When hair loss begins to become apparent, most people attribute it to age or genetics, but there are actually countless reasons for hair loss in middle-aged men. Hair loss does not just affect older men, though, it can occur at any age and to anyone. The good news is that in some cases, hair loss can be restored with a simple fix.
There are some things that you may be doing every day that are causing your hair to become weak and brittle or fall out. Read on to see if any of these surprising reasons that you may be losing your hair apply to you – and don’t worry we will give you tips on ways to restore your healthy locks.
The Products and Tools You Use On Your Hair
The products and tools that you use on your hair need to be right for your hair type. If you are using the wrong things for your hair, you can cause breakage and damage to your hair. The best way to know which tools and products are best for your hair is to speak to your hairstylist or barber. They can give you recommendations for the type of brush and comb that will work best for your hair type.
If you are using heat often on your hair, you are constantly damaging it. Too much heat causes your hair to become dry and brittle. Try to limit the days that you use heat on your hair per week. Look into heat-free styles, there are plenty of Youtube tutorials online. Try towel drying instead of grabbing the hairdryer. Also, look for heat tools that let you adjust the temperature. Blow drying your hair at a cooler temperature is the best for your hair.
Hair loss can be caused by chemically treating your hair, such as relaxing or colouring it, as well. These chemicals can leave your hair more prone to damage. The ingredients found in these products can also take a toll on your hair growth.
You want to avoid anything that will strip your hair of its natural oils that promote hair growth. For example, shampoos that contain sulfates can dry your hair out, keeping it from being as healthy as possible. When shampoos include silicone, they can coat the scalp and clog hair follicles, causing the hair not to grow properly.
Some middle-aged men just grab any shampoo they see, assuming because they don’t have much hair, they don’t need much or a good brand. Which isn’t true. Read ingredients and shoot for all-natural ingredients.
Medications and Medical Problems
One of the most unexpected culprits of hair loss, which often goes under the radar, is the medications that you are taking. There are many medications that cause hair loss as a side effect, thyroid and acne medications are examples of such prescriptions. If your doctor has just changed your prescription and you begin to notice thinning of hair or hair loss, you may want to talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication or at the very least address the issue.
An underlying medical problem can also cause hair loss. Individuals with diabetes or a thyroid disorder can have affected hair growth. A vitamin deficiency of vitamin B1, B2, C, and/ or iron may be corrected easily with a regular supplement regime.
Skin diseases that can distress the scalp, such as alopecia areata, can also be treated by a dermatologist. If you believe it could be something more serious, reach out to your doctor to discuss your healthcare options.
Stress
Stress can affect the body in many ways, and your scalp is no different. Going through a mid-life crisis? You’re not the only one. Stress can cause hair loss and obstruct hair growth. It is often a sign of stress or anxiety, as these conditions cause hair to become weaker. Being stressed can also cause a condition that makes people compulsively pull their hair out called, Trichotillomania.
Take the time to relax, stay physically fit, and look after your mental health.
Over Trimming
You have probably heard the rule that in order to maintain healthy hair you must trim your hair every 6-8 weeks. Well, this is not exactly true. If you think about it, everyone’s hair type is different and grows differently. There are also other variables that affect how often you should get a trim, such as your scalp condition and any medical problems. This means that not everyone should stick to the same trimming schedule.
Making the trip to remove split ends is essential though. They can cause breakage if they are left intact, but they do not necessarily have to be removed in that 6-8 week time frame. The best way to know how often you should get a trim is to talk to your barber or hairstylist. And if you’re buzzing your entire head, try not to go too frequently.
Diet
Your diet has a direct effect on the health of your hair. It is important to maintain a healthy diet that includes the nutrients that you need for healthy and strong hair. The nutrients that come from our food enter our bloodstream and delivers these nutrients to the hair follicles. When the proper nutrients reach the hair follicles, growing hair is nourished. Those with poor diets filled with sugars, fat, and processed carbohydrates are not doing any favours to the health of their body or their hair.
Make sure to eat a balanced diet on a daily basis. Fill your diet with iron-rich food, like leafy greens, nuts, and legumes. Iron is great for hair growth because it transports oxygen to your roots. Try to include more protein, like fish, as keratin is a protein that is a building block for hair. Consider taking a multivitamin to fill any nutritional gaps that you may not be able to fill with diet alone.
Give these tips a try and see if they can help treat your hair loss and help your new growth to be thicker and healthier. Be patient when trying any new processes that try to restore your hair and scalp.
Even if your hair loss cannot be reversed, and you’re interested in a hair transplant, it is important to practice proper hair care and diet after the procedure as well. If you would like to learn about more options to get a healthier and thicker head of hair, contact our office today.
