With hair loss affecting roughly 50% of men and 25% of women within the UK according to the latest research, it’s safe to say that hair loss and thinning represent widespread problems. The causes of hair loss differ, with temporary and permanent thinning and baldness the result of illness, stress, weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.
If you are worried about hair loss or are currently negotiating the early signs of baldness or thinning, taking steps to prevent or slow loss and bolster or encourage growth is important. Read on to discover our top tips for doing just that.
Your diet should be the first stop on your hair loss prevention journey. Increasing your intake of certain nutrients, vitamins and minerals has proved effective for the prevention of hair loss and thinning, with protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, selenium, zinc and biotin (also known as vitamin H or B7) all thought to support hair growth.
Going Mediterranean with your entire diet is a great way to introduce the vitamins and minerals that ensure healthy locks as Express details:
“A study published in Archives of Dermatological Research found that a Mediterranean diet might reduce the risk of androgenic alopecia or slow its progress, especially for men. The Mediterranean diet is known for its many health benefits including lowering your chances of heart disease and stroke. The evidence now also suggests that this diet can help with your hair loss too.”
How you care for your hair can also affect its condition. With this in mind, changing your hair care routine for more positive results is a must. When washing your natural hair, do so little and often. Daily washing with a gentle formulation will keep the hair and scalp clean and healthy while preventing dryness and breakages.
Take the gentler approach when styling too. Avoid heated tools to preserve hair health, and opt for looser styles instead of tighter braids and ponytails to limit unnecessary tension.
As you’ll quickly discover not all hair loss treatments were created equal. Minoxidil and Finasteride are both medications proven to reduce hair loss and encourage growth. Whether prescribed or purchased over the counter, these treatments do come with side effects. Itchy scalps, acne and even loss of libido have been linked to their continued use.
While not scientifically proven, certain essential oils are celebrated for preventing and treating hair loss, including baldness caused by conditions like alopecia.
Lavender, tea tree, chamomile, lemongrass, thyme and peppermint are just a small selection of essential oils that have been studied to date. When combined with a suitable carrier oil, these essential oils can be applied to the scalp. Leave them to soak in for 10 minutes before washing your hair and scalp as normal.
Wigs shouldn’t just be your go-to for when hair loss and thinning become more serious. Our human hair and synthetic wigs can be used as protective styles to provide the coverage your natural hair and scalp need during their recovery.
With a wig, you can truly enjoy the best of both worlds, striking a balance between protecting your natural hair and experimenting with your style.
Find more top tips for caring for your natural hair or shop our full range of wigs right here.
