How to Prevent or Reverse Hair Loss

The most common cause of hair loss in humans is androgenic alopecia, and its variants appear in both men and women. The condition is also known as male pattern baldness as it is more common in men. Sometimes, hair loss is caused by conditions associated with menopause. These include hormonal changes including a decrease in estrogen levels. Menopause can also hamper thyroid function, which may lead to abnormal hair loss.

Generally, there is a genetic element involved, and medical developments have made it possible to reverse hair loss by stimulating hair growth. You can also reverse hair loss by being a bit careful about hair care and simple dietary modifications.

Hair Care

-       The first step in this direction is to avoid wearing hair in tight ponytails, pigtails, or braids. The tension due to these high stress styling techniques often results in traction alopecia, a condition where there is gradual hair loss caused due to the pulling force such styles apply on the hair.

-       One of the common causes of hair loss is the use of synthetic hair care products that contain harmful and strong chemicals. Try to use natural hair care products that contain Aloe Vera and almond oil.     

Diet Modification

-       Make sure that you eat a healthy, natural, and balanced diet. A diet lacking in micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals often leads to hair loss in both men and women. If you experience fatigue and frequent illnesses along with hair loss, you can reasonably presume that it is diet related hair loss. If you want to reverse hair loss caused by poor nutrition, try taking a multivitamin or zinc supplement along with modifying your diet.

Physiological and Hormonal Conditions

-       Check your scalp for fungal infections. Sometimes, hair loss is caused due to skin conditions such as ringworm. If it is actually due to a skin ailment, the resolution of the condition will automatically reverse hair loss.

-       If you are experiencing sudden hair loss, you would do well to consult a doctor and ask him/her about hormonal imbalance, which is a common cause of hair loss, particularly in middle-aged men and women.

-   Hair loss may also be a side effect of a medication that you may be taking for a medical condition. The biggest culprits are chemotherapeutic drugs, but antidepressants, blood thinners, and birth control pills are also known to cause noticeable hair loss.

Surgical Procedures

-       Hair loss can also be reversed by opting for surgical procedures. The most common one is a hair transplant, a procedure where plugs of hair are inserted in the bald areas of the scalp. You may also discuss surgical procedures such as scalp transfers and/or bald patch removal.

Although the results are not very encouraging, you can try using topical medications and oral drugs that stimulate hair growth, but you need to be aware of the side effects of prolonged use of these medications.

If nothing works, you can try using hair extensions to cover bald patches. Hair extensions made from natural hair, particularly virgin Indian hair, will not only cover bald patches, but also add length and volume and give an entirely new look to your otherwise diminishing locks.