Preventing Hair Loss Review
There’s always that moment in the shower when you look down and see your hair collecting in the drain. Sometimes, it seems like a lot, and you might begin to wonder if you’re losing your hair. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but the truth is there are plenty of reasons why people might lose their hair or have it thin out. Understanding more about why you’re seeing some hair loss can help you better prepare to prevent it. So, if you’ve been seeing the odd bald patch, read on for some of the causes, as well as some products and habits that can with preventing hair loss.
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Most Common Hair Loss Causes
Genetics play a big role in why and how people experience hair loss. If hair loss is the result of genetics, you’ll typically see a progressive thinning of hair at the top of your scalp and eventually a bald spot. The common problem areas are different for men and women. Men usually see it in an “M” shape coming out of the center of their head, but women tend to experience thinning as a widening of their natural part. Hair loss is complex, however, and it has causes other than genetics.
Some people get hair thinning or hair loss after experiencing a certain illness or taking medications. The most common medical conditions tend to be ringworm, thyroid issues, alopecia, and pregnancy, and they can lead to long-term hair loss or just a temporary thinning. Furthermore, if you take medicine for a heart condition or high blood pressure, you might get hair loss as a side effect.
There are even further causes of hair loss. Some people might see thinning in their hair after going through a traumatic event or experiencing a spike in their stress, while others might need to lay off too-tight hairstyles that put pressure on hair follicles.
Habits to Prevent Hair Loss
Given these causes, there are a couple key things you can do to prevent certain kinds of hair loss. These include:
Gentle Washing and Brushing
Because any stress on your hair follicles can cause damage, make sure you’re shampooing and brushing out your hair as gently as you can, which will help retain thickness.
Avoid Tight Ponytails
If you often put your hair back in tight ponytails or other styles, consider letting your hair breathe every so often, as the tightness can also promote hair loss. Cornrows and tight buns in particular can sometimes cause hair loss, usually around the hairline.
Style Your Hair With Less Heat
Certain hairstyles like curls require heat to achieve, but curling irons and flat irons can cause unforeseen damage to your hair that may lead to hair loss. Like tight hairstyles, try giving heat a rest and air-drying your hair more regularly.
Reduce Stress
Since stress or traumatic events can cause hair loss, make sure your mind is just as healthy as your scalp before trying to tackle the problem.
Products and Ingredients That Can Prevent Hair Loss
One of the most tried and tested products people get to thicken their hair and prevent hair loss are specialized shampoos, which can help stimulate hair follicles. The best of these formulas generally contain at least one of four key ingredients: saw palmetto, biotin, ketoconazole, and good old caffeine. Each of these ingredients helps to strengthen hair, giving it a thicker look and warding off loss. There are lots of products available, but you won't be going wrong if you pick one that has these ingredients. Here are a few options on the market:
Biotopic Total Regrowth System
Price: ~$140.00 per set
The Bitopic Total Regrowth System uses a mix of biotin, caffeine, keratin, and saw palmetto to help stimulate follicle strength. Despite its high price tag, it’s got a slew of devoted followers, and comes as an entire system, including topical vitamins, rather than just a one-off shampoo.
Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo
Price: ~$32.00 for 205mL
Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo uses some of the same core ingredients, plus vitamin B2 and silky emu oil to get the job done. Taking a scientific approach, Revita conducted a study of 500 participants and found that 90% of the people saw less hair loss while they were using the shampoo. What more can you ask for?
Lipogaine Big 3 Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo
Price: ~$25.00 for 236 mL
With biotin, ketoconazole, and animal oil ingredients, the tried and tested Lipogaine brand hair loss prevention shampoo is one of the most popular products on the market. In fact, what you see is what you get: The “Big 3” shampoo provides only the most essential active ingredients for preventing hair loss.
Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
Price: ~$42.99 for 200mL
As the mid-range option on the list, Nizoral packs a one-two punch. Made with 1% ketoconazole, Nizoral’s anti-dandruff shampoo also helps treat hair loss that’s a result of hair follicle inflammation. If you want to get even more serious, Nizoral makes a 2% version of the shampoo as long as you have a prescription. Using it twice a week, you can help treat dandruff and hair loss.
Preventing Hair Loss In Conclusion
Hair loss is never something anyone wants to deal with, but if you’ve been noticing your scalp thinning out, there are things you can do to try to prevent it, including making some lifestyle changes and grabbing a different kind of shampoo or hair cleansing system off the shelf.
