Hair loss and thinning are two common natural scenarios that occur as people age, with the American Academy of Dermatology estimating that 80 million Americans are affected. However, this doesn’t make it any easier. Hair loss can be triggered by many things, depending on your unique situation. For instance, breastfeeding mums are likely to experience some hair loss, which eventually resolves on its own.
When the hair loss is persistent, you’ll want to take action and embrace hair loss treatment early to avoid the worst of the damage. The good news is, there are plenty of simple steps you can take, such as leading a healthier life and taking advantage of hair-friendly habits. Here are some tried and tested ways to avoid hair loss.
Eat a Healthier Diet
Protein is a critical building block for the human body. Give your body an adequate amount of protein from dietary sources, such as fish, milk, or eggs. Also, adding vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids to your diet has been shown to promote hair growth. Omega 3s can be sourced from nuts, certain seeds (such as chia seeds), and oily fish (like salmon). For a dose of vitamins E and C, try a scoop of berries.
Vitamin D deficiency is another primary cause of hair loss, so be sure to soak up lots of sunlight. Note also, Vitamin A is a crucial promoter for the production of healthy sebum within the scalp, something that encourages hair growth. This vitamin can be found in dark leafy greens, mango, and papaya, among others.
Hydrate
Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Remember, hair follicles are comprised of at least one-quarter water. It means that you need to drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your hair hydrated for healthy growth.
Use Essential Oils to Pamper your Scalp
Using essential oils to massage your scalp allows your hair follicles to stay active and healthy. The oil tends to penetrate the hair shaft to protect your hair and maintain moisture. With enough moisture, your hair will not be damaged, and it will remain strong and dense.
One of the best essential oils today is rosemary oil, which a 2015 study found to be just as effective as minoxidil. It comes loaded with essential nutrients that keep your hair intact. You only need to rub it in and massage your clean scalp and hair for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate. Allow the oil to sit for at least ten minutes before cleaning it off with some mild shampoo. Even without essential oils, take about 4 minutes off your regular schedule to massage your scalp daily to stimulate hair growth.
Do not Wash your Hair with Hot Water
Your hair is delicate and can be damaged when cleaned with excessively hot water. The hot water will also strip the color of your hair. Instead, use lukewarm water to dilute the secretions of your oil glands, get rid of dirt, and boost the circulation of blood in your scalp. In your final wash, rinse off with cold water to stimulate blood circulation within the hair roots to leave your hair looking shiny and smooth.
Do not Brush Wet Hair
Whenever hair is wet, it tends to be very weak. It, therefore, means that brushing it in that state will trigger breakage. If you must brush your hair when still wet, at least use a comb with wide teeth and untangle it with your fingers instead of a brush or a comb.
Avoid Using Unverified Remedies
On the internet today, you will come across multiple hair loss remedies, most of which are not verified. These could include coconut oil and onion juice. Note that some of these have not been proven to work, while others could even damage your hair further. It is advisable to stick to recommended natural treatments. You are also advised to keep off chemical treatments, given that they could damage your hair. If you must blow-dry, do it at least once in a while under low heat settings.
Hair loss is common, especially from pattern baldness. If you are looking for remedies to prevent more loss and encourage regrowth, these are some of the best practices to embrace. Should these fail, consider seeking advanced hair loss treatment from a medical professional.
