What are the most common causes of hair loss?
- Inherited male-pattern or female-pattern hair loss
- Age, especially after 50
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy and menopause
- Increased levels of testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in PCOS.
- Hair damage from over-styling with heat or harsh products
- Fungal infection (ringworm)
- Inadequate intake of protein or iron in the diet
- Trauma to the body (as in surgery or injury)
- Chronic stress
- Autoimmune disorders
- Weight loss
- Chemotherapy
Is it possible to stop hair loss and grow new hair?
There are a variety of ways you can help stimulate hair regrowth. While it may take some effort and patience, specific steps and lifestyle changes can help you get your locks back on track! Here are the best tips on how to regrow your hair.
1. Find the root problem
There are a lot of factors that can lead to hair loss. Diet, stressful events, illnesses, chronic conditions, childbirth, and more can cause hair to shed. To stop your excessive hair loss, you need to know what caused it in the first place. Taking the quiz on MDhair.co and uploading a picture of the crown of your head will allow you to do just that.
2. Focus on scalp care - put down the flat iron and put a pause on hair coloring
While waiting for your hair to regrow, you need to treat it as kindly as possible and focus on scalp care. This means avoiding anything weakening your hair and promoting further hair fall. Avoid using hot styling tools like curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers. If you must use them, there are a few things you can do to limit the damage. First, try using these tools at the lowest possible temperatures (that still allows you to achieve the style you're going for). You'll also want to use a heat-protectant hair product whenever you heat-style your hair. These types of products can help minimize breakage caused by hot tools. It would help if you also tried to avoid coloring your hair while waiting for it to regrow, as the chemicals can further weaken it. Keep your hair as strong as possible by avoiding the dye!
3. Ensure you're getting the right vitamins and minerals - best for postpartum, stress, and nutrition-related hair loss
In addition to protein, various vitamins and minerals are crucial to include in a hair-healthy diet. A diet lacking zinc, iron, fatty acids, folic acid, biotin, vitamin A, vitamin D, and/or vitamin E can contribute to poor hair health. In addition to adding foods rich in these vitamins and minerals to your diet, you may want to talk to your doctor about whether you should add any supplements to your routine to help support your hair.
4. Use hair care treatment serum - helpful for most types of female hair loss
Some essential oils have been found to help promote hair regrowth naturally, and many people turn to them as home remedies. You can make your hair oil by mixing a few drops of rosemary or peppermint oil with a gentle carrier oil (like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil). This hair oil can be massaged into the scalp before washing it out to increase blood flow and promote regrowth. For the best results, do this process a few times a week. Alternatively, you can mix a few drops of these essential oils into your shampoo or conditioner to promote new hair growth as you wash your hair.
5. Look into Minoxidil - best for genetically related hair loss
Minoxidil – the active ingredient in Rogaine – has been shown to help promote hair growth and is a popular treatment option for those trying to regrow hair. While it may not be appropriate for everyone, many have found success with consistent use. Talk to your dermatologist about whether a minoxidil-based product is the right choice for your situation, and review the side effects. You can get lower-concentration products over-the-counter and a higher percentage of products requiring a prescription.
6. Take collagen supplements
Collagen constitutes about 25% of our total proteins. Basic science research suggests that collagen deficiency in hair follicles leads to premature hair thinning. In a study from 2012, taking marine collagen improved hair volume, hair shine and thickness, skin moisture retention, and skin smoothness. Another 2017 study showed that taking collagen supplements for six months improved nail growth and decreased nail breakage.
7. Avoid tight up-dos
Similarly, fast up-do hairstyles can unnecessarily strain and pull on your scalp and hair. This will only exacerbate hair loss – specifically traction alopecia, a type of hair loss that mainly affects the hairline and is caused by repeatedly pulling on your hair. While an occasional high ponytail is fine, try other hairstyles in your rotation that don't pull your hair. If you need to keep your hair out of your face, try using a loosely tied scarf as a headband or putting your hair back in a low ponytail.
8. Make sure you're eating a balanced, protein-rich diet - essential for nutrition-related hair loss
A diet lacking in protein has been linked to hair loss, so be sure to eat enough protein daily to support healthy hair – and your overall health! Eggs, fish, meat, lentils, and beans are some foods you can include in your diet to ensure you're eating adequate protein.
Additionally, it's just as essential to make sure you're eating enough food every day based on your gender, age, and levels of physical activity. If you're not consuming enough food, your body won't have the nutrients and energy necessary to function at its best – and your hair can be one of the first things to suffer visibly.
9. Treat yourself to regular scalp massages
This is a hair regrowth tip we can all easily support! In a smaller study of nine men, researchers found that after 24 weeks of daily, 4-minute scalp massages, the participants had thicker hair than they did at the start of the study. This shows that regularly massaging your scalp may help strengthen the hair, making it less likely to break.
10. Look for caffeine-based topical products
Interestingly enough, your hair can benefit from a boost of caffeine! A study found that topical scalp products that contain caffeine support the hair follicles, helping to promote hair growth and stronger hair. Give yourself a scalp massage to rub in your product of choice, and give your hair a double dose of regrowth power.
Shop:
MDhair's Regrowth supplements
MDhair's Restore scalp treatment serum
MDhair's Conditioner
MDhair Marine Collagen
FAQs:
1. What are the common causes of hair loss?
Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including inherited male-pattern or female-pattern baldness, aging (especially after 50), hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause, increased testosterone and DHT levels in PCOS, over-styling with heat or harsh products, fungal infections, inadequate protein or iron intake, physical trauma, chronic stress, autoimmune disorders, significant weight loss, and chemotherapy.
2. How can I identify the root cause of my hair loss?
To determine the specific cause of hair loss, consider factors like diet, stress, illnesses, chronic conditions, childbirth, and more. MDhair.co offers a quiz and an option to upload a picture of your scalp to help identify the cause.
3. Are there effective scalp care practices to help regrow hair?
Yes, focusing on scalp care is crucial. This includes avoiding hot styling tools, using them at low temperatures with heat-protectant products, and pausing hair coloring. Keeping the scalp and hair healthy is key to regrowth.
4. What vitamins and minerals are essential for hair health?
A diet rich in zinc, iron, fatty acids, folic acid, biotin, vitamins A, D, E, and protein is vital for hair health. The type of supplements should be chosen based on the root cause of hair loss. Examples are MDhair DHT blocking Regrowth supplements that were specially formulated for women and men with androgenetic age and hormonal-related hair loss and the MDhair Restore supplements that were specially formulated for people with stress or diet-related hair loss.
5. Can hair care treatment serums aid in hair regrowth?
Yes, natural phytoactives, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive peptides can be massaged into the scalp to promote hair regrowth. MDhair Regrowth Serum and MDhair Restore Serum are good examples.
6. Is Minoxidil effective for hair regrowth? Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, has been shown to promote hair growth. It's suitable for genetically related hair loss. Women should use MInoxdil 2% and men Minoxdil 5%.
7. How do collagen supplements impact hair health?
Collagen supplements have been linked to improved hair volume, shine, thickness, and overall scalp health. They may also benefit skin moisture retention and nail growth. For best results, look for Marine collagen that is rich in Type Collagen, the most important type of collagen for hair and skin, which also includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
8. Why should tight hairstyles be avoided for hair regrowth?
Tight hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, a form of hair loss affecting the hairline due to constant pulling. Opt for looser hairstyles to prevent exacerbating hair loss.
9. What is the role of diet in hair regrowth?
A balanced, protein-rich diet is essential for hair health. Ensure adequate daily protein intake from sources like eggs, fish, meat, lentils, and beans.
10. Can scalp massages and caffeine-based products promote hair regrowth?
Yes, regular scalp massages can strengthen the hair and promote growth. Topical caffeine-based products can also support hair follicles and encourage hair growth.
Find the most effective hair growth products for you by taking the free hair assessment.
