How to Prevent Hair Loss

What’s Exactly Hair Loss?

Hair loss, also called alopecia, refers to the partial or complete loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. Hair loss can be a temporary or permanent condition, and can affect both men and women of all ages. The scalp is not the only area where hair can prematurely fall: the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair can be affected. It can have a variety of causes, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, medications, and environmental factors.

If you are losing a few hair here and there everyday, don’t panic. There is a distinction between hair shedding and real hair loss . It’s totally normal to shed fifty to one hundred hair per day. But If you lose more than that, you may have a condition causing hair loss.

Hair Loss in Figures

Hair loss is widespread around the globe. According to the Hair Loss Statistics (2023):

• Around 85% of men and 33% of women will face hair loss during their lifetime
• 95% of hair loss among men is male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia
• Around 25% of men suffering from hair loss start losing their hair before they are 21
• 40% of women suffering from hair loss have had issues in their couple because of hair loss
• 63% of women claim that alopecia disadvantages their career
• 71% of men and women with hair loss know another family member having hair loss

Internal Causes

There are many causes of hair loss, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, medications and environmental factors.

But the most common cause of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, a genetic condition that affects both men and women. Caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, it results in the gradual shrinking of hair follicles and a shortening of the hair growth cycle. While male pattern baldness can lead to a complete hair loss, female alopecia rarely leads to complete baldness. Note that there are no treatments available to cure androgenetic alopecia, but there are ways to limit its impact.

Other internal causes of hair loss include:

• Autoimmune disorders, such as alopecia areata, in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss in patches
• Thyroid disorders, which can cause hair loss as a symptom of an overactive or underactive thyroid gland
• Scalp infections, such as ringworm, which can cause hair loss in the affected area

External Causes

Environmental factors can also contribute to hair loss. For example:

• Exposure to harsh chemicals
• Excessive heat from styling tools can damage the hair and lead to hair loss
• Poor nutrition can also cause hair loss, as the body requires certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron and biotin, for healthy hair growth
• Certain medications or treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also cause hair loss as a side effect

How to Prevent Hair Loss

Hair loss prevention can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes, proper hair care, and medical treatment, depending on the underlying cause of the hair loss. Here are some tips to prevent hair loss.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for hair loss prevention and healthy hair growth. Proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 are particularly important for hair and scalp health. You can include in your diet vegan food rich in:

• Protein (seitan, lentil, hemp seeds, tofu, beans, spelt or a protein supplement)
• Iron (dried seaweed, sesame seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, olive, cashew or an iron supplement)
• Zinc (beans, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, pine nuts, pecans or a zinc supplement)
• Vitamin B12 (nutritional yeast flakes, cereals, vegan milk or a vitamin b-12 supplement)

Follow these easy recipes (by Bianca Taylor) if you want to follow a vegan diet full of protein:

Avoid Harsh Hair Treatments

Chemical treatments like bleaching, straightening, and coloring can damage the hair and lead to hair loss over time. And using heat styling tools (e.g. straighteners and curling irons) can also damage the hair. Avoiding or limiting these treatments can help to prevent hair loss. If you suffer from damaged hair caused by aggressive bleaching sessions, effective vegan hair solutions exist and can help to restore them.

Practice Good Hair Hygiene

Keeping your scalp and hair clean is important for preventing hair loss. Wash your hair regularly with a gentle shampoo and avoid using hot water or scrubbing your scalp too vigorously. Use a soft towel to pat your hair dry rather than rubbing it vigorously, which could cause breakage.

This instructive video by Doro Cubillo shows the mistake we all make while washing our hair:

Reduce Stress

Stress can cause hair loss, so finding ways to manage stress is important for preventing hair loss. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help to reduce stress levels.

Medical Treatments

In some cases, medical treatments may be necessary to prevent hair loss. Medications like minoxidil and finasteride can help to promote hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia. But not only can they cause irritation, but the products containing them are definitely not vegan nor cruelty-free. Hair transplant may be the most effective surgical treatment for hair loss.

Wear Protective Hairstyles

If you have naturally curly or kinky hair, wearing protective styles like braids, twists, or weaves can help to prevent hair breakage and promote healthy hair growth. Be sure to choose styles that are not too tight, as this can damage the hair.

Vegan Michele’s Tips to Stop Hair Loss

In this video, Michele shares with you how to stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally. We know first hand how scary this can be, and these are natural ways to get back on track for hair regrowth.

In conclusion, preventing hair loss involves a combination of lifestyle changes, proper hair care, and medical treatment if necessary. Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding harsh hair treatments, practicing good hair hygiene, reducing stress, and wearing protective styles are all effective ways to prevent hair loss.