and cause a range of stressful emotions. Luckily, losing your hair doesn’t have to be your locked-in fate. Finding the right treatment plan can help restore your locks, having you looking and feeling your greatest.
In most cases, a medical professional helps uncover the cause of your hair loss and assists you in finding the next best steps. A combination of solutions, such as lifestyle habits and medical interventions, might be more successful than just a single strategy.
It’s essential to remember that no treatment option will be the best fit for every person. Discovering what works well for you may take time. Regardless of where your hair loss journey leads, remember that you are still you at the end of the day. You deserve to feel bold and beautiful no matter what.
