FIVE TIPS TO CURB HAIR LOSS

At the outset, it must be said that not all hair loss can be prevented. Even with medication, some baldness is sometimes inevitable. But following these tips have all been shown, in some cases, to reduce hair fall.

EAT RIGHT

A good diet allows your body to maintain absolute peak conditions and that means retaining hair. Think protein, iron, zinc and omega fatty acids, which points to red meats, eggs, fish and lots of green leafy vegetables. Drink lots of water, too, to rid the body of toxins. And, in this case, the old adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day is absolutely true. ‘This is when the hair is in need of protein the most, so an egg is ideal,’ says Dubai-based trichologist Dr Mike Ryan.

REDUCE STRESS

Stress is thought to cause hair loss because it raises the amount of the hormone cortisol in the body. Hair follicles react badly to this, and are weakened. By taking positive steps to cut stress from our lives, there should be a positive effect on thinning hair.

STOP SMOKING

The toxins present in your average cigarettes damage pretty much every part of your body – and hair follicles are no different. That’s because nicotine and carbon monoxide restrict the flow of blood to the body’s extremities, including the hair. Without good circulation, the follicles begin to die.

CONSIDER MEDICATION

Drugs like minoxidil (which you massage into the scalp) and finasteride (generally taken orally) aren’t perfect by any means. They aren’t effective for everyone, have adverse side effects and once you stop using them, the hair loss will continue apace. Perhaps, of more concern, while finasteride functions by blocking testosterone that causes thinning, no one is really sure how minoxidil works. Yet, if you do feel desperate to stop further hair loss, it may be worth considering. Many men don’t, and many do advocate the decision.

GO NUCLEAR

A transplant is probably the last option, and only for those who can afford the Dh15,000 Dh50,000 starting price. But Dr Ryan says the technology has grown increasingly sophisticated, meaning the finished results are ever-improving. ‘With a good surgeon, these days,’ he says, ‘no one would ever know you’d had a transplant.’