Many men pessimistically accept hair loss as a natural part of life. Hair loss for women is a less accepted occurrence, however. The loss of hair over the front and top of the scalp, known as female pattern baldness, affects 25 percent of premenopausal women and 38 percent of postmenopausal women. Male pattern baldness on the other hand affects 50 percent of men by the time they turn 50. While some hair loss problems are hereditary, there are many things that can be done to slow down the process. Plus, not all hair loss is hereditary, in which case it can be prevented a lot of the time. There is not a single solution to cure or prevent hair loss, but most of the time a nutritious diet will assist normal hair growth. Important vitamins and minerals for facilitating hair growth include zinc, copper, iron, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-7, and calcium. To combine the benefits of these vitamins and minerals, you can purchase a multivitamin. Take a multivitamin regularly to receive maximum benefit. Eating foods rich in these nutrients will decrease the chances of pattern baldness in both women and men. If these vitamins and minerals are not present in your diet, you can take them in capsule form. Another crucial aspect of healthy hair growth and male and female pattern baldness prevention is a healthy thyroid. Iodine and selenium may help treat unhealthy thyroid levels. So may the herbs milk thistle and yellow dock. Balanced hormones are also key to normal hair growth. The herb saw palmetto can help to regulate hormones and thus prevent hair loss in males and females. Stress is a big enemy of hair growth. Studies suggest that people who are not overly stressed tend to suffer less from hair loss. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and moderate sunlight may help to regulate stress levels. Another way to prevent hair loss or to stimulate hair growth is to massage your scalp on a regular basis. Scalp massages reduce the tension in hair follicles, thus stimulating hair growth. To massage your scalp, mix oil of bhringaraj with a bit of coconut oil. Massage your scalp with this mixture and leave it on until morning. Wear a bandanna to prevent your pillow from getting dirty. For a more accurate diagnosis, see a health care practitioner well-versed in hair loss issues. Your health care practitioner may perform several tests to determine whether you are prone to pattern baldness or why you have suffered from it. Generally, healthy habits (including a well balanced diet, an exercise regimen, and occasional scalp massages) will slow down, if not stop, hair loss. Besides that, a healthy lifestyle will benefit you in many ways in the long run. |
