Many people suffering from hair loss mistakenly believe there is nothing they can do about their situation. Not only are there ways you can help slow further hair loss, but you can achieve healthier and thicker hair along the way! Fight back against hair loss with these tips:
1. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.
Your scalp is skin, so it needs the same care you give your face. You keep your face clean, moisturized and protected from the harsh rays of the sun, so give your scalp that same love.
If you’re worried that washing your hair too much accelerates hair loss, in fact the exact opposite is true. Allowing environmental debris, dead skin and oil to build up on your scalp can clog follicles and inhibit hair growth. Use a sulfate- and paraben-free volumizing shampoo and conditioner at least twice a week to clean and moisturize your hair and scalp. Slowly massage your scalp while you shampoo to stimulate circulation and bring oxygen your hair follicles. Bonus: massaging your scalp feels great and gives your mood a lift!
When you’re out in the sun, wear a hat or spray on a styling product that offers UV protection to help prevent damage to your hair and scalp.
2. Eat a strand-strengthening diet
Your hair is made of protein. When you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, hair growth can go into a resting phase. Meanwhile, natural hair shedding continues. The net result is hair loss. One good source of protein that can help alleviate this problem is Greek yogurt. Not only is it a healthy, portable snack, it’s a versatile ingredient you can sneak into smoothies, salad dressings and even baking.
Orange may not be in your color palette, but it should be on your plate. Sweet potatoes, carrots, mangos, cantaloupe and pumpkin all contain an anti-oxidant called beta carotene which turns into vitamin A in your body. This essential vitamin helps protect against dry, dull hair lessening the chances of breakage and helping your hair appear fuller and healthier.
Essential fatty acids, especially omega 3’s, help keep your hair and scalp from drying out. Nibble on some walnuts and almonds, or enjoy a salmon or tuna steak to help keep your locks lush and shiny.
Did you know that not getting enough iron can lead to hair loss? You can get this all-important mineral from fortified cereal and pasta, beef, soybeans, dark green vegetables like spinach or kale, and even eggs. Besides being a great source of iron and protein, eggs are packed with biotin, a critical nutrient for hair growth.
3. Style Gently
Tight pony tails, buns and braids are a trend for both men and women, but the truth is that these styles are not good for your hair. Hairstyles that pull too tightly on the root of the hair may result in a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Instead, go for the kinder, gentler and equally-hip loose ponytail, messy bun or soft fish tail braid to avoid putting extra pressure on your hair follicles.
Try to keep heat styling to a minimum and allow your hair to air dry as much as possible. Heat can damage your hair and lead to breakage, so when you must blow dry, use the coolest setting on your dryer and spray a heat protectant on your tresses.