Whether you are noticing a few loose hairs in your sink or have just discovered a bald spot, the prospect of hair loss can be very alarming. The information and tips contained in this article should help to shed some light on the causes, treatment, and solutions for hair loss.
Do not use any hair loss medications until you have discussed it with your doctor. While some over-the-counter treatments are safe, others may not be. Also, if you suffer from any medical conditions your doctor may tell you which hair loss treatments are safe for you to use and which are not.
If you play a sport in high school or college, make sure that you limit the amount of oil on your head by shampooing often and with the right products. When you sweat your hair will become very greasy which can reduce the quality of each strand of hair. Avoid this if you want to maximize the longevity of your hair.
Learn to deal with stress effectively. Stress alters hormone levels in your body, so the more you stress yourself, the more likely it is that you will experience hair loss. Deal with stress in a better way and you might be saving your hair. Take up meditation or other stress-reducing techniques.
Avoid overuse of various chemicals in your hair. If you are continuously dying, treating, and using other types of chemicals in your hair, you will be more apt to begin balding prematurely. Try using natural products in your hair and avoid stripping your hair using chemicals that are killing your follicles.
You want to avoid excessive alcohol usage if you want to prevent hair loss. It is a medical fact that damage to the liver can cause hair to fall out in both men and women. This does not mean that you cannot drink at all, just try to limit it as much as you can.
As tough it may be, you may want to avoid masturbating if you want to prevent balding and hair loss. Research has shown that masturbation leads to elevated levels of DHT, a male hormone that causes hair loss. If you are going to masturbate, try not to do so everyday.
For women who are worried about hair loss, avoid pulling your hair back tightly. The hair on the top and front of our heads is very sensitive and tend to be what are pulled the most tightly. This gradually brings the end of the hair follicle closer to the scalp, which makes it fall out easier.
If you are losing your hair due to medications or aging, the best thing you can do is to simply accept that this is happening. You can be attractive without your hair. Move past the denial and accept that you are losing your hair, so that you can take steps to deal with the issue.
Make sure that you comb your hair before you go to sleep each night if you want to prevent hair loss. Hair that is combed or brushed before bed is healthier and less likely to fall out. Try not to sleep on your hair either– this makes it more likely to fall out.
Maintain a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Keeping your whole body healthy will also keep your hair healthy, and healthier hair is likely to last longer. In addition, keeping your hair healthy will result in sleeker and shinier hair, improving your appearance.
Alopecia areata, caused when hair follicles are attacked by the immune system, can be treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids may be injected into the scalp every 4 to 6 weeks and are best for patchy hair loss. Corticosteroid creams or ointments may be used with injected steroids or other medicines such as minoxidil. Oral corticosteroids are rarely used because of side effects.
One thing many people take for granted when trying to prevent hair loss is proper combing. A wide tooth comb should always be used to untangle your hair, thereby reducing torn hair from tangled or matted areas. Hair should ideally be combed when it is dry, since combing wet hair can result in additional breakage.
The way that you style your hair may be putting you at greater risk for hair loss. Hair loss can occur when people consistently pull their hair back tightly using barrettes and elastic bands. This can lead to traction alopecia, a condition that can cause hair loss.
Treat your hair gently to avoid hair loss. After gently washing and conditioning your hair, wrap it gently in a warm towel and allow excess water to blot off. Once your hair is just slightly damp, comb it out gently with a wide toothed comb and allow it to air dry naturally rather than using a hot blow dryer.
Make sure you drink enough water daily. Water can help get rid of toxins in your body that could be contributing to hair loss. You should drink at least 14 glasses of water that is filtered and without chlorine and lead. Water can help prevent hair loss in the future.
To help treat hair loss related to a skin problem, consider including more essential fatty acids in your diet. In scientific studies, increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids has sometimes shown improvement in hair loss related to a skin condition. Omega-3 foods include flax seeds, walnuts and salmon, and omega-6 foods include egg yolks and cooking oils. Keep the two types of fatty acids in proper balance for optimal results.
If you have people in your family that suffer from hair loss, you may want to try this technique to prevent it from happening to you. Boil peach leaves, burdock, nettle, rosemary and sage together. Allow the mixture to cool and massage your scalp with it three times a week.
Now that you are more familiar with your options for dealing with the thinning or loss of your hair, you can determine what your next step will be. There are a variety of ways to treat, conceal, or regrow hair that has been lost due to both medical and non-medical causes.