How to Prevent and Treat Hair Loss

New York Times

3 days ago

Hair loss is frustratingly common, affecting more than 80 million people in the United States alone. Multiple factors — including stress, genetics, diet and lifestyle — can disrupt your hair's natural growth cycle and trigger inflammation and irritation, all of which can compromise the follicles' integrity. While certain types of hair loss (such as scarring alopecia) can be permanent, many are not. Here, a comprehensive guide to addressing breakage and thinning, with advice from the experts.
Check in With Your Dermatologist
A doctor will help you narrow down which type of hair loss you're dealing with. 'More than 50 percent of the time, we can nail the diagnosis based on the patient's health history and examining the scalp and hair,' says Angela Lamb, a New York-based dermatologist. From there, you can discuss whether medications make sense for you. Minoxidil, a topical or oral treatment, is often the first line of defense for androgenetic alopecia hair loss (caused by aging, genetics and hormones), while telogen effluvium (brought on by stressors like sickness or a life change) are typically resolved by managing your triggers.
Get Your Scalp in Shape
For most types of hair loss and thinning, proper care starts at the scalp. These are some of the most effective professional and at-home treatments that can help with issues like inflammation or irritation:
Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves a medical professional injecting a concentrated version of your own blood into your scalp, to potentially stimulate dormant follicles. PRP tends to be best for androgenetic alopecia, says Lamb, but can sometimes also speed up recovery from stress-related hair loss.
Near-infrared lasers can reduce inflammation and spur activity in the follicles, slowing hair loss and improving hair quality after a few months. You can use either a head cap or a hand-held comb at home two to three times a week for eight to 20 minutes per session. Consistency is key with these devices, and the Boston-based dermatologist Maryanne Makredes Senna notes that combs are easier to maneuver. F.D.A.-approved models include Hairmax's Ultima Classic LaserComb and Theradome's Pro LH80.
Microneedling the scalp triggers a wound-healing response, which can encourage hair growth. It also enhances the absorption of other ingredients like minoxidil or PRP. Though you can find at-home microneedling tools (such as dermarollers or dermapens), the professional-level devices used by dermatologists have longer needles for better results.
Whether or not you try in-office therapies, practice good scalp care: Don't overwash your hair (one to three times a week is generally best, depending on your hair type), go light with styling products at your roots to avoid buildup and run any major changes to your scalp health (such as redness, flakes or irritation) by your doctor.
Be Cautious of Supplements
Certain deficiencies — such as in vitamin D, iron and protein — can stunt hair growth. But before stocking up on supplements, talk to your doctor; most adults can get adequate nutrients through their diet or a daily multivitamin, according to Lamb. Be wary of ultra-potent supplements marketed specifically for hair loss, which are unregulated and potentially harmful. 'High doses of biotin can disrupt thyroid levels, for example, and high doses of B vitamins can cause acne,' says Lamb. Focus instead on reducing stress and chronic inflammation, common triggers that, if left unchecked, can accelerate hair loss.
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