A small amount of hair loss is normal in men, women and even children. It can occur when there is chemical or mechanical damage, dietary deficiencies, as a result of certain medications or chemotherapy and infections. Often hair loss is simply due to heredity. Hair normally goes through a cycle: at any given time, about 90 percent of the hair is growing while the other 10 percent is dormant until it eventually falls out. While some hair loss is inevitable, there are products that can slow the process and reverse some of the causes.
Products Containing Minoxidil
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that products containing the active ingredient minoxidil can be used to stimulate hair growth and slow the balding process significantly. Minoxidil works to stimulate the hair follicles to continue to produce new hair cells. The product is applied topically twice a day and the benefits may diminish once the product is discontinued. Benefits may not appear for up to four months and some side effects have been reported. The product is only approved for use on the scalp. Products containing minoxidil are available over-the-counter and are commonly marketed as Rogaine.
Supplements
According to a study published on Pubmed.com, a website for the National Institutes of Health, some forms of hair loss may benefit from supplementation. A 2009 study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at Tehran University of Medical Sciences at Razi Hospital in Tehran, Iran, found that people, especially women, suffering from iron deficiencies had a greater risk of hair loss than those with normal iron levels. Therefore, supplementation with iron may increase hair growth in people with iron deficiencies.
Because hair is made mostly of protein, diets lacking protein can contribute to slow hair growth. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with protein malnutrition may see increased hair growth with supplementation of the amino acid arginine.
Conditioners
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hair that is consistently exposed to drying elements, such as the sun, chemicals and heating appliances, can become brittle and prone to breakage. The AAD's website, skincarephysicians.com states that dermatologists recommend using a leave-in conditioner that contains zinc oxide and wearing a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun for prolonged periods.
Additionally, the AAD states that dermatologists recommend using a conditioner after every shampoo. While conditioner won't help hair grow, it will help prevent hair from drying out and breaking, which can cause otherwise healthy hair to appear thin and lifeless.
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