If you’re like me, you were probably minding your own business in the mirror when you noticed your bald spot. Upon closer inspection, you realized your hairline was running away from you the whole time. I was barely putting up with the white hairs as it was, memorizing their locations and patiently waiting for the right opportunity to pluck them. .
How, just how is it, that we’re already dealing with hair loss – for some of us, as early as our twenties? Whoever said forty was the new thirty – Speak up. Okay, so what’s really happening? Apparently, it can be a number of things: genetics, poor diet, hormonal imbalance, stress, unhealthy habits, and did we mention, STRESS.
But like most things, it’s not the end of the world, especially if you start to combat hair loss early.
Don’t have time? Easy fixes
- Take your vitamins: Biotin is great, but there’s more. There are key vitamins and minerals that can help prevent hair loss and promote healthy growth. These include Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc.
- Best value: Nature’s Bounty provides basic Biotin supplements at an unbeatable value of $10 per bottle.
- Highest rated: Biotin gummies by NutraChamps ($16.99) are beloved vegan gummies that contain 10,000 mcg, which will supercharge your hair and nail growth.
- Best niche brand: For those who are serious about hair growth, Nutrafol’s hair growth supplement ($888) is a clinically proven investment.
- Hair growth products: There are plenty of hair growth products, from shampoos to serums. Some contain ingredients like biotin and keratin, which can help strengthen hair and promote growth. Others contain minoxidil, a medication that stimulates hair growth when applied directly to the scalp. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
- Best value: Maple Holistics’s Rosemary and Biotin shampoo ($11.95) targets hair regrowth while protecting dry and damaged hair in a gentle way.
- Highest rated: Velona sells a USDA certified organic castor oil ($7.5) with application tools to help stimulate growth in specific areas, from brows to lashes to hair.
- Best niche brand: Pura D’or has a best selling set of anti-thinning biotin shampoo and conditioner ($39.99) that combines essential oils and vitamins to nourish damaged and thinning hair.
- Laser hair growth devices: If you need stronger, immediate at-home results, laser hair growth devices might be a better solution for you. These helmets provide low-level laser therapy to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow and oxygen supply to hair follicles. They are non-invasive and can be used at home.
- Best value: In this expensive category, a laser hair growth comb ($199) is a more affordable high tech option. Plus, you can comb your hair at the same time.
- Most practical: For those who are always on the run, CapillusUltra has designed a laser therapy cap ($449) you can wear in or out of the house. You can get treatment while you run errands!
- Best niche brand: If you need something stronger, try iRestore’s FDA cleared laser cap for hair growth ($965). It’s definitely a commitment, so make sure to take advantage of their 6-month money back guarantee.
Don’t mind the hard stuff? Helpful routines
- Improve your diet: We wished we had more original content to share, but it’s true that you are what you eat. Erewhon smoothies don’t count as a balanced meal. Foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and nuts contain the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair growth. Bowl of almonds, anyone?
- Stimulate hair growth with massage: It’s easy to incorporate a hair massage routine during TV time. With the right tools, you can increase the blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles. This supplies the oxygen and nutrients to help nourish hair follicles. Just don’t overdo it!
- Best value: Heeta’s hair shampoo brush ($7.98) is a massage tool you can use while you’re lathering up in the shower.
- Highest rated: Usaga’s 28 finger head massager ($11.99) is the perfect companion while you’re watching TV at home.
- Reduce your stress: If your hair has been falling out in clumps, it might very well be stress related. Find ways to manage your stress through yoga, meditation, or a stress reducing activity that works for you
The why behind it
- Hormonal changes: Our bodies experience a number of hormonal changes as we age, including a decline in the amounts of estrogen and testosterone. This might cause hair thinning and ultimately hair loss. One of the main causes of male pattern baldness is the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The scalp of men with this illness has excessive quantities of DHT, which is generated from testosterone. Hair follicles shrink and become less active when DHT attaches to their receptors. The hair follicles gradually generate less pigmented, shorter, and thinner hair. Baldness can result when the hair follicles eventually stop producing any hair at all.
- Genetic factors: As we age, genetics also has a big impact on hair loss. You are more prone to have hair loss if your family has a history of doing so.
- Natural aging process: As we age, our hair follicles naturally experience aging. Because the growth period may be shortened, hair may fall out more quickly and grow more brittle and thin. This can eventually result in a visible loss of hair volume and density.
Lost too much hair already? You’ve still got one last hope
If all else fails, my friends, we still have hair transplants. This involves taking hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back of the head) and transplanting them to the area where hair loss is occurring.It is a pricey option, but always worth the consideration if you’re able to afford it.
There are two main types of transplant procedures:
- Strip harvesting, commonly referred to as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). A strip of skin from the back of the head, where hair growth is normally densest, must be removed in order to accomplish this. After then, the strip is divided into distinct follicular units, each of which has one to four hair follicles. The scalp regions where hair loss has occurred are transplanted with these follicular units. Though potentially more intrusive, it is also more effective.
- Using a small, round tool called a punch, follicular units are individually extracted from the scalp during a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). The areas of the scalp where hair loss occurred are then transplanted using these units. This might take additional time.
Ultimately, the decision on which procedure you should go with will come down to a few factors: the extent of your hair loss, desired results, and your own preferences. Make sure you consult a few professionals before determining the best approach for your specific needs.