What to avoid and what to do more often?
One of the most important roles of a doctor is the educating of patients on different ways to prevent certain medical conditions, in this case based on our expertise, hair loss. If there is a genetic basis for one’s hair loss, a lot can be done if instituted on time. Thin hair can be thickened with adequate hair care. The inevitable beginning of hair shedding can be postponed or slowed down so hair is preserved for longer periods of time.
For delicate and fragile hair, additional care is important. Hair styles that constantly pull the hair tightly (braids, pony tails, buns, weaves, extensions) can eventually lead to hair loss and hair will stop growing from the areas that are under the greatest tension- most commonly the hairline and temporal regions. Chemical treatments (dying, relaxers, bleaching) and hot ironing might have an adverse effect on hair when used too often or inappropriately. Hair dyes can cause hair loss particularly if they are not washed out after dying. Hot blow-drying that dries the scalp could damage hair follicles, made worse with abrasive brushing of the wet hair. Regular massaging of the scalp with coconut, olive, almond or lavender oils can restore the health to hair. Wigs and hairpieces provide the best camouflage but can destroy hair follicles if not utilized properly such as being inappropriately secured or left in place for prolonged periods of time.
Along with the skin, hair is a good barometer of general health. Eating healthy and taking in enough protein (the essential ingredient of hair), vitamins (B, A, C), nutrients and minerals (iron, calcium, zinc, omega fatty 3 acids) and drinking enough water are all critical for having healthy hair.
And lastly, but not least important, managing stress can be helpful for controlling hair loss. With a bit of effort, every person can try to find a better way to cope with the stresses of daily life.
