Treating Hair Loss

Hair loss can happen for many different reasons. In today's post I discuss some common reasons for hair loss and tips for keeping your hair strong and healthy.

Nutrient Deficiencies

If you’re losing hair you should get tested for anemia. A common cause of hair loss is anemia due to low iron levels. Other signs of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, feeling cold all the time, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and feeling light-headed. Other minerals and vitamins that can be helpful for hair loss are zinc, selenium and biotin. It’s important to not over-dose on some of these nutrients so talk to your naturopath before supplementing.

Many people don’t have enough protein in their diet. Making sure you’re getting enough protein is important for dealing with hair loss. The average adult needs 0.8g of protein per kg of bodyweight per day. But this number can change depending on your activity levels. There are many protein calculators online that can tell you how much you need.

Hormones

Over and underactive thyroid can cause hair loss. Other hormonal imbalances like high testosterone, DHT or DHEA can also lead to hair loss from the scalp. Testing your hormones can give you valuable information on what’s causing your hair loss.

Habits

The little things you do to your hair can have a big effect on hair loss over time. Here are some habits that can prevent hair breakage and increase hair strength:

- Avoid ponytails and try switching to more slack clips instead

- Avoid over-brushing your hair, consider brushing just once a day

- Consider switching away from a brush and using a wide-toothed, wooden comb instead

- Massage your scalp with castor oil one or more times a month and let the oil soak for an hour before washing it out

- Avoid using heat on your hair and let it air-dry instead

- Don’t brush or comb your hair when it’s wet

- Change the location of your part often

- Only wash your hair as often as absolutely necessary

Stress

Of course, stress is a big trigger for hair loss and stress management is important for hair health.

I’ve used herbs, nutrition and even acupuncture to manage hair loss with positive results – especially in women. Take the time to uncover the cause of your hair loss and improve the health of your hair.