7 Ways to Stop Hair Thinning and Reduce Hair Loss in Men
What causes hair thinning and hair loss?
People generally ask questions like How can I regrow my thinning hair? How can I stop going bald? Or Can a bald man grow hair back? The answer to first two questions is yes, there are ways to increase your hair density and reduce hair loss. On the other hand, it is not possible to grow back hair in a bald area without a hair transplant operation. Because, it is not possible to recreate or reanimate death hair follicles. The only possibility at that point is to have a hair transplant and implant other hair follicles to the bald region.
There are many causes for male pattern hair loss and hair thinning, besides the genetic causes for these phenomena there are external and internal causes. Preventing hair loss is a very complex process, and it often requires real and medical solutions. Unfortunately, on the internet there are lots of misinformation about reducing hair problems. Some methods that are promoted online are either extremely useless or maybe have small positive effects. Methods promoted online such as using anti-thinning or hair loss shampoos, massaging your scalp, laser therapy, taking multivitamins, folic acid supplements, biotin, Omega-3 and Omega-6 and enriching your diet with protein have very small positive effects for reducing hair thinning or stopping hair loss. These methods have somewhat secondary or very limited effects on hair growth and they would not make your hair stronger. There are also some methods promoted online which have no positive effects, such as rubbing your hair/scalp with essential oils, garlic juice, onion juice, ginger juice, green tea or brushing your wet hair and keeping your head sweat free. These activities either have no positive effects whatsoever or some of them can even damage your hair and scalp. So, one should be very careful before using these methods to prevent or decrease hair thinning and loss. On the other hand, there are some very useful methods for decreasing hair thinning and loss. This article summarizes the scientifically effective methods for hair loss and thinning. However, it should be note that we advise you to consult with an experienced hair surgeon for these issues instead of trying to treat them yourself.
- De-stress
Stress is a well-known reason for hair loss and thinning. As a matter of fact, stress leads to many problems in human body. As one of the most fragile organisms in the body, hair is very likely to be affected by stress. So, reducing stress in your daily and professional life would lead significantly healthy hair follicles. A healthier body without extreme or constant stress would be a better environment for your hair.
- Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an effective medical solution for reducing hair loss and thinning. It is applied to the scalp as a foam or liquid form. When you externally apply minoxidil to your scalp, it boosts the blood circulation. This better blood circulation leads to stronger hair and prevents hair loss and thinning to some extent. In terms of the effectiveness, Minoxidil is one of the most effective methods and it has no known side effects. It is also an FDA approved method, which means it is safe and effective.
- Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a useful method only for a specific case of hair loss and thinning. It is useful for treating women who has male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, it does not offer any benefits to men.
- Finasteride
Finasteride is maybe the most effective non-surgical method for decreasing hair loss and preventing hair thinning. Before and after a hair transplant operation, finasteride has preventive and positive effects. On the other hand, there are lots of misinformation on internet about its side effects. There are many unproven claims about this issue. Finasteride does not have any major scientifically proven side effects. It is also an FDA approved treatment which means it is safe to use and very effective.
- Corticosteroids
Use of corticosteroids are similar to spironolactone in a way that this method is just useful for some specific cases. Corticosteroids are useful for treating baldness or hair thinning related to some specific dermal diseases. Other than these specific cases, they are not effective. You should only use corticosteroids if you are diagnosed with a dermatological disease and your doctor prescribed the use of corticosteroids.
- Reduce Alcoholic Beverages
The excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is a leading cause for frequent hair loss and extreme hair thinning. As it negatively effects your entire body, it also effects your hair. It is not harmful to consume small amount alcohol regularly. Reducing the use of alcoholic beverages would lead to a significantly healthier hair and hair follicles.
- Avoid Smoking
There is no need to retell the harms of smoking. It negatively effects nearly every part of your body. It also harms your hair because of its negative effects on the blood circulation. If you are smoking regularly or even occasionally, you can substantially reduce your hair loss and thinning by avoiding smoking.