Hair health is a concern for many people that are experiencing thinning or loss. As we age, thicker hair becomes more of a dream than a reality and we are left searching for ways to restore our luxuriant locks, by any means necessary in some cases. The quest for thicker hair and in some cases regrowth of hair, has led many to experiment with different types of treatment. Whether your hair issues are age-related, genetic, or a medical issue, there’s hope for all, as there are many forms of treatment to remedy this common malady.
Perhaps the easiest and most convenient treatment is the food we eat. Our diet can have a big impact on the condition of our hair. Hair flourishes on a diet that includes sufficient quantities of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are in lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish. Supplements or vitamins containing vitamin C, zinc, niacin, and biotin along with fish protein are an ideal combination to spur the growth of healthy hair.
Once diet has been addressed, further measures can be taken in the attempt to halt or reverse hair loss. While a holy grail hair loss cure has yet to be found, many thin hair treatment products have shown real results in a number of users. Often with these products, the positive results require an ongoing application, but for millions of people, it’s worth the commitment.
Another simple task that can improve the condition of our hair is massaging your scalp. This can be done anytime but may be more beneficial while we’re washing and conditioning our hair. Spend a few extra minutes in the shower to give your scalp a good massage. This will stimulate blood flow to the scalp and it also aids penetration of any treatments or conditioners.
High levels of stress, both temporary and long-term, can cause hair loss and stunted growth, so finding ways to relieve stress will be beneficial to you in numerous ways. Meditation, rigorous physical activity, a relaxing day of gardening, or catching up with your reading; whatever it is that works for you.
Styling products and tools can cause a lot of damage to hair and may also contribute to breakage and thinning. Try to avoid or cut back on your use of hair dryers and hot irons, as well as coloring and styling products that are harmful to your hair.
Lasers have been proven effective through research, showing increased thickness after 6 1/2 months of biweekly treatments. These treatments lessen the inflammation in follicles that prevent them from regenerating. Another proven technique is cortisone shots; they are painful but they work. Cortisone is injected directly into the scalp, disrupting the hormonal activity that causes hair thinning. This treatment is used mainly for people with inflammatory scalp disease.
Hormones are known to wreak havoc at various points in women’s lives. A lot of women receive hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause, hair thinning being one of them. This may work for you, in which case, it will be an added benefit.
Routine blood tests may reveal insufficient levels of vitamin D and iron, which can cause hair loss. Supplements may be the answer in this case. Also related to blood-work is the unconventional treatment of acupuncture. Some acupuncturists believe the condition of the hair is directly related to the vitality of the kidneys and blood. Their theory is that the lack of nourishment because of bad blood or malfunctioning kidneys is cured by acupuncture and Chinese herbs. There’s no scientific evidence, however, to support these claims.
Sometimes hair loss is a symptom of a medical issue. If your hair suddenly starts falling out in clumps, or if you just want a medical opinion after unsuccessful attempts to improve your hair, pay a visit to your doctor. Issues such as hormone irregularities, thyroid abnormalities, lupus, and anemia can sometimes affect the condition of your hair.
Hair loss and thinning afflicts many people and is a source of angst for those that may be experiencing premature balding, or noticeable and excessive shedding of their hair. Fortunately, there’s hope and a wide variety of treatment for hair loss and thinning.