Hair loss can be caused by certain medications, underlying medical conditions or heredity. Anyone can suffer hair loss. If you have not identified the cause of your hair loss, a trip to the doctor is your first order of business, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, whether you need a prescription to help regrow your hair or not, there are many things you can do to maximize your hair growth.
Step 1
Visit your doctor for a full physical examination if you do not know what caused your hair loss. Bring along your complete medical history and family history. The doctor may perform a hair-pull test, analyze skin scrapings, perform a skin-punch biopsy and screen for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorder or lupus. Your hair reflects your overall health, so addressing any health concerns will help your body to again produce healthy hair.
Step 2
Discuss hair growth-promoting medications with your doctor. Their effectiveness depends on the cause of your hair loss, so it's important to use only the one your doctor deems appropriate, if any. Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, can spark hair re-growth or slow the rate of hair loss. Finasteride is taken daily and comes in a pill. It's used to treat male-pattern baldness. Your doctor may recommend injecting corticosteroids into the scalp each month, or you might be prescribed Anthralin if your hair loss is due to a skin condition.
Step 3
Eliminate eating habits that harm hair health. Quit eating high-sugar carbohydrates, saturated fat and trans fats. Such foods stress the body and can lead to dry hair. Also avoid or cut way back on caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol.
Step 4
Eat protein-rich foods. Not getting enough protein can cause your hair-growth cycle to go into its resting phase. Make sure to include eggs in your diet. They are rich in L-cysteine, an amino acid important for hair health, and a source of minerals like manganese and the B vitamin biotin, both of which aid the body in preventing hair loss. Chicken, turkey and fish also contain niacin, which enhances scalp circulation.
Step 5
Pick foods that have vitamins A, C and E like orange and yellow vegetables, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Eat whole grains for their biotin, inositol and B vitamins. This will help the body produce keratin, the protein hair is made of, protect hair follicles and regulate hormones related to hair growth.
Step 6
Ensure you get your minerals and essential fatty acids. Eat green peppers for boron, dairy products for calcium and iodine, lean red meats for iron, chickpeas for magnesium, green veggies for manganese, bran and broccoli for selenium, whole grains for silica, legumes and nuts for sulfur and red meats and whole grains for zinc. Eat salmon or take fish oil to get your omega-3 fatty acids.
Step 7
Treat your hair gently. Don't use hot hair styling tools like hair dryers. Avoid any styles that pull hair tight and any hair jewelry or bands that take hair with them when removed. Wash your hair less frequently and condition it more. Rinse hair in cool water instead of hot. Avoid hair coloring and perms as well as environmental factors that stress hair like salt water and chlorine.
Things You'll Need
- Doctor's appointment
- Boar bristle brush
- Wide-tooth comb
- Whole grains
- Protein
- Fruits and vegetables
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