Hair loss can affect both men and women, and those that have suffered will know how tough it can be to deal with.
The condition affects an estimated eight million women in the U.K. alone, and more than half of all men suffer significant hair loss by the age of 50.
As August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, we wanted to, quite literally, get to the root of the problem, and see what help is out there. Trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver, from The Cotswold Trichology Centre, let us in on her top tips to improve hair health.
Investigate “Unexplained hair loss can be an initial symptom of health changes. Therefore, the first step should be to test for some of the most common reasons; Ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D and Thyroid imbalance can be blood tested and the results compared with optimum levels,” Sally-Ann told Cover Media. “Heavy periods, vegetarianism or regular blood donation can lead to low serum Ferritin, the protein that stores iron in the body. Low iron is one of the most common mineral deficiencies in young women with hair thinning.”
Nutritional deficiencies such as low B12 and vitamin D can also slow down hair growth and can cause hair thinning, as can thyroid conditions.
Assess diet and lifestyle
“Hair is considered a barometer of health, so unsurprisingly, poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to its decline,” Sally-Ann commented. To boost hair protein keratin levels, eat more dietary protein, aiming to consume 45g a day.
Get advice
“If you’ve noticed that your hair is thinning or your scalp is more visible, don’t ignore it – seek advice,” the hair expert urged. “A trichologist can help determine the cause and set you on the right track to regaining your hair or at least help make suggestions to slow down the decline. Often there are multiple factors involved, and a trichologist should be able to look at the whole picture and suggest a plan of action.”
Try laser phototherapy
“Laser phototherapy offers a lotion-free, pill-free method of improving hair structure and growth, with no side effects, scalp irritation or damage to hair structure,” Sally-Ann revealed. She suggests the Theradome LH80 Laser Helmet, which floods your scalp with photons to energise your hair follicles, because not only does it produce results, but is also easy to use; you simply put it on your head every other day for 20 minutes.
[Source”cnbc”]
