Stopping Hair Loss

Losing hair can be shocking and a blow to self-esteem, but what can you do?  Most people like having a head of thick hair, and it can be devastating when it disappears. Below are some things to try when you are searching for how to stop hair loss.

Be Gentle

Be gentle with your hair. Don’t use hair rollers or wear styles that will put physical stress on your hair. Opt for air drying your hair after washing, rather than bow drying. Extra brushing and styling can make more hairs come out, causing more of an appearance of thinning hair.

Washing

Don’t shampoo every day, instead aim for every other day — or longer if you can. Try a shampoo designed for anti-hair loss. There are many shampoos and treatments for revitalizing the hair and scalp. I’ve benefited from switching to “organic” shampoo that is sulfate free. Look for products that are gentle to the hair and scalp. Avoid chemical treatments, like perms.

Diet

A poor diet can lead to temporary hair loss and slow hair growth. Eat a healthy diet, making sure that you get enough protein and nutrients. Don’t skip meals or crash diet. Decrease your intake of sugar, sodium, fat, and processed foods.  Vitamins and minerals are essential to nourishing hair follicles, the scalp, and hair — so make sure you get enough vitamin A, C, E, K, beta-carotene, and B complex vitamins. Biotin is especially good for promoting hair growth and helping thinning hair.

Stress

If you are going through a particularly stressful time, you may notice hair loss or thin, brittle hair. Stress can impact not only your mental health, but physical health, and your appearance. Stressful situations can’t always be avoided, but try find an outlet for dealing with stress — exercise, massage, or some other way of coping.

Sometimes controlling your hair falling out is beyond your control. Hair can start falling out for medical reasons or hormonal problems. If you try to stop hair loss and are distressed because nothing you try seems to help, then consult your doctor. You may be suffering from an undiagnosed condition that needs treating. Many things can cause hair to fall out.

updated 3/26/14