Hair loss is a common symptom experienced by almost all men and women. The extent and duration of hair loss often vary among different individuals.

Though hair loss itself may not cause any serious complications, it is known to affect the appearance of a person and reduce his or her self-confidence. Hence, it is important to not ignore this symptom and take steps to control it. Here is a brief discussion about the best ways to reduce hair loss and improve hair growth.

Understanding Hair Growth Cycles

The four stages of Hair Growth are well known and recent studies to advance this understanding have proven successful. The hair growth process is defined specifically in four (4) separate stages: [1]

  • Anagen (Growing) - Hair grows in this stage.
  • Catagen (Regression) - Your hair follicles will shrink and then detach from your skin.
  • Telogen (Resting) - New hair will begin to grow under the detached, old hair.
  • Exogen (Shedding) - The old hair finally falls off your scalp and is replaced by new hair.

What are the causes of hair loss?

Hair loss is considered a symptom of an underlying disorder rather than a disease itself. It can be a sign of many common issues resulting from many common diseases, stress and even nutritional deficiencies.

Hair loss can also occur temporarily due to the side effects of drugs such as chemotherapeutic agents. [2]

The causes of hair loss may vary depending on the gender of the patient. In men, it could be the result of an imbalance in the production of the male sex hormone called testosterone. This condition is called male pattern baldness that tends to run in families and is genetic but this is not the only cause.[3]

Women may keep their forehead hairline but can experience a widening of the center part in their hairline. It may also affect women during pregnancy and menopause. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of hair loss in women and is hereditary in nature, from your father or mother or both. [4]

Other than these, lack of personal hygiene and local scalp and skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, infections, and dandruff can also contribute to hair loss.

Tips to prevent hair loss

Hygienic precautions

Maintaining personal hygiene is an integral part of the management of hair loss. Improper hygiene of the scalp and hair can increase the risk of bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and worsen hair loss. [5]

Excessive use of chemical-based shampoos and conditioners can also trigger hair fall. The chemicals in these products can damage the hair follicles and shafts making them prone to breakage.

Too frequent hair wash can also alter the pH levels of the scalp and induce dryness thus increasing the risk of dandruff, itching, and infections. Hence, it is advisable to minimize the use of shampoos and conditioners.

Also, proper hygienic measures must be adopted to restore normal hair growth as given below:

  • Regular shampooing of scalp and hair not more than twice a week
  • Avoiding the use of very hot water for hair wash
  • Keeping the scalp well moisturized by using natural hair oils
  • Wearing a scarf or cap to cover the hair when outdoors to protect against harsh sun rays and pollution

These strategies would naturally prevent breakage, split ends, and hair loss by restoring health to the hair follicles.

Additionally, eating a healthy and balanced diet may also improve the scalp nourishment and promote hair growth naturally.

Medications for hair loss

Minoxidil is commonly used to support hair regrowth after partial hair loss has occurred. It is believed to work by acting as a potassium channel opener, which stimulates hair regrowth at the hair follicle directly. This action of minoxidil may trigger the initial shedding of the hair follicles in the telogen phase (also known as the resting phase where old hair rests and new hair starts), which are later replaced by thicker hairs in the anagen phase (also known as the growing phase where thick, new hair comes in).

The mechanism of Minoxidil is to shorten the telogen phase (cycling of new hair growth) and extend the anagen phase (growth of strong, new hair). The clinical effects of Minoxidil linked to these mechanisms include increased hair diameter and length on specific areas of the head. Minoxidil may also increase vascularization or blood flow around the hair follicles thereby contributing to improved hair growth. [6]

Minoxidil has been found to be effective in promoting hair growth in both men and women. Research studies have shown that nearly 40% of men with hair loss experience hair regrowth after using Minoxidil regularly for 3 to 6 months. [7]

How to use Minoxidil?

For those suffering from hair loss, you may benefit from the symptoms of hair loss by using all new Regoxidine®, a proprietary topical aerosol foam formulated for Innovus Pharma, to help enhance hair growth, containing the #1 Dermatologist recommended active ingredient in the U.S., Minoxidil 5%.[8]

Regoxidine® is available over-the-counter in the form of 5% Minoxidil Foam that makes it easy to use. Consumers can apply this unscented foam directly to the scalp, always following the directions on the product packaging. The continued use of Regoxidine® Minoxidil 5% foam can create a favorable environment for the repair of damaged hair follicles and help stimulate growth of new hair. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare practitioner before using Regoxidine® or any Minoxidil product.

Conclusion

Hair loss can occur due to several reasons including lack of personal hygiene, mental stress, and hormonal imbalances. Men and women struggling with hair loss should follow healthy dietary and lifestyle habits to avoid nutritional imbalances and other factors that can worsen this problem. Regular use of Regoxidine® as recommended by a physician may help to achieve faster and better results to control hair loss and improve your natural ability to grow fuller and denser hair.

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755418/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28925637
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926
  4. https://www.aad.org/female
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23159181
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482378/
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25112173
  8. Source: AlphaImpactRx