Like every other guy out there, you’re curious about hair loss prevention techniques. Instead of losing your hair, you would prefer to preserve it. You would still like to have the option, even if you look good bald, aren’t you right? Even if Father Time hasn’t yet taken your hairline, it’s still crucial to prevent hair loss by taking action while you still have hair.
Even if there are many high-priced tools and techniques available (some of their gimmicks, some of them worth every penny), there is a fundamental set of rules that is most effective for any man. With little financial commitment from you and significant health advantages for the rest of your body, these simple guidelines can significantly reduce hair loss.
We sought the advice of Dr. Galope, one of the most sought-after dermatologists in Bergen County, for some more knowledge. To maintain and strengthen their existing hair (and to encourage the growth of hair follicles that haven’t yet shrunk in size), Dr. Galope advises her patients to follow these steps. You should see long-lasting improvements if you follow her approach at any age with the assistance of your own board-certified dermatologist in a few months—or hardly detect a change if you’re that ahead of the hair fall.
1. Do Not Delay
The most important piece of advice for avoiding hair loss is this. It’s essential to see your board-certified dermatologist as soon as you discover that you’re losing more hair than usual, whether it shows up in the bathroom sink or as sparseness on your dome, advises Dr. Galope. Early intervention for hair loss can reduce overall hair loss and improve the likelihood that a treatment will be effective, according to the expert. A dermatologist should be consulted because hair loss can feel overwhelming. The doctor will evaluate your problem and go through all of your treatment choices. Your doctor can take a microscopic look at the scenario to better comprehend your unique circumstance and then prescribe a strategy that is specifically suited to you.
2. Develop a Plan
You should think about a few choices for hair loss prevention, but you should also go through them in depth with your board-certified dermatologist. These are four incredibly powerful ways to awaken dormant follicles and strengthen weak ones. Not every male will have the tolerance for each choice, and in some cases, the budget. The truth is that you probably won’t be able to stop severe cases of hair loss without using at least one of the following methods, and if you want to be genuinely proactive about preventing hair loss, you should think about using more than one.
Finasteride: Finasteride, a generic version of Propecia, prevents DHT from forming (dihydrotestosterone). According to Galope, the male androgen hormone DHT causes hair follicles to become thin and short, which causes hair loss. “Hair grows in three phases, and DHT interferes with the cycle of hair growth” (anagen phase). This interruption causes the hair to enter a lengthier period of rest, which stops the hair from growing. Finasteride, therefore, aids in the promotion of hair growth by preventing the absorption of DHT. However, it’s vital to remember that only a tiny percentage of individuals who use finasteride report sexual adverse effects, which is why it’s crucial for a dermatologist to keep an eye on the outcomes. This explains why the medication can only be obtained with a prescription. Although topical solutions are now becoming available, it is normally taken as a daily 1 mg pill (like at hims, in a joint finasteride-minoxidil solution).
Minoxidil: Minoxidil, the brand-name alternative to Rogaine, is sold without a prescription. Minoxidil strengthens and thickens hair follicles by increasing blood flow to them when applied or massaged twice daily to the crown. The hair grows thicker and is hence less prone to permanently thinning. Additionally, after natural hair fall, minoxidil stimulates the hair follicle throughout its renewal phase. As a result, there is less time between shedding and regeneration, and more time is spent growing. (As a result, you might see more shedding during the first few months of use, but don’t worry; it will all regrow stronger, along with numerous dormant follicles.) While it will encourage uniform thickness on the top of the head, minoxidil is less efficient in stopping hair regrowth at the temples. Minoxidil is typically applied topically, while some oral alternatives are already being developed.
PRP: Platelet-rich plasma is what PRP stands for, and it uses your own blood’s platelets to promote hair growth. Blood must be extracted and spun in a centrifuge as the initial stage in the PRP process, according to Galope. The platelet-rich plasma and red blood cells are separated from one another by spinning the blood. The doctor then draws plasma into syringes and injects it into the patient’s scalp. Growth factors included in platelets aid in healing and encourage the hair follicle to start a new growth cycle. You did read that right: Your blood is drawn, the plasma is separated, and then it is injected all over your head. For the best outcomes, you should start by doing this once per month for four months, and then once every quarter or twice a year after that. But unlike the now-generic medications finasteride and minoxidil, it can be expensive: Be prepared because a single treatment can cost you $1500 or more, especially in large cities like NYC.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): In low-level laser therapy, or LLLT, lasers are used to promote cellular growth in the scalp so that follicles develop more quickly, are thicker, and are stronger. Additionally, it aids in initiating the anagen phase of development in dormant follicles. There are more affordable ways to get this therapy from the comfort of your home, even though it can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars per session at the dermatologist. Given that Dr. Bauman’s TURBO laser cap offers the same level of care that his office-based patients receive, the price tag seems reasonable, especially given that after a month of daily 5-minute sessions, you have already received value for your money. Even the LLLT helmet from iRestore might be a wise purchase.
3. Add Extras to Your Diet
However, a nutrient-rich and health-conscious diet will typically cover many of those same areas, so Galope advises against putting too much pressure on yourself when it comes to daily vitamins. Instead, think about more specialized, targeted supplements: Particularly Viviscal and Nutrafol are advised by Dr. Galope. Viviscal encourages hair development by giving your hair the nutrients it needs to flourish, including zinc and b complex, among other elements that encourage thicker, stronger, and longer hair. She continues, “Nutrafol is a wonderful vitamin made with marine collagen, saw palmetto, and ashwagandha. B vitamins found in marine collagen help with hair development, saw palmetto stops the conversion of testosterone to DHT, and ashwagandha lessens inflammation.
4. Add Supplements to Your Hair Care Routine
There are so many friends who tell us they use a “hair loss shampoo” and are surprised that their hair still falls out. Shampoos for hair loss, however, fall more into the “can’t hurt” category and are best viewed as an addition to medical care.
However, if you want to aid in the fight against DHT on your follicles, seek a shampoo and/or conditioner that contains saw palmetto and/or pumpkin seed oil. The hormonal byproduct is known to be hampered by both substances.
5. Reduce stress and unhealthy behaviors
Stress can manifest in a variety of ways, including lack of sleep, a challenging day at work, a bad diet, and an environment that is contaminated. and stress is one of the main causes of hair loss in any way, shape, or form: According to Galope, stress can halt hair from developing and create excessive shedding. The immune system of the body may also have an autoimmune reaction, attacking the hair follicles and causing hair loss. The hormones that our bodies produce while they are under stress are what cause the hair growth cycle to be disturbed. The hair enters a lengthier period of rest as a result of this interruption, which slows growth. Since everyone’s stress management strategy is different, it is up to you how to do it. You can start by obtaining regular rest, being active frequently, eating healthily, drinking enough water, and abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
While undesirable behaviors may often be changed, stress can also be suppressed. Stress cannot always be avoided. To that end, be aware that a lot of your daily habits could be causing hair loss. Dr. Galope suggests the following major ones: Shampooing too frequently or insufficiently. (Using the above-mentioned specialized shampoo for thinning hair two or three times per week should be sufficient. But remember to rinse and condition every day.
Poor eating can also cause hair loss, she continues. “To nourish your body and scalp, you should eat a diet high in oils, protein, and nutrients.” Finally, be aware that drinking alcohol and smoking both hasten hair loss. Despite the fact that they may appear to reduce stress, they actually restrict blood vessels, which lowers circulation and blood flow to the follicles.
