As we age, hair growth tends to slow down, leading to noticeable thinner hair, or overall hair loss for many individuals. I firsthand know how upsetting this can be, because I have been suffering from thinning hair for a few years. But there is hope for myself and others struggling to regrow their hair. By eating certain foods rich in nutrients, applying topical products and the best hair growth serum, and maintaining a healthy hair care regimen, we can fight hair loss and start to regrow our hair.
Get to the root of the cause
First, you need to get to the root of the cause of your hair loss. Is it a sickness, hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiency, stress, or hereditary? Understanding the cause of your hair loss will help you come up with the right treatment plan.
Diet: You are what you eat
Foods
Insufficient intake of vital nutrients can stunt your hair growth. However, the good news is that addressing these deficiencies through proper diet and supplementation can reverse this type of hair loss.
Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair. Eat foods high in protein like, lean meat, fish, poultry, and beans. Iron also plays a role with hair loss as low levels can lead to anemia, causing increased hair shedding. Eat foods like nuts and seeds, dark leafy green vegetables, and legumes (mixed beans, baked beans, lentils and chickpeas).
- Lentils are packed with folic acid, known for promoting healthy hair development. Additionally, they offer substantial amounts of protein and iron, a crucial vitamin often lacking in a vegetarian diet. Consider making a batch of red lentil hummus or incorporating high-fiber green lentils into your lunchtime salad for a nutritious boost.
- Leafy Greens like spinach are abundant in crucial nutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium. Spinach also aids in promoting the production of sebum, which contributes to a healthier scalp and hair follicles. Spinach stands out as a superstar for hair growth among leafy greens, but other family members like kale, dandelion, and chard also pack a similar nutritional punch.
- Papaya is a powerful aid in preventing balding and encouraging hair growth. Rich in folic acid and antioxidants, it enhances blood circulation, oxygen flow, and delivers nutrients to the hair follicles, fostering the growth of strong and healthy hair. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of papaya safeguard the scalp from various infections that could otherwise harm your hair health.
Supplements
A dietary supplement refers to a produced product designed to complement one’s diet, typically taken in the form of a pill, capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid. Supplements can deliver nutrients sourced from either food extracts or synthetic origins to enhance the intake of essential elements.
B-vitamins, particularly biotin and niacin (B3), are well-known for their role in promoting hair growth and maintaining healthy hair. These vitamins help in the production of keratin, the protein that forms the structure of hair strands, and contribute to improved blood circulation to the scalp, supporting the growth and strength of hair follicles.
Iron plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including the transportation of oxygen to tissues throughout the body. However, iron deficiency, the most prevalent nutrient deficiency worldwide, can lead to anemia and hair loss, particularly affecting women.
Collagen offers numerous potential benefits for healthy hair. It contains essential amino acids that aid in the synthesis of keratin, the key protein constituting hair. Additionally, collagen’s protective role on the skin layer containing hair roots suggests its potential in preventing age-related hair loss and thinning.
Consider trying a natural vitamin supplement specifically formulated to enhance hair growth like Nurtrafol. This hair growth supplement brand was specifically designed to combat hair thinning and regrow hair. Formulated by physicians and enriched with natural ingredients, this award-winning formula targets the root causes of thinning, such as stress, lifestyle, and nutrition, resulting in visibly faster-growing, thicker, fuller, and stronger hair.
Topical Products
For hair loss, the FDA-approved topical treatment is minoxidil. Known to promote hair growth on the scalp, minoxidil is the gold standard of treatment, as it effectively extends the active growing stage of hairs and supports the optimal delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle, promoting healthy hair growth. Many hair growth products like Rogaine contain minoxidil.
For those like me who are unfortunately allergic to minoxidil, Vegamour is a gentle plant-based alternative. Vegamour takes a holistic approach to hair wellness, utilizing clinically tested plant-based ingredients that synergistically promote healthy and beautiful hair without resorting to harmful chemicals or temporary solutions that may cause long-term issues. The line consists of shampoos, conditioners, gummies, and my favorite, the best hair growth serum out there, currently available in a 6-pack. I massage the hair growth serum twice daily into my scalp, and I’m already starting to see little hairs sprouting up! Check back for the final Vegamour reviews after my six-month trial.
Essential Oils
Consider exploring essential oils as a natural option to complement or replace your hair growth process.
Peppermint oil can create a refreshing, tingling sensation by boosting circulation in the area. This effect aids in promoting hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase.
Rosemary oil emerges as an excellent hair growth serum due to its remarkable ability to stimulate cellular generation.
Thyme is a potent natural remedy for promoting hair growth as it stimulates the scalp and effectively prevents hair loss. Similarly to cedarwood oil, thyme oil has shown promising results in treating alopecia areata. However, due to its strength, it’s essential to use only two small drops mixed with two tablespoons of carrier oil when applying it to the scalp. Leave the mixture on for approximately 10 minutes before rinsing it out for best results.
Castor Oil (a carrier oil) can accelerate growth to three to five times the normal rate.
Hair Care
Clean Scalp
Don’t overlook a dirty scalp and dandruff as a potential cause of hair shedding. When the flaking intensifies, and the scalp becomes itchy, scratching can trigger inflammation and excessive shedding. To combat this, wash your hair regularly and if need be, consider using a product which offers dandruff-fighting zinc pyrithione for everyday use.
Baby your hair
Baby your hair by handling it with care and avoiding rough treatment. Follow these tips to maintain healthy strands:
- Refrain from brushing your hair when it’s wet and vulnerable.
- Minimize the use of heat tools (blow dryer, curling iron, etc.).
- Avoid hairstyles that exert tension, such as tight ponytails and updos.
- Gently pat dry your hair instead of vigorously towel drying to prevent breakage.
- Give your scalp a break from daily blowouts and excessive styling, which can cause irritation.
Yoga
Yes, you read that correctly. Not only does yoga increase your flexibility, but it can also increase your hair growth. Certain postures like inversions (any posture that brings the hips higher than the heart and the heart higher than the head, like downward dog, forward fold, headstands, and handstands) increase the blood flow to your brain and hair follicles. Namaste.
Hair Growth Procedures
Ok you’ve changed your diet and tried topical products, and your hair is still falling out. Well guess what, we live in an age of technology and there are a ton of procedures to stop hair loss and grow thicker hair.
Acupuncture
The tiny needles from acupuncture are known to increase blood flow and enhance the circulation in the skin. Therefore acupuncture may aid in stimulating hair follicles, nerves, and blood vessels, potentially leading to a halt in hair loss. Once the hair loss stops, you can combine it with additional treatments to foster hair regrowth.
PRP
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss involves a comprehensive three-step medical procedure. Initially, the person’s blood is drawn, then processed to concentrate platelet-rich plasma, which is subsequently injected into the scalp to address hair loss concerns. Does it work? Well it didn’t really do anything for me, but maybe you will have different results?
Hair transplant
Hair transplants have been around since the 1950s. During this surgery, the doctor transports hair from one area of your head to another area that has thinning hair or bald spots. Costs range from $4,000 – $15,000 and most people see new hair growth within 6-9 months.
Products to Mask/Hide Thinning Hair and Hair Loss
If you can’t beat em, join em! If you’ve exhausted all solutions and your hair is not growing back life goes on. There are so many AMAZING products specifically designed to mask thinning hair, receding hairlines, and bald spots.
Hair Fibers
Hair fibers from Toppik blend so well, people won’t be able to tell the difference. Crafted from premium, natural keratin, this product boasts remarkable similarity to human hair, ensuring a seamless and authentic look. And the best part, it comes in 9 shades! Simply style your hair, shake on the fibers, and voila, you have the look of a full head of hair!
Wigs, Toupees, and Weaves
In this day and age, there is no shame in wearing a wig, toupee, or weave. They’ve become so popular in mainstream media that many of your favorite celebrities wear them ALL THE TIME. Hairpieces provide an immediate and versatile solution to achieve desired hairstyles, allow individuals to experiment with different looks, and provide coverage while waiting for natural hair regrowth or undergoing other hair loss treatments.
Tip: Here’s a tip, for the best and most natural look, use human hair for your hairpiece, and have a hair stylist cut the hair to fit your face.
In conclusion
Take a deep breath. Hair comes and it goes, but you are still the same person. Regardless of your current hair situation, you are and always will be beautiful!
