If you’ve started noticing your hair fall out, you’re likely to wonder if it’s temporary or an indication of continuous hair loss. While most men tend to have thinner hair when ageing, some can start to bald from any age. Male pattern baldness, commonly known as androgenetic alopecia, is an inherited trait that’s likely to increase with age. Although male pattern baldness is known to be the leading cause of hair loss, other non-hereditary factors also lead to hair loss.
Chances of non-hereditary hair loss causes continuing are very high unless you take necessary action to address these factors. The good news is that there are specific actions you can take to curb hair loss and enhance growth, thus preventing balding. We have highlighted some of the safest ways to aid you in preventing hair loss and balding. Read along to unleash what’s in store for you;
Regularly Washing the Hair with Mild Shampoo
If there are visible signs of your hair falling out, then using a shampoo that supports hair growth and keeps your scalp healthy is very crucial. With an ever-growing arsenal of hair loss shampoos, you can never miss out on one that works perfectly for you. Switch to an anti-DHI shampoo that contains Ketoconazole as it promotes hair growth and also contains antifungal properties to treat conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Wash your hair regularly to help keep your scalp clean.
Regular washing of your hair also lowers the risk of dandruff and infections that lead to hair loss or breakage. Washed hair will also give an impression of more volume. It’s recommendable to use over-the-counter ketoconazole shampoo every three to four days for up to eight weeks. Doctors mostly prescribe ketoconazole as a hair treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It’s, therefore, an antifungal you can trust to prevent the growth of fungus on the scalp.
Prescription and Over-The-Counter Drugs
To treat male pattern baldness, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two drugs, namely; Minoxidil and Finasteride. Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine is a liquid drug that increases blood flow and nutrient uptake to the follicles. The drug is applied to the scalp twice a day for hair growth and preventing hair loss.
Finasteride, also known as Propecia or Proscar, is a drug inform of a pill and is meant to be taken daily and is only available with a prescription from a physician. It works by inhibiting the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHI), which causes hair follicles to shrink and ultimately fall out. If you opt to use the drugs, do not expect immediate results as you may notice the results after a year of using the drugs. Therefore, you’ll have to keep on taking the drugs to maintain the benefits.
Vitamin for Hair Loss
If you’re worried about how to make your hair feel lavish and boost your growth rate, then consider adding vitamin supplements to your daily routine. The vitamins you get from taking your food aid in keeping your overall body healthy. However, additional vitamins for hair growth are needed to keep your hair strong and healthy.
Vitamins reduce hair loss, thus enhancing the growth of hair. While Vitamin A enhances the production of sebum in the scalp, Vitamin E aids in better circulation of blood in the scalp, thus helping your hair follicles remain productive. On the other hand, Vitamin B helps your hair maintain its healthy colour.
A Balanced Diet
There are various factors behind hair loss besides genetics. Some of those factors include diet, mineral deficiency, medications, stress, and pollution. If you start experiencing hair loss, it’s good to check your diet. Ensure you take a balanced diet enriched with protein.
Watch out and make sure your diet includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, unsaturated fats, whole grains and also a limited intake of sweets. Also include foods rich in omega-three fatty acids, for instance, salmon, egg yolks and tuna to curb hair loss and regrow back your hair.
Scalp Massage with Essential Oils
Massaging works by dilating minute arteries within the scalp which stimulates the hair follicles, therefore, prolonging the growth cycle of hair. A study conducted shows that men who received four minutes of scalp massage for 24 weeks had thicker hair than those who didn’t.
Besides stimulating blood flow, massage also reduces stress and tension, which is a common cause of hair loss. Massaging your hair is also known to promote the production of sebum. Low production of sebum can lead to dryness and flaking of the hair which causes itching and rubbing, which in turn leads to hair loss.
To further boost the benefits of scalp massage, it’s recommendable to combine your massage session by adding in essential oils for hair growth. The oils you choose will, however, depend on your goal. If you seek to promote blood circulation further, then opt for peppermint oil. On the other hand, almond oil can be used as an antioxidant and hair growth promoter, while rosemary oil extract is a great topical DHT blocker.
Keep your Head Sweat Free
Men with oily hair tend to get dandruff during summer as a result of sweating which increases chances of hair fall. To curb this, use shampoos that contain aloe and neem as they’re known to keep the head cool, therefore preventing your hair from dandruff.
Wearing helmets during summer also leads to hair loss. What makes the hair fall is the sweat accumulating in the pores, thus weakening hair roots. To prevent hair loss, wear a scarf or bandana over your head.
Rub Garlic, Onion or Ginger Juice on Scalp
One of the most effective natural remedies for weakened hair is rubbing garlic and onion juice on the scalp. A mixture of garlic and onion juice not only stimulates blood flow to the scalp but also nourishes the hair and encourages it to grow and strengthen. Once you apply the mixture, leave it overnight and wash it out in the morning. For noticeable results, you can do it regularly a week.
You can also opt to rub green tea into your hair to curb hair loss problems. You need to brew two bags of green tea in a cup of water and then leave it to cool. You can proceed to apply it to your hair. Then rinse your hair thoroughly after about an hour. For faster noticeable results, do this regularly for a week to 10 days.
Honourable Mentions
Other important tips to prevent hair loss and balding include;
Keeping away from chemicals and permanent colour products. If experiencing hair loss, it’s advisable not to colour your hair as these products contain harsh chemicals.
Living a stressful lifestyle will most likely lead to hair loss. However, you can destress by exercising regularly, listening to music, doing yoga and meditating. Getting enough sleep is also essential.
Everything considered, worry not about hair loss and balding as incorporating a tip or two might go a long way in restoring your lost hair.