Hair loss: Dermatologist reveals causes, treatments and easy prevention options
- ' About 40% of women will experience female pattern hair loss by age 50'
- It's important to be aware of harsh ingredients in styling products
- A diet full of vitamins, nutrients and protein is important, and minimizing sugars
Although hair loss is common by a certain age, it can often be devastating to one's self-image and emotional well-being.
There are many things that can contribute to this disheartening issue — from stress to lack of sleep, vitamin deficiencies, aging, hormonal changes and pregnancy.
'Hair loss that is new onset and hair loss that is accompanied by any symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, rash, itching or burning scalp) requires medical attention,' Dermatologist Dr. Candace Spann founder of ReTress tells Daily Mail.
Adding: 'Some thinning of the hair is considered to be a normal part of the aging process and hair loss can be a symptom of menopause or hormonal fluctuations.'
Dr. Spann shares tips for caring for your hair.
'About half of all women will have hair loss at some point in their life,' says Dermatologist Dr. Candace Spann
A balanced diet is important
'About half of all women will have hair loss at some point in their life. About 40% of women will experience female pattern hair loss by age 50,' shares Dr. Spann.
A healthy diet is essential for good health, nutrition, and a bouncy, beautiful mane.
'A diet full of vitamins, nutrients and protein is important to support hair follicles. Also, minimizing sugars is important because sugars lead to yeast overgrowth, dandruff, and inflammation in the scalp which can all lead to hair loss.
'Ensuring there are no vitamin deficiencies with supplementation as necessary is also helpful in preventing hair loss.'
Vitamin B7 helps produce keratin, a protein that strengthens hair strands.
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'It’s also important to be aware of harsh ingredients in styling products,' she says.
'Harsh ingredients and occlusive ingredients can lead to scalp inflammation which can contribute to hair loss.
'Using a prescription medicine like low dose minoxidil or finasteride (in postmenopausal women) can also be helpful in preventing hair loss.'
Daily actions help prevent hair loss
Your daily routine can negatively impact your strands - from the temperature of your shower water to your sleep patterns and pillowcase.
Brushing your strands too much and too aggressively can cause hair loss, but brushing with a high quality brush or comb can stimulate growth.
Beauty sleep is very real and even applies to hair.
When we enter deep sleep, the body repairs and regenerates itself. Disrupted sleep cycles can interfere with hair health.
When catching zzz's opt for a soft touch satin pillowcase, it guards against friction to prevent hair breakage and keep strands smooth.
'Hair oiling and scalp massage have both been demonstrated to be helpful in stimulating hair growth,' says the dermatologist.
The ReTress scalp massager is designed to stimulate circulation. Its rounded silicone tips are waterproof; it can be used in or out of the shower to massage, exfoliate, and relieve build-up.
'Rosemary oil has been clinically proven to help with hair loss,' says the doctor
'Minoxidil is the only FDA approved ingredient to help with hair loss. That said, the topical formulation can lead to dandruff and scalp inflammation,' shares the expert
Hair care products that work
When shopping for hair care products, it's important to look what they are made of.
'Minoxidil is the only FDA approved ingredient to help with hair loss. That said, the topical formulation can lead to dandruff and scalp inflammation,' shares the expert.
'Other ingredients that have been shown to be helpful are biotinoyl tripeptide-1, rosemary oil, licorice extract, coconut oil, and castor oil.'
Dr. Spann warns that what’s not in the products is as important as what is in them.
'Avoid harsh ingredients such as fragrance, parabens, harsh sulfates, and phthalates.'
ReTress product line has all natural active ingredients.
'Each step (shampoo, conditioner, and daily serum) contains biotinoyl tripeptide-1, licorice extract, an herb to help decrease shedding, rosemary oil and a blend of essential oils. It is free of harsh ingredients.'
Rosemary oil for hair growth has received a lot of attention on social media.
According to the doctor, it's not a hoax.
'Rosemary oil has been clinically proven to help with hair loss,' she says.
