Dr Tariq Jagnarine
Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes
There are many things that can be done to slow or stop hair loss. This, however, is dependent on the actual cause of the hair loss. Some situations, like hair loss after pregnancy, may resolve on their own, but when hair loss is persistent, it can be challenging and even require medical intervention. Some common hair loss causes that require treatment include thyroid issues, stress, scalp infections, androgenic alopecia, or simply aging.
Diet
1. Mediterranean diet
A 2018 study revealed that a diet containing raw vegetables and fresh herbs, like the Mediterranean diet, may reduce the risk of female pattern baldness or male pattern baldness, or slow the onset of either. Best results were observed when participants consumed high amounts of foods such as parsley, basil and salad greens more than three days a week.
2. Protein
Hair follicles are made mostly of protein, called keratin. One 2017 study of 100 people with hair loss noted several nutritional deficiencies in participants, including amino acids that serve as the building blocks of protein. While researchers note that more studies are needed, eating a diet rich in protein may help prevent hair loss. Healthy choices include foods like eggs, nuts, beans and peas, fish, low-fat dairy products, chicken, and turkey.
3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is composed in part of retinoid, which has been shown to increase the rate of hair growth. This vitamin may also help with sebum production, keeping the scalp healthier and able to retain more hairs. Foods rich in vitamin A include sweet potatoes, sweet peppers and spinach, just to name a few.
Supplements
4. Multivitamins
Researchers have determined that Vitamins A, B, C and D; iron, selenium and zinc are all important to the hair growth and retention processes, specifically with cell turnover.
5. Vitamin D
One 2018 study noted that Vitamin D is associated with non-scarring hair loss. Treating deficiencies may help with regrowth.
6. Biotin
Biotin — Vitamin H or B7 — is involved in fatty acid synthesis in the body. This process is essential to the hair life cycle, and you may experience hair loss if you have a deficiency.
7. Saw palmetto
Derived from the fruit of American dwarf pine trees, this herb may help men maintain levels of testosterone. One 2004 journal article revealed that some 60 percent of participants taking saw palmetto experienced improved hair growth. The dosage in the study was 200 milligrams daily.
8. Ginseng
Ginseng contains certain phytochemicals that may promote hair growth on the scalp. Further study is needed to recommend specific dosages.
Hair care
9. Regular washing
Washing hair daily may protect against hair loss by keeping the scalp healthy and clean. The key is to use a mild shampoo. Harsher formulas may dry hair and cause it to break, leading to hair loss.
10. Coconut oil
According to a 2018 review of studies, researchers believe that coconut oil may help prevent hair damage from grooming and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Lauric acid found in coconut oil helps bind protein in hair, protecting it from breakage at the root and strand. Massaging coconut oil into the scalp may promote better blood flow and help with regrowth.
11. Olive oil
Olive oil can be used to deep condition hair, protecting it from dryness and associated breakage. Olive oil is also a central ingredient to the Mediterranean diet, which may help slow genetic hair loss. Consider applying a couple tablespoons of olive oil directly to the hair, and letting it sit for 30 minutes before washing it out.
12. Gentle styling
Skip tight braids or ponytails that may pull on hair at the root and potentially lead to excessive shedding. Let the hair air dry to avoid irritating the scalp. Heat stylers, like curling or straightening irons, may also damage or break the hair shaft.
13. Hair processing
Chemical treatments like perms or hair colour may also damage hair and scalp. Ask the stylist about alternatives, like organic hair dyes and others that don’t contain ammonia, peroxide, or para-phenylenediamine (PPD).
Medical treatments
14. Laser therapy
Low-level lasers may help improve hair density for people with genetic hair loss and loss due to chemotherapy. This option is also called red light therapy, and it may work by stimulating epidermal stem cells.
15. Platelet-rich plasma
Injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the scalp helps stimulate growth in areas already impacted by hair loss. Blood is run through a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and then injected into the scalp.
In one 2017 study, 11 participants saw 30 percent more growth in thinning areas after four sessions.
Medications
16. Minoxidil
Otherwise known as Rogaine, this over-the-counter (OTC) drug is known to work for around two-thirds of women who try it. Apply the liquid or foam to the scalp each day. Side effects include scalp irritation and acne at the site of application.
Rarer side effects include irregular heartbeat and blurred vision.
17. Finasteride
Otherwise known as Propecia, this prescription pill may help slow hair loss, and even promote new growth. It is approved for men, and works better for men under the age of 60.
18. Phenylephrine
Topical phenylephrine may help with hair loss due to styling by stimulating the follicle muscles to contract. This makes it harder to pull out hairs during brushing, for example.
Other methods
19. Essential oils
Essential oils may help reduce hair loss. A 1998 study divided 86 people with alopecia areata into two groups, one of which mixed cedar wood oil with lavender and rosemary oil and applied same into their scalps. After seven months, 43 percent of that group showed improvement in their condition. Other essential oils to consider include lemongrass and peppermint. Try mixing a couple drops of any or all of these oils with a couple tablespoons of carrier oil like jojoba or grape seed, and apply to the scalp for 10 minutes before washing.
20. Onion juice
People with alopecia areata may see regrowth after applying crude onion juice to their scalps twice a day. While research on this treatment is limited, the juice did appear to promote growth in nearly 87 percent of participants in a small 2014 study.
21. Massage
One small 2016 study showed participants seeing results with as little as four minutes of massage a day over the course of 24 weeks.
22. Yoga
Hair loss caused by stress may respond well to yoga.
