Dealing with hair loss can be concerning — sometimes even devastating — because of how it can affect your confidence. Whether it’s hereditary, hormonal, from medications, or trauma, hair loss can be challenging to treat. While there are some things that can cause permanent hair loss, most cases are short-term problems. If your condition is temporary, check out our 6 important tips that can help prevent hair loss.
6 Tips For Preventing Hair Loss
Start With a Hair-Healthy Diet
Ever hear of the phrase, “Beauty starts from within?” Well, part of that statement is referring to the foods you put into your body. Stacy Reisner is the founder of Wellmagine and a National Board Certified Integrative Health Coach. She shares her hair-healthy favorites: "Eating a healthy, balanced diet of whole and unprocessed foods is your best bet. This includes foods rich in proteins (eggs/tofu), healthy omega 3 fats (fish/flax seeds), a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits (rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, iron, biotin, and zinc), and whole grains," she explains.
Visit a Dermatologist
If you are starting to notice a widening part, overall thinning, or more hairs in your brush, consider visiting the dermatologist. These doctors specialize in conditions of the hair, skin, and nails and can help determine what’s going on. It wouldn’t hurt to also request blood work to rule out any irregularities and get treatment recommendations.
Use Gentle Detangling Techniques
It’s totally normal to lose up to 100 strands of hair per day, but what if you’re noticing more? Rough detangling techniques can add to that number when it really doesn't have to. Being gentle with your hair is key. Working with smaller sections, adding a little leave-in conditioner, and using your fingers to detangle are ways to prevent unnecessary hair loss. Also try starting at your ends — that way, you’re not pulling hair directly from the scalp. This can help you save every precious strand.
Easy on the Tight Hairstyles
As we enter the summer, it's important to know that some tight hairstyles may lead to hair loss. That doesn't mean you can't wear a sleek ponytail every once in a while, but putting consistent stress on your scalp can have negative effects. Not to worry though, there are still plenty of loose styles that are easy on the edges and problem areas.
Ditch Chemical Hair Treatments & Hot Tools
Addicted to hot tools and hair dye? You’re not alone, but it may be time to put them aside. Another tip for preventing hair loss includes avoiding chemical treatments like bleach, permanent hair color, perms, and relaxers. If not done correctly, overuse of these products can lead to damage to the hair and scalp. Additionally, excessive heat from your hot tools can cause breakage, leading to more hair loss.
Consider a Hair Growth Supplement
Although there are plenty of hair growth supplements on the market, it's best to see if they are truly necessary first. Reisner says, "I would recommend speaking with your doctor first to discuss whether or not there may be any underlying causes or medication-related side effects that would contribute to hair loss. They could also screen for nutritional deficiencies where supplementation may be beneficial, as well as monitor for possible drug interactions."
If you get the green light, you will find supplements that come in many forms such as pills, powders, and the ever-so-popular hair gummies.
One interim solution until you begin to see healthy hair growth again is to accentuate your curly hair with curly hair extensions. At Bebonia, we sell a variety of curly clip-in hair extensions that can help add length and volume.
What’s important to remember is that no matter what type of hair loss you may have, it doesn’t define you. It will take time to see improvements and for some, it may not even be in cards. But being patient, learning acceptance, and having a strong support system can help you through.
