Our expert’s vital tips on looking after your locks –and the array of hair-raising treatments
AS A GP who specialises in nutritional treatments for medical problems such as hair loss, I often see women – and men – in clinic who are at their wits’ end because they are thinning. Very often, they’ll have been trying to cover up or ignore the problem for months or even years before seeking help. My first piece of advice to those who come to me with a huge range of questions about their condition is: try not to panic…
Q That’s easier said than done! How am I supposed to keep calm when I’m going bald?
A Panicking about hair loss can result in a vicious circle, as stress is a key factor that drives a lot of types of hair loss. It causes the blood vessels to constrict, which reduces the blood flow to your scalp. So, for example, you overdo it at work, eat badly, get stressed, notice hair loss, get more stressed, and so on. Approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness, proven to tackle anxiety and stress, are definitely worth investigating. Another thing I advise immediately is to start stimulating circulation to the scalp with a daily massage – simply take handfuls of hair and gently move the scalp around to loosen tension and promote blood flow.
Q Right, so I’m not stressed. What else can I do? A Hair loss is a complex condition with a multitude of causes, often in conjunction, so treatment can be a matter of trial and error. It is definitely worth taking medical advice before you start using even over-thecounter remedies.
And before starting treatment, I advise patients to take a long hard look at their diet as, in a huge number of cases, nutritional deficiency can be to blame.
Q What kind of foods should I be eating to combat hair loss?
A Protein is essential for healthy hair follicles, so try to eat some with every meal, whether it’s poultry, lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts or beans. Similarly, whole grains, fruit, vegetables and seeds are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that provide nourishment for hair roots.
If you’re a vegetarian, you may be more prone to thinning hair as some amino acids essential for healthy hair (such as lysine) and micro-nutrients (such as vitamin B12 and iron) may be lacking from your diet.
Try not to skip meals, as the supply of nutrients to hair follicles will be reduced. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to improve the flow of nutrients.
Because hair follicles are nonessential structures, they will be among the first to suffer if your body is deficient in nutrients, leading to dull, limp and lifeless locks.
Q Is there anything I need to avoid?
A Your hair’s No1 enemy is salt. An excess reduces the function of the hair follicle, and research shows that cutting salt intake can lessen hair loss by as much as 60 per cent. Steer clear of sugary and fatty treats too, which will do nothing to nourish follicles.
Q Doesn’t everyone’s hair thin with age?
A Yes. After the age of 25 the diameter of individual hairs naturally starts to decrease, and by the age of 40 most people have finer hair with less body. At the same time, more follicles stay in their resting phase so less hair grows and the rate of growth decreases, resulting in progressive thinning.
Hair loss during menopause is often caused by a drop in oestrogen levels – consuming more plant oestrogens (called isoflavones) in the diet from soy beans, nuts and seeds can help counteract this.
Q Are supplements worth the expense?
A Diet should always come first, but a supplement can provide a safety net, as the majority of women who consult a trichologist are found to be deficient in at least one nutrient.
At this time of year Vitamin D levels are falling through lack of sun exposure, and a lack of this can contribute to disordered hair cycles, hair loss and alopecia.
Meanwhile, surveys show that almost one in four women aren’t getting enough iron, putting them at risk of deficiency-associated anaemia and hair loss. A further ten per cent of women aren’t getting enough iodine, which can affect thyroid function and have knock-on effects on the hair.
It’s perfectly normal to lose a significant amount of hair after pregnancy – and it will almost certainly grow back. While you’re expecting, there are so many growth factors in your circulation that hair flourishes and less falls out than usual. After delivery, the hair you would have shed before can all come out at once as the hair/ life cycles synchronise. This causes a sudden thinning of hair that can come as a shock, but the hair follicles will reactivate and, within a year, your hair will probably have returned to normal.
In the meantime, a multivitamin and mineral supplement that includes iron and silica can help. I’ve found that 1g of evening primrose oil can also improve the quality of your hair within three months, although there isn’t any research to back this up.
Q Where can I go to find expert help?
A A trichologist is a medical professional (although not necessarily a doctor) who specialises in treating hair loss. All trichologists should be registered with the Institute of Trichologists (trichologists.org.uk) and have the letters ‘AIT’ (an associate member), ‘MIT’ (a full member) or ‘FIT’ (a Fellow) after their names.
A FIT is the most experienced and is given the title because of an ‘outstanding contribution to the profession’. But word of mouth and personal recommendation are important – ask if you can speak to previous clients. Another option is a referral to a dermatologist who specialises in hair loss. It isn’t easy to get an NHS appointment as hair loss isn’t seen as much of a priority, so you’re likely to have to go private.