When it comes to hair loss, there are several different things that can cause you to lose your hair, which makes preventing and regrowing your hair incredibly complex. Luckily, there are some things you can do to both prevent and promote regrow your hair that are simple to implement in your daily routine! We’ve compiled a list of the top 8 ways to prevent hair loss and promote regrow so you can enjoy the healthy head of hair you once had!
1) Eat Healthy
No matter what hair-related issues you’re dealing with, your diet is an important component of its overall health. For example, if you’re struggling with hair loss, it might be a good idea to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your meals. A lack of iron can make hair brittle and can cause it to break or fall out. To prevent thinning or balding in addition to promoting regrowth, avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking or drugs (including recreational), stress-eating (which depletes B vitamins) and sugar.
2) Use the Right Shampoo
Using shampoo or conditioner that contains DHT blockers or other ingredients that promote hair regrowth can help keep your hair from falling out. These products are typically found in stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. Make sure you pick up a bottle with natural ingredients; chemicals found in some over-the-counter shampoos, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, can cause irritation and scalp dryness which can trigger dandruff and hair loss. You should also aim for shampoos that are free of harsh detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) as they can actually make it more difficult for healthy cells to grow back in their proper place.
3) Trim Split Ends
Splits ends are one of the leading causes of hair loss. If you want your hair to look healthy, cut your split ends every 6-8 weeks (or more often if needed). Split ends not only make your hair look unhealthy, they can also cause breakage. In some cases, you may be able to trim them with a pair of scissors – but if it’s something that you’re unable to do on your own, ask a hairdresser for help. For best results try regular trims at least once every two months. Also remember that hair will stop growing when it reaches about 1/2 inch long.
4) Brush Frequently
Brushing your hair stimulates circulation in your scalp, which can help prevent balding. It also removes dead skin cells, which may clog pores on your scalp that contribute to hair loss. It’s important not only to brush as frequently as possible, but also with a good quality brush. Invest in one that is made from natural boar bristles or smooth plastic bristles; synthetic brushes tend to be too harsh for sensitive scalps. Lastly, remember that friction is a factor of brushing—the more you stroke at your scalp with a medium-hard pressure level, the better it will be for preventing hair loss.
5) Massage Scalp
One of easiest ways to prevent hair loss is to massage your scalp. Regular scalp massages can help increase blood flow, stimulate follicles, and reduce stress—all which can contribute towards a healthy head of hair. But what’s more, scalp massages don’t have to be a huge time investment. Even 15 minutes every few days is enough. Next time you’re in for a bath or shower, try kneading your scalp with your fingertips for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off. You might notice fewer hairs on your hairbrush when you next do your laundry too!
6) Use Coconut Oil
According to naturopath, herbalist, nutritionist and hair care expert Lindsey Duncan M.H.Sc., coconut oil is among nature’s best for helping prevent hair loss. A natural antioxidant rich in linoleic acid, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and vitamin E, coconut oil can help slow or prevent free radical damage that could otherwise contribute to premature hair loss—particularly in those with fine or thinning locks (Lindsey Duncan). Coconut oil also has a mild antifungal effect that can treat symptoms of dandruff, including dry scalp and itching.
7) Minimize Heat Damage
If you can’t avoid heat styling, invest in a quality heat protectant. One of my favorite products is Farouk Systems’ Creme Bouffante Heat & UV Protectant. It’s a rich cream that uses emollients like glycerin, ceramides, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid and squalane—all of which help seal in moisture. The heat-protecting benefits come from keratin proteins like those found in deeply hydrating hair treatments such as Masque Vivant Ultimate Moisture Repair Mask ($38). Some brands combine these two ingredients into one product—like Redken Cerafill Defy Damage Rescue Treatment ($20).
8) Get Enough Sleep
Not getting enough sleep has also been shown to trigger hair loss in men. Studies have shown that a lack of rest slows down your metabolism, leading your body to burn less fat. As we’ve already seen, lower body fat is directly related to hair loss, so it makes sense that getting enough shut-eye would help prevent male pattern baldness. If you’re constantly fatigued when you wake up in the morning, invest in an alarm clock that can also wake you up with a few minutes of soothing music—that way you aren’t always waking up with an alarm blaring at full volume. Most importantly, keep track of how much sleep you actually get each night—set an alarm on your phone for 30 minutes before it’s time for bed.
