What Helps with Hair Loss? How Does Hair Loss Stop?

A certain amount of daily hair loss is considered normal during the hair growth cycle. In most people, new hair strands grow in place of the lost ones, and the hair that grows back continues to grow. In individuals experiencing excessive hair loss and baldness, the amount of hair loss is greater than normal, and the lost hair does not regrow. Hormonal changes, stress, aging, genetics, and certain chronic conditions are among the main causes of hair loss. After significant hair loss, it is important to protect the scalp. Wearing hats, scarves, or head wraps, and using sunscreen products while in the sun can help protect the scalp from UV rays. This way, the risk of skin cancer is reduced.

What Causes Hair Loss?

Healthy individuals experience daily hair loss of up to 100 strands, which is considered normal for the hair growth cycle. New hair eventually replaces the lost strands, preventing a decrease in hair volume. When hair falls out in amounts greater than normal without new strands growing back, it is referred to as hair loss. The causes of hair loss are as follows:

Genetic predisposition
Fungal infections on the scalp
Using tight hairstyles, such as braids or ponytails
Exposure of hair to harmful chemicals (perms, bleach)
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause
Medical treatments like chemotherapy and medications that cause hair loss
Insufficient nutrition, particularly lack of iron and protein
Stress
Thyroid diseases

What Are the Types of Hair Loss?

Hair loss can be related to a disease or caused by seasonal changes or stress. There are many types of hair loss, which can be either permanent or temporary. The most common types of hair loss are:

Androgenetic Alopecia: This type of hair loss is due to genetic predisposition. It includes male-pattern baldness and some hair loss seen in women.
Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune disease characterized by hair and body hair loss.
Telogen Effluvium: In this type, hair falls out suddenly and rapidly. It usually occurs about 1-2 months after experiencing a stressful period. It is believed to be related to sudden hormonal changes.
Anagen Effluvium: This type of hair loss typically occurs due to medical interventions like chemotherapy. It also happens suddenly and for a short duration.

What Helps with Hair Loss?

Hair loss can develop due to various factors such as thyroid disease, medication, hormonal changes, diet, and anxiety. What helps with hair loss can vary from person to person. To reduce or stop hair loss, the underlying cause of the problem must first be identified. Treatments and methods that help with hair loss include:

Medications: Non-prescription medications containing the active ingredient minoxidil aim to reduce and stop hair loss. Medications with the active ingredient finasteride, which are prescribed by a doctor and taken orally, are recommended.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): After drawing the person's blood, healthcare professionals separate the plasma from the blood. Then, platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp by healthcare professionals. This process can slow down or completely stop hair loss. PRP treatment also aims to promote the regrowth of lost hair.
Scalp Massage: Regular scalp massages can improve blood circulation in the scalp, thereby reducing hair loss.

What Helps with Hair Loss in Women?

The most common treatment for hair loss in women is medications based on the active ingredient "minoxidil." The use of minoxidil-containing medications in concentrations of 2% and 5% is recommended based on the rate of hair loss. In addition to minoxidil, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment can also help slow down hair loss and support the growth of new hair. Other supplements that can benefit women experiencing hair loss include:

Iron Supplements: Iron deficiency has been detected in 10% of women experiencing significant hair loss. Iron deficiency is among the serious causes of hair loss in women. Women who are vegetarian, have heavy menstrual bleeding, or have a history of anemia are particularly likely to have iron deficiency. In such cases, taking iron supplements can help stop hair loss. If iron levels are normal, excessive iron supplementation can lead to issues like constipation and stomach disorders.
Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency has been found in approximately 30% of women experiencing hair loss. It is recommended to take enough vitamin D supplements to meet the body's needs to reduce or stop hair loss.

What Helps with Hair Loss in Men?

Men can experience hair loss due to genetic factors or stress. Various medicated treatments are available to stop or reduce this hair loss. The most common are over-the-counter medications containing "minoxidil" and prescription medications containing "finasteride." Additionally, "platelet-rich plasma (PRP)" treatment aims to reduce and stop hair loss.

For men experiencing severe hair loss, the recommended treatment is "hair transplantation," which is a permanent solution suggested by doctors. The hair transplantation procedure, widely used today, involves taking hair from a certain area and transplanting it to the balding area.

Today, there are also laser devices that can help with hair loss. FDA-approved laser devices are effective for hair loss, and ensuring that the laser used is FDA-approved is crucial.

What Helps with Hair Loss in Children?

In children, hair loss is generally caused by the disease "alopecia areata." There is no definitive treatment for alopecia areata. Steroid treatments recommended and administered by a doctor can help the lost hair regrow, but this is not a guaranteed solution, and hair loss may recur.

Besides alopecia areata, other causes of hair loss in children can include telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss), tinea capitis (scalp fungal infection), bacterial infections, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), and deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamin D.

The first step in helping with hair loss in children is to identify the underlying cause of the hair loss and develop an appropriate treatment plan to eliminate the issue. Regular and balanced nutrition also plays a role in reducing hair loss in children.

What Are the Natural Methods That Help with Hair Loss?

Hair loss affects not only a person's physical appearance but also their mental health. Therefore, to enhance the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, it's essential to support them with natural methods. The following natural methods are beneficial for hair loss:

Using shampoo suitable for hair type
Consuming nutrient-rich foods high in iron and zinc
Regularly trimming split ends
Avoiding chemicals that damage and weigh down the hair
Steering clear of high-heat hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons
Reducing stress that causes hair loss
Using herbal oils such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, argan oil, almond oil, olive oil, castor oil, avocado oil, and soybean oil can be beneficial for hair loss.

What Foods Help with Hair Loss?

Nutrition is vital for reducing or stopping hair loss. In addition to a healthy and balanced diet, consuming foods that benefit hair loss can help stop it. The foods beneficial for hair loss include:

Nettle
Onion
Garlic
Green tea
Henna
Black mulberry
Rosemary
Sage

How Is Hair Loss Treated?

The most definitive treatment method for hair loss is hair transplantation. Besides hair transplantation, other treatments aimed at reducing or stopping hair loss include the use of medications containing "minoxidil" and "finasteride." In addition to these medications, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment is also among the treatments that reduce or stop hair loss. These treatments can vary from person to person and may not have the same effect on everyone.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing hair loss, a medical examination by a doctor is necessary. The examination will help determine the underlying causes of hair loss. If there is any underlying condition contributing to the hair loss, a suitable treatment plan will be created by the doctor. Following this treatment, hair loss may cease. For individuals with stress or genetic predisposition to hair loss, a suitable treatment plan must also be devised by a physician. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals experiencing hair loss seek a consultation with a specialist as soon as possible.

Last Updated Date: 17 January 2024

Publication Date: 17 January 2024

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