Hair loss is a common issue that many adults deal with as they age. In fact, if you peeped behind the curtain, or rather under the hat, you’d see you’re not alone. Though you’re in good company, it can still be frustrating, and even embarrassing, to go through this. You’re used to seeing yourself a certain way, and when your appearance changes involuntarily, you can feel powerless. Probably even more so if it impacts you at a younger age.
If you’re not ready to rock the bald or shaved head look, you do have options. Thankfully, there are different things you can do to regrown and maintain your hair. Keep reading for tips to obtain optimal hair regrowth results. Some of the tips might even surprise you.
1. Prescription Treatments
There are several techniques you can try to achieve luxurious locks. One option is exploring which hair loss medications might work for you. There are a few options when it comes to prescription treatments. These include pills, topicals, or a combination of both.
One common topical medicine for hair loss treatment is minoxidil. It comes as a foam, gel, and serum. You apply it directly to your scalp and regrowth results can be seen typically after three months. There are only two treatments for hair loss and regrowth with FDA approval, minoxidil being one of them. The other is finasteride.
Finasteride is typically an oral medication. It helps fight male pattern baldness at the hormonal level by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone. This hormone is known for shrinking hair follicles, leading to slowed growth. Taking finasteride in combinations with minoxidil can have good results. Some topicals even have both ingredients. Together, they can both promote new growth while also slowing hair loss.
2. Surgical Options
When you hear ‘surgical options,’ the hair plugs of the ‘80s might pop into your head. However, surgical procedures to enhance your hairline have come a long way since then. During a hair transplant, hair follicles are transplanted from DHT-resistant areas of the scalp, where hair grows, to bald patches. This works because you’re moving healthy hair follicles that can then take root in a new spot. While it can be costly, this is often referred to as a permanent solution to hair loss.
Another surgical option is having a scalp reduction. This differs from hair transplants because your surgeon uses a section of your scalp to cover a balding area versus individual hair follicles. Local anesthetic is applied, then a surgeon essentially removes the bald spot, skin and all. Your scalp with healthy hair is then stretched or moved to cover that spot.
This is a more extensive process than that of prescription drug treatment. The cost will be higher and there will also be some healing time. However, it is a very successful technique for regrowth because you are placing healthy follicles in troubled areas and your own hair will grow there.
3. Lifestyle Changes
As you settle into life, some of your habits could be harming your chances for a gorgeous mane. As is true in many areas of life, what you did in your 20s doesn’t always work for you in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. And it may be time to make some changes.
You might idolize Guy Fieri, but bleaching your hair takes its toll, especially if you deal with thinning hair already. Give your hair a break from harsh dyes and chemicals. Let it relax and begin to heal.Likewise, you could benefit from switching to a shampoo with healthy growth promotion. Those that nourish and moisturize can be beneficial.
If you smoke, consider backing off for a myriad of health reasons, one being it impacts your skin and hair. There have been studies to confirm this correlation as well. Smoking can damage your hair follicles on a cellular level.
The sun can also damage your skin as well as your hair. In addition to wearing sunscreen on your arms and face, put it on your bald spots. Or wear a hat when you’re out in the sun. If you’re an avid outdoors person, dawning a hat might be a good idea regardless of your hair thickness too. Over the years, even those without male pattern baldness can start to experience damage from the sun.
4. Self-Care Routines
The phrase self-care seems to be all the rage these days. You might think of your wife, girlfriend, or partner saying that as they head out the door to the salon. Though it’s a term that isn’t sparingly used these days, many men don’t apply the practice to themselves. Everybody needs and deserves a little pampering and sometimes, it’s not about treating yourself and being over the top. It’s purely about taking good care of you.
To help your hair, practice a little hair self-care. Since this is self-care, it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing. Depending on your hair type, wash your hair to help nourish your scalp. Some people can wash daily, others need to wash once a week. If you’re not sure what’s best for you, book an appointment at a salon and ask about your hair type. The stylist knows hair and will usually be happy to share their insights.
You can also start massaging your scalp each day. This can be calming, but more importantly, it also increases blood flow to those follicles. The better the blood flow, the more essential nutrients make their way to your roots. And, though you might tire of hearing it, things that are good for your overall health help your hair too. Focus on nutrition, good sleep, and exercise too.
Growth Takes Time
Losing your hair can really rock your physical and mental state. You’re not alone though, and it doesn’t define you. If you’re not ready to shave it all, there are options for you. Try a few of them to see if they might help.
Regardless of the methods you try, looking at lifestyle changes and self-care is important. Not only can these two tips potentially help your regrowth, but they are good for your overall well-being. Self-care can truly make a difference in the quality of life for all people.
