How to keep your hair healthy and prevent hair loss

Losing a little hair each day is a natural part of the hair life cycle.

However, many factors, including age and specific health conditions, can increase hair loss, causing balding or patchy areas.

While hair loss is common, several methods can help keep your hair healthy.

Are there any sure ways to keep your hair?

While there is no particular method to keeping your hair, there are some ways you can help reduce the risk of hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

Several products are available that do not need a doctor’s prescription. However, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new treatments. This is because certain ingredients may interact with other medications you are taking, reducing their efficacy or causing serious side effects.

If you’re concerned about losing your hair, some ways to help prevent hair loss include:

• keeping good hair and scalp hygiene
• avoiding harsh chemicals on your hair
• eating a balanced and nutritious diet

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How to keep hair healthy

Below are some of the ways you can help keep your head and scalp healthy to promote and support hair growth.

Washing hair and scalp

Frequently washing your hair and scalp may protect against hair loss by preventing the buildup of dirt and bacteria. Choose mild shampoo formulas to help avoid hair and scalp dryness, which may lead to hair loss.

A 2021 study found that washing the hair 5–6 times a week can help keep the hair and scalp clean and maintain oil balance without causing any overcleaning complications.

Conditioning and special shampoo formulations

Certain shampoo and hair conditioning formulas contain ingredients that research has found to benefit hair growth, prevent hair loss, and help add volume and thicken hair. These ingredients may include:

• vitamin B3 (niacin)
• vitamin B7 (biotin)
• vitamin B9 (folic acid)
• essential oils
• phytochemicals, like ginger, palmetto, and caffeine
• minoxidil

Avoiding chemicals and excessive styling

Perms, hair dye, and other cosmetic chemical treatments can damage your hair and scalp, increasing the risk of hair loss. If you want to dye your hair, choose organic dyes free from harsh chemicals like peroxide, ammonia, or para-phenylenediamine.

Wearing certain hairstyles, like tight ponytails or braids, may pull the root of your hair, causing damage and shedding. Additionally, styling tools that use heat, like straighteners or curling wands, can cause the hair to break and weaken.

Getting enough protein

The hair follicles are primarily composed of a protein called keratin. Some experts believe a protein-rich diet may help prevent hair loss and keep hair follicles healthy. However, more research is necessary.

Some healthy protein-rich foods include:

• nuts
• fish
• poultry
• eggs
• low fat dairy products
• legumes, like lentils, peas, and beans

Taking multivitamins

Vitamins and minerals are important for hair growth and preventing hair loss. If you’re not getting enough vitamins from your food, or if a healthcare professional advises you have a specific deficiency, taking multivitamins may ensure you have optimal levels of the correct minerals and vitamins to reduce the risk of hair loss.

The vitamins and minerals associated with hair growth and retention may include:

• vitamin B-complex
• selenium
• vitamin C
• zinc
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• iron
• vitamin A

Essential oils

Essential oils may help improve hair loss, particularly if you have alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is a common disease that mainly causes hair loss on the scalp, but it can occur anywhere on the body and affect anyone of any gender and skin tone.

Oils and extracts that may help with hair loss can include:

• thyme
• chamomille
• lavender
• lemongrass
• peppermint
• argan
• tea tree
• jojoba
• coconut
• olive

Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in herbs and vegetables that provide minerals and vitamins may reduce hair loss risk.

A 2018 study found that the Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of androgenic alopecia and slow its development.

People who ate fresh herbs and raw vegetables more than three times per week displayed the best results. Herbs and raw vegetables may include:

• parsley
• basil
• lettuce
• spinach
• kale

What are the reasons for hair loss?

Hair shedding occurs in about 85% of biological males and 40% of biological females. The most common cause of hair loss is alopecia areata. However, hair loss can happen for many reasons, including:

• vitamin or mineral deficiencies
• excessive vitamin or mineral intake
• stress
• depression
• hormone imbalances
• genetic predisposition
• skin or hair growth disorders
• childbirth
• medication side effects
• recreational or illegal drug use
• having obesity
• sudden weight loss
• scalp infections

Doctors can diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend the most appropriate treatments. Often, treating the underlying cause of hair loss may stop the shedding and even promote hair regrowth.

Hair loss medications

If you experience hair loss, doctors and healthcare professionals may recommend medications, and there are several that can help slow hair loss and stimulate regrowth. While you can buy some over the counter, others are available with a doctor’s prescription only.

The most appropriate medication may differ based on your symptoms and the cause of hair loss, but some of the medications may include:

• minoxidil (Rogaine)
• finasteride (Propecia)
• dutasteride (Avodart)
• spironolactone (Aldactone)

If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Low level laser therapy

You may also be able to try low level laser therapy (LLLT) to help regrow your hair.

This procedure uses a laser that sends photons to your scalp, which are absorbed into the cells to stimulate hair regrowth. LLLT is a safe procedure and does not usually cause discomfort or serious side effects.

Hair transplant

Hair transplant surgery may be an option for you, and although it may not stop further hair loss, it can help to fill patches of hair loss.

Different from LLLT, hair transplants can cause some pain, temporary bleeding, and other complications.

Summary

It is impossible to eliminate the risk of hair loss. However, alongside beneficial habits, many products like hair growth medications and supplements may help prevent it.

If you notice any sudden changes in your hair, consider speaking with a doctor or healthcare professional. They can check for underlying conditions and advise on the most appropriate treatment.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.