I’m a hair transplant surgeon – here’s how to slow down and even stop hair loss before it’s a problem
OUR crown and glory is precious, however there are many factors that can play a part in destroying our hair, causing it to fall out.
It is normal to lose hair every day - according to the NHS, we can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day.
But, it can be worrying and upsetting when so much hair loss occurs that bald patches appear, hair becomes noticeably thinner, or clumps of hair fall out in one go.
Anabel Kingsley, consultant trichologist at says there are many types of hair loss, but some is genetically predetermined.
The most common types of hair loss she sees in her clinic are due to hair shedding and breakage: “Hair shedding is usually triggered by an internal disturbance to the body such as, but not limited to, illness, stress, postpartum or nutritional changes and/or deficiencies.
“The shedding occurs usually six to 12 weeks after the event that triggered it, so it is always important to look back to pinpoint the reason.
Read more on hair loss
“Although it can be extremely distressing, rest assured the hair will almost certainly grow back once the underlying issue has been resolved.”
She adds that breakage often occurs from dryness or damaged hair, which causes hair to become weak and brittle.
“Breakage from dryness occurs due to moisture depletion. When the hair cuticle layer is compromised through chemical or mechanical processing it makes hair porous, meaning moisture is able to escape more easily.
“A healthy hair will be elastic, but a dry hair will become brittle and snap.”
Hair loss can occur in men and women,but there are some differences in how.
Anabel explains: “The most significant difference between genders is the pattern.
“In females this usually presents itself as a progressively wider parting which spreads across the top scalp area.
“In men it is most noticeable from a receding hairline around the temple area and the crown.”
Try these non-surgical methods to care for your hair…
1. Cut your stress
It’s not always easy to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, however, if you’ve noticed problems with your hair, it’s definitely worth introducing some stress-relief tactics into your daily routine.
“Stress can have a significant impact on a patient’s overall health and can accelerate hair loss.
“Stress also raises androgen (male sex hormones) levels which can be linked to hair loss.
“Plus, stress can give rise to a number of other issues such as dandruff and it can cause changes in eating habits which in turn can impact hair,” says Dr Raja.
“Maintaining a good balance of the minerals zinc and magnesium has been shown to help control anxiety and stress,” suggests Dr Raja.
Zinc can be found in oysters and red meat while magnesium is found in wholegrains, dark leafy greens and legumes.
Exercise and meditation as well as adequate sleep, is also important for relieving stress.
2. It might be your meds
“Hair loss is a commonly known side effect of some types of chemotherapy.
“Although it’s a relatively rare side-effect of most other types of medication, some prescription drugs such as blood thinners, antidepressants and beta-blockers as well as some hormone-related medication, can cause hair loss,” says Dr Raja.
Concerned? Book an appointment with your GP who can discuss this with you.
3. Reduce your alcohol intake
“While alcohol itself hasn’t been directly linked to hair loss, it can lead to dehydration which can also dry out hair follicles.
“Over prolonged periods of time this can also raise the acid levels in your body and affect protein absorption,” explains Dr Raja.
“Together this can have a negative impact on the hair follicles and hair health, resulting in hair thinning and loss.”
Cutting down on alcohol is important, and can help protect your hair, however when/if you do drink alcohol, ensure you avoid dehydration by having a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.
Plus, aim to stay hydrated throughout the day, no matter whether you’re drinking alcohol or not.
4. Check your vitamins
“When it comes to vitamin deficiencies, a low vitamin B12 count can impact the health of the red blood cells which carry oxygen to your tissues, while an iron deficiency - or anaemia - means the body does not produce enough essential protein for the hair cells,” says Dr Raja.
B12 can be found in meat, eggs and cheese, while iron can be found in red meat, beans and dried fruits.
Dr Raja adds that vitamin A and biotin (vitamin B7) are also important for growth: “Vitamin A also helps skin glands make an oily substance called sebum.
“Sebum helps retain moisture in the scalp and keep hair healthy.”
Then there’s vitamin D which helps stimulate new and old hair follicles.
“Research shows that a lack of vitamin D in your body can lead to hair loss.
“When there isn't enough vitamin D in your system, such as during the winter months or when people are unable to seek sunshine abroad, new hair growth can be stunted.”
Top up your biotin levels by tucking into sweet potatoes, mushrooms and broccoli.
“Carrots, pumpkins, spinach and kale are high in beta-carotene, which is turned into vitamin A.
“For vitamin D consume oily fish, seafood and egg yolks,” says Dr Raja.
If you feel like you’re lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, a vitamin supplement can help.
5. Is it hormonal?
“The hormone changes that can occur at different stages of a woman’s life, for example during pregnancy and menopause, can impact hair growth resulting in thinning hair and bald patches.
“Men can also experience hormone changes that can be responsible for their hair loss,” says Dr Raja.
See your doctor if you’re concerned, who might recommend hormonal therapy and implement the above strategies which may also help.
6. Use topical products
There are some medications that can help treat hair loss and baldness, including finasteride and minoxidil.
“Finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern hair loss and prostate conditions in men.
“Traditionally it has been taken in oral form but now it is also used topically in liquid form and applied directly to the scalp,” explains Dr Raja.
“Finasteride works by counteracting the effects of DHT which is a broken down form of testosterone that can affect susceptible follicles, causing them to shrink and ultimately fall out.
“Finasteride can also stimulate regrowth in areas of thinning.”
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Dr Raja warns that it is important to discuss treatments with your GP.
For women, a hair lotion containing minoxidil has been proven to help slow down or stop balding.