Men's Health

How to prevent hair loss

Unfortunately, many people suffer hereditory hair loss. This is known as male pattern baldness (MPB) and has familial link. This type of hair loss is inevitable, but can be slowed or even reversed using various treatments.

However, there are many people who lose hair for reasons not associated with MPB. There are techniques you can use to lessen or prevent these types of hair loss. A number of factors contribute to hair loss some of which include: your diet, health, hormones and hair treatment are some of the most common ones.

Avoid harsh shampoos

Taking good care of your hair is the easiest way to ensure you won't lose it. Despite popular myths you should wash your hair with warm water not cold and you should always use a good conditioner. You should avoid "cheap" shampoos and conditioners that are stuffed with various chemical that adversely affect hair.

Avoid dying/perming

To minimize hair loss you shouldn't dye your hair, however, if you must then no more than once every two/three months. You should avoid perming altogether, as it is very damaging for your hair. Your hair needs to "breathe" so using excessive amounts of gels or wearing hats all the time is also a bad idea.

Avoid blocking pores

It is quite common for people to excercise or play sports and then to about their normal routine without taking a shower. Excercise results in sweat and will block pores if you do not wash your hair. Blocked pores results in excessive sebum production that can lead to hair thinning.

Diet

You should carefully watch your diet if you are concerned with hair loss. Eating unbalanced diets results in deficiencies and your hair won't get the nutrition that it needs. You should also carefully watch your intake of both vitamin A and E as excessive amounts of both these vitamins have been linked to hair loss. Changes in the body's hormonal functions can also cause excessive hair loss. Some of the most drastic factors in hair loss are pregnancy or long-term emotional stress.

Myths

If you are only losing a minimal amount of hair per day you shouldn't be worried. Everyone loses approximately 50 - 100 hairs everyday. There are many myths about hair loss and although most won't harm your hair some will and you should be cautious. The most dangerous myth is that brushing your hair vigorously will help prevent hair loss. Other myths include massaging your scalp, and standing on your head to increase blood flow to your head.