Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 20, 2024 · 7 min read
How To Stop Hair Loss: A Guide To Saving Your Hair
Hair loss is a common concern for many, affecting both men and women at various stages of life. Whether it’s temporary or permanent, understanding its causes and exploring effective treatments can make a significant difference. This guide will delve into the reasons behind hair loss, its treatment options, and actionable tips to help you protect and maintain your hair.
Key Takeaways
Identify the Cause of Hair Loss
Hair loss can result from genetics, stress, medical conditions, or medications. Early intervention is crucial to slow or reverse the process, particularly in cases like stress-induced or nutritional deficiency-related hair loss.
Explore Effective Treatments
Medical options like finasteride (slows hair loss) and minoxidil (promotes regrowth) are proven treatments. Natural remedies such as improving your diet with iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s, or using scalp-friendly products like jojoba oil or aloe vera, can also support healthy hair.
Adopt Preventative Hair Care Practices
Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemical treatments, and over-washing. Use gentle brushes and mild shampoos to protect your scalp. Advanced solutions like hair transplants or UV light therapy may also help for persistent cases.
Stay proactive with treatments and lifestyle adjustments to maintain and restore hair health!
Google Web Story: How To Stop Hair Loss
UK Meds have created a Google Web Story to summarise how to stop hair loss with some simple tips. Check it out below:
What Is Hair Loss?
Hair loss refers to the partial or complete shedding of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It can be caused by:
Genetics
Hormonal imbalances
Medical conditions
Medications
Hair loss may be temporary or permanent, and its progression can differ between individuals.
Can Hair Loss Be Stopped or Reversed?
Stopping Hair Loss
Whether hair loss can be stopped depends on its cause. Conditions like male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) are harder to stop but can often be slowed with treatment.
Reversing Hair Loss
In some cases, hair loss can be reversed, particularly if it’s due to stress, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medical conditions. Early intervention is key.
Why Is Your Hair Falling Out?
Hair loss can result from various factors, including:
Genetics
Men inherit the gene for male pattern baldness (on the X chromosome) from their mothers (fathers give the Y chromosomes to their sons).
Women inherit genetic predispositions to hair loss from both parents.
Stress
High stress levels can trigger hair shedding or thinning by increasing cortisol levels, which impact hair growth.
Medical Conditions
Thyroid disorders
Autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D)
Medications
Some medications, including chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and steroids, can cause hair loss.
Hair Loss in Men and Women
Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)
This hereditary condition causes hair follicles to shrink due to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to thinning and eventual baldness.
Female Hair Loss
Women may experience diffuse thinning or patchy hair loss, often influenced by hormonal changes, stress, or genetics.
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss
1. Finasteride
What It Is: A prescription medication for male pattern baldness.
How It Works: Blocks DHT production to slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
Effectiveness: Clinical studies show significant improvement in hair growth and density.
Side Effects: Erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, allergic reactions.
2. Minoxidil
What It Is: A topical treatment for both men and women.
How It Works: Improves blood flow to hair follicles and prolongs the hair growth phase.
Effectiveness: Proven to slow hair loss and promote new growth.
Side Effects: Scalp irritation, dizziness, chest pain.
Medical Treatments for Hair Loss FAQS
Does collagen promote hair growth?
Yes, there is evidence to suggest that collagen peptides, also known as CP, can help to promote hair growth. Two separate studies conducted tests to see whether collagen taken from different sources would have an effect on hair growth. The conclusion of these tests found that collagen may be a viable treatment option to help promote healthy hair growth in humans (Hwang et al, 2022).
Natural Ways to Combat Hair Loss
Dietary Improvements
Iron-rich foods: Red meat, poultry, lentils.
Vitamin D sources: Fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, walnuts, chia seeds.
Protein: Eggs, dairy, lean meats.
Nutrional supplements: A study conducted by Glynis, A.(2012) found that the daily administration of a nutritional supplement promoted significant hair growth after around 90 to 180 days. This was the first time that there was evidence of a nutritional supplement helping with hair growth after the patient has had surgery.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Exercise: Boosts blood flow to the scalp.
Stress management: Practice mindfulness, yoga, or meditation.
Using Natural Scalp Care Products
According to UK based natural beauty cosmetics brand, Lush, there are a wide range of natural hair care ingredients that can improve your hair condition in a safe way. These are summarised in the table below for you:
Natural Hair Care Ingredients & Their Benefits
| Agar agar gel | Leaves hair incredibly soft, coats strands without weighing hair down, retains bounce and volume. |
| Almond milk | Moisturises hair, adds shine and softness, strengthens strands, protects against breakage and hair fall. |
| Aquafaba | Protects and strengthens fine hair, replacement for eggs, adds consistency to hair treatments. |
| Argan oil | Rich in nutrients, maintains healthy scalp, stimulates hair growth, moisturises, adds shine and controls flyaways. |
| Avocado butter | Rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, protects strands from damage, delivers nutrients, seals cuticles, adds moisture and shine. |
| Bananas | Strengthens hair, improves elasticity, prevents breakage, used in H'suan Wen Hua for conditioning. |
| Beeswax | Locks in moisture, soothes scalp, stimulates hair growth, protects from damage, found in Fairly Traded Honey shampoo. |
| Cade oil | Soothes and balances scalp, antiseptic and antimicrobial, found in Soak And Float shampoo bar. |
| Cinnamon Leaf Oil | Stimulates blood flow, adds volume and shine, found in New shampoo bar. |
| Cocoa butter | Deeply moisturises, leaves hair smooth and sleek, found in Angel Hair shampoo bar. |
| Ethyl Macadamiate | Protects hair from heat and humidity, softening, used in Glory conditioner. |
| Extra virgin olive oil | Strengthens hair, adds sleekness, improves shine, locks in moisture, found in Super Milk conditioning spray. |
| Green olives | Rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, improves tensile strength, moisturises, protects against damage, used in Montalbano shampoo bar. |
| Henna | Can be used as a natural dye, adds shine, body, and natural highlights, found in Jasmine And Henna pre-wash treatment. |
| Honey | Locks in moisture, cleanses, calms, sourced from wild bees, found in Honey I Washed My Hair shampoo bar. |
| Irish moss | Strengthens hair, adds shine, forms a gel for luxurious texture, used in Seanik solid shampoo bar. |
| Jojoba oil | Protects hair, speeds up growth, adds shine, moisturises, used in Retread restorative conditioner. |
| Kiwi juice | Cleanses excess oil, strengthens roots, adds shine, supports nutrient absorption, repairs damaged follicles, used in Rehab shampoo. |
| Lavender | Balances sebum production, increases blood flow to the scalp, promotes healthy hair growth, calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and promotes sleep. Found in Veganese conditioner. |
| Lemon | Rich in vitamin C, natural cleanser, removes excess oil, encourages hair cuticles to flatten for shine, natural lightener for fair hair. Used in Big shampoo. |
| Linseed gel | Protective, moisturising, rich in vitamins and minerals, strengthens hair, adds glossiness. Found in Curl Power products. |
| Mango juice | Cleanses scalp and hair, improves shine, uplifting scent, stimulates hair growth, used in Rehab shampoo. |
| Neroli oil | Tones and calms scalp, mood-boosting fragrance, used in Sea Spray hair mist. |
| Nettle | Balancing effect on scalp, encourages new hair growth, reduces hair loss, boosts blood flow, used in New shampoo bar. |
| Oat milk | Rich in vitamins A, B, and E, strengthens and moisturises hair, forms a protective film, beneficial for afro hair, found in Revive moisturiser. |
| Peppermint oil | Boosts circulation, stimulates hair follicles, regulates scalp's oil production, retains hair within scalp, used in Roots treatment. |
| Pineapple juice | Deeply cleanses and refreshes scalp, adds shine, used in Rehab shampoo. |
| Rose oil | Balance and soothes scalp, delicate fragrance, used in Valkyrie conditioner. |
| Rosemary infusion | Deeply cleanses skin, improves scalp circulation, aids relaxation, used in Jumping Juniper shampoo. |
| Saffron infusion | Enhances lighter notes in blonde or grey hair, found in Marilyn pre-wash treatment for brighter locks. |
| Sea salt | Creates beachy waves, adds minerals and nutrients, softens hair, promotes volume and bounce, found in Wasabi Shan Kui shampoo. |
| Silken tofu | High protein content, moisturising, improves hair condition, supports effects of hair treatment like H'suan Wen Hua. |
| Soya lecithin | Softens hair, encourages absorption of other ingredients, antistatic, found in The Golden Cap solid conditioner. |
| Sweet orange oil | Revitalises hair, uplifting fragrance, enzymic cleansing effects on scalp, found in Honey I Washed My Hair shampoo bar. |
| Toothed wrack seaweed | Forms protective barrier, retains moisture, hydrates hair without weighing it down, found in Big solid conditioner. |
| Vetivert oil | Grounding essential oil, revives scalp, encourages cell regeneration, found in Big solid conditioner. |
| Violet leaf absolute | Sweet, grassy-green perfume, antiseptic qualities, refreshes scalp, found in Retread conditioner. |
| Wheatgerm oil | Rich in linoleic acid, retains moisture, anti-inflammatory vitamin E soothes scalp, adds body, shine, and strength, found in Jasmine And Henna hair treatment. |
| Ylang ylang | Provides a rich, sensual perfume to hair, balances skin and scalp, stimulates and tones hair. |
Hair Care Tips to Prevent Hair Loss
Avoid Damage from Hair Styling
Skip tight hairstyles to prevent traction alopecia.
Use gentle brushes and combs to minimise breakage.
Avoid harsh chemical treatments like bleaching.
Use Scalp-Friendly Products
Opt for mild shampoos to avoid irritation.
Wash hair every 2–3 days to maintain scalp health.
Advanced Hair Loss Solutions
1. Hair Transplants
Surgical procedures that redistribute hair from one part of the scalp to another. Effective for restoring hair but doesn’t prevent further loss.
2. Scalp Micropigmentation
A cosmetic treatment that creates the appearance of a fuller scalp through tattooing.
3. UV Light Therapy
While research is limited, some studies suggest phototherapy may support hair growth.
Hair Loss in Special Circumstances
Postpartum Hair Loss
Common after childbirth due to hormonal fluctuations.
Typically resolves within 6 weeks–15 months (Piérard-Franchimont & Piérard, 2013).
Prevention tips: Use collagen supplements, avoid harsh styling, and eat a balanced diet.
Hair Loss During Menopause
Linked to hormonal changes, particularly reduced oestrogen levels.
Can be managed with scalp care, nutrition, and stress reduction.
Coping with Hair Loss
Emotional Support
Join hair loss support groups for shared experiences and advice.
Consider counselling to address self-esteem and mental health concerns.
Concealing Hair Loss
Wigs and hairpieces offer temporary solutions.
Hair transplants provide more permanent results.
Do UK Meds offer hair care and scalp care treatments?
Yes! There are a wide range of prescription and over the counter treatments for hair care and scalp care available online at UK Meds. These include:
Treatment for scalp conditions such as:
Prescription treatments such as:
Over the counter treatments such as:
Final Thoughts
Hair loss can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to slow its progression and, in some cases, restore hair growth. Whether through medical treatments like finasteride and minoxidil, lifestyle changes, or hair care improvements, there are solutions for everyone. If you’re struggling, consult a healthcare professional to find the best course of action tailored to your needs. Stay proactive, and remember, hair care is self-care.
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
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