Hair Loss Prevention

By Gentleman's Best Friend Image Consulting Services

No one wants to lose his hair. Fortunately, today hair loss is treatable. It is not as easily or effectively treated as many treatments claim, however. In fact, hair loss seldom is noticed fast enough to be fully, non-invasively corrected. (Or to bring the scalp cancer risk back to normal.) Even when hair loss can reverse fully on its own or with treatment (including time for final results and any healing), even when nobody else ever notices, no one wants the experience. Here, an unbiased source tells you how to prevent hair loss.

Causes
Male-pattern baldness/genetics (from either side of the family and often triggered by causes below)
Poor diet, including too little iron to meet needs, which is a problem more than 2% of men will experience
Long-term over-consumption of products containing vitamin A, cadmium, and/or mercury, generally as seafood, organ meats, dark chocolate, and root vegetables.
Infection and disease (which might explain people's natural preference for a head of full hair)
Local inflammation (not helped by careless use of irritating shampoos)
Rapid weight loss and severe stress, such as the surgical kind
Allergic reaction to a topical substance, such as hair dye
Steroids and some fat-burning supplements, and drugs, although medical need can outweigh the risk
Chemical overload, including chemotherapy
Injury from, for example, scratching and also traction from improperly done ponytails, corn rows, and other hairstyles

Basic Prevention
Follow a healthy, everything-in-moderation, well-balanced diet
- no added sugar or hydrogenated fats, and no extreme caffeine drinks (bad for iron absorption)
- simple carbohydrates only for exercise
- plenty of herbs and spices
- no smoking, avoidance of second-hand smoke, and limited alcohol
- the right mix and amount of essential fatty acids, likely requiring an Omega-3 or fish oil supplement
- a multi-vitamin supplement (with not too much vitamin A, please)
- a multi-mineral supplement (or a "men's hair" supplement that contains minerals)
Don't be afraid of doctors - get an annual physical.
But do check the list of side effects of any medication before taking it.
Exercise regularly and, if safe, with some intensity. (If relatives have hair loss, be careful about weightlifting.)
Get regular, moderate sunlight exposure (especially to the scalp).
Get regular, adequate sleep.
Clean your linens regularly and practice good personal hygiene (if possible, at least rinse hair after much sweating).

Advanced Prevention
Drink tea.
If baldness runs in the family, regularly consume a modest amount of low-fat soy protein.
Preferably in the morning or after weightlifting, use a shampoo that contains zinc or ketoconazole (such as Nizoral) - and definitely do so if you have dandruff and no medical reasons to avoid usage.
Rather short hair is lower-risk.
If you do not change your hairstyle much, photograph it from the side yearly (hair loss usually begins in the temples) and compare results.
If you suspect any beginning loss, see a doctor with hair loss expertise immediately. (Often hair transplant surgeons consult for free.)
If you notice unexplained generalized hair loss or growth slowing of hair or nails, see a medical specialist immediately.

May the hair stay with you.