Hair loss is a common worldwide problem, but that does not make it less scary for individuals who experience it. Though not painful, hair loss comes with the negative effect of low self-esteem, especially among women. Some of the causes of hair loss include aging, genetics, diet, mineral deficiency, stress, medication, and pollution. You can also lose your hair as a result of wearing a cap or helmet for long – common among men. However, everything about hair loss is not all bad news as there are several simple actions that can help you reduce the problem. Below are some of these solutions.
Make Use of Essential Oils
The best treatment for people who have been experiencing hair loss for a long time is massaging their scalp with essential oils for a couple of minutes every day. The oils plus massage helps in keeping the hair follicles beneath the scalp active. There are many helpful oils in the market like peppermint and pumpkin seed oil, which are backed by scientific studies proving their effectiveness.
Eat a Healthier Diet
The foods we eat are the sources of essential nutrients needed by the body for all its functions. Lack of some of the vital nutrients for hair formation could be the reason why you are experiencing hair loss, and the remedy is adding foods that are rich in the nutrients to your diet.
The essential nutrients for hair formation are proteins, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids (which have been shown to promote hair growth). Dietary sources of proteins include eggs, fish, and milk, while the best source of the omega-3s is fatty fish like salmon, or seeds and nuts. Vitamins, on the other hand, are readily available in veggies, fruits, and berries.
Drink More Water
Keeping yourself hydrated can reduce hair loss since a quarter of the hair shaft is made up of water. The recommended water intake per day is eight to twelve glasses.
Avoid Brushing the Hair When Wet
One possible reason why you could be having hair problems is brushing it when wet. Our hair is in its weakest state when wet, meaning it can easily break if not well handled. If you must comb your hair when wet, use a wide-toothed comb or your fingers to undo the tangles. Also, avoid brushing too frequently as it can also damage the hair and cause hair loss.
Quit Bad Habits
Some habits, such as excessive drinking and smoking, could also be the cause of hair loss. Smoking is known to reduce blood flow to the scalp, which in turn affects hair growth. So decreasing alcohol intake and quitting smoking can help prevent further hair loss.
Exercise Regularly
You may be wondering how exercising is related to hair growth, but there is a scientific explanation of the relationship. Working up some sweat during your workout sessions can help remove the oil and dirt in your hair follicles, promoting hair growth. Exercise is also a successful way of relieving stress – which also contributes to hair loss.
Keep the Hair and Scalp Clean
Washing your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo is an effective hair loss treatment as it keeps both the hair and scalp clean. Clean hair and scalp prevent scalp infections and dandruff that can be a cause of hair loss. You should also ensure that washing is done correctly for the best results.
You should start with combing the hair before washing and then apply enough (not excessive) shampoo. Use massage movements to clean the hair and scalp and finally rinse with clean water.
Avoid Hot Water
Hot water is not best for cleaning your hair as it can trigger the production of more oil by the glands in the scalp. You should use lukewarm water instead as it helps in removing dirt and improving blood circulation in the scalp. Finish with a cold shower for smooth and shiny hair.
If you find that the recommendations above haven’t produced the desired effect, there’s still no need to worry. Contact a doctor and explain the situation, they will be able to prescribe medication to combat your hair loss.