11 Tips on How to Prevent Hair Loss

1. Manage Your Stress Levels

Having healthy hair is a top priority for many people these days, yet coping with hair loss can be an uphill battle. One of the main triggers of such an upsetting ordeal is none other than stress, or what I like to call it – the silent killer. This has been identified as the single largest contributor to hair thinning and loss, especially in women. I know this to be true as I have personally gone through a hair loss journey myself, which you can read more about on my About page. 

Worries concerning job security or troubles in one’s personal life can all cause cortisol levels (stress hormone) to spike until they become unmanageable. If you’re experiencing hair thinning or falling out, it’s essential to take a break for yourself. Yoga and meditation can be exceptionally resourceful in this pursuit. Both of them have the ability to peacefully nourish your thoughts and keep inner unrest at bay – an amazing bonus since minimizing stress is linked to the prevention of hair loss.

If you’re a busy bee like me and don’t have time to do yoga or meditate, then the utilization of supplements can help to temper the mind and feelings of stress. One of these beneficial additions is Ashwagandha, a potent supplement backed by thousands of years of study. Its performance in reducing anxiety has been clinically supported. 

Additionally, there’s Ginseng, whose information spans centuries; it serves not only as an energizer but one that brings about peacefulness at the same time. Last upon the list is L-Theanine, a relaxing agent which grants immediate comfort. All three have proven invaluable commodities in cooling an overexcited mind. 

These are the supplements that I personally love to use occasionally when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

2. Take Supplements to Prevent Hair Loss

To continue on about supplements, there are a number of different hair loss supplements on the market, but some of the most effective include biotin, iron, vitamin A, saw palmetto, MSM, and folic acid. 

• Biotin: A water-soluble B vitamin, is essential for metabolic reactions in our bodies, including hair growth. It’s scientifically proven to combat hair thinning, maintain a healthy scalp, and reduce hair loss, widely recommended for overall hair health.
• Iron: Iron is a vital mineral that prevents hair loss by improving scalp circulation, repairing damage caused by free radicals, and promoting the creation and maintenance of collagen for healthy hair growth.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy hair as it strengthens follicles, nourishes strands, and improves blood flow to the scalp, promoting optimal hair growth and reducing breakage.
• Saw Palmetto: A natural supplement that prevents hair loss by inhibiting hormones associated with balding or thinning hair. It also repairs scalp damage and promotes healthy follicles for fuller, stronger hair growth.
• MSM: Or Methylsulfonylmethane, is a sulfur compound that promotes collagen production and repairs damaged hair. It can reduce hair loss and improve scalp health when used in hair care products or taken as a dietary supplement.
• Folic Acid: Crucial for hair health as it supports keratin production and delivers essential nutrients to the hair roots. Maintaining adequate folic acid levels is important to prevent hair loss and promote strong, vibrant hair.

These are the actual supplements I take daily. I believe this is what helped me grow my hair back to the healthiest it’s ever been. I also experience less hair loss than ever before.

3. Give Your Scalp a Massage Regularly 

Doing regular scalp massages can be incredibly beneficial for promoting healthy hair growth. The massage helps stimulate increased blood flow to that area, allowing more beneficial nutrients to be transported across the scalp quickly and efficiently. To add more benefits, I recommend messaging your scalp before and after applying any topical treatment to the scalp.

Not only do scalp massages leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, they can also combat hair loss, reduce dandruff, energize the roots and nourish your scalp from within. 

If you want to get the most out of this treatment, think about investing in a quality oil or serum designed specifically for stimulation of the scalp. Look for ingredients such as peppermint oil, rosemary extract, and tea tree oil, which are known for their stimulating properties and can help improve blood circulation to the scalp. All of which will help promote hair growth and overall scalp health.

Here are my all time favorite scalp massagers and scalp oils if you’re interested!

4. Use the Right Shampoo and Conditioner 

When it comes to having healthy hair, small details can have a big impact. That’s why using the right shampoo and conditioner is one of the key components for vibrant locks. If you’re looking for some extra help, tailored products that are designed to prevent hair loss or boost hair growth contain beneficial ingredients that will help your hair get stronger. 

Many times, these products will contain active ingredients like biotin, niacin, and keratin which cannot be found in regular shampoos and conditioners due to their power and effectiveness on targeted hair needs. Taking advantage of this inside knowledge just might be the key you need to satisfy your specific concerns.

Here’s a brief description of the benefits of each ingredient if you’re interested:

• Biotin: Classified as a B vitamin, this ingredient helps promote hair growth by balancing hormones and protecting against signs of balding. Using biotin-infused hair products can moisturize the scalp and improve the overall health and appearance of the hair.

• Niacin: Niacin-infused hair care products like shampoos and conditioners help rebuild and strengthen hair while providing a healthy shine. By nourishing the scalp and increasing blood circulation, niacin promotes the growth of new strands and eliminates impurities for stronger, healthier hair.

• Keratin: A protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails, provides numerous benefits for hair health. Regularly using keratin-infused shampoo and conditioner strengthens and protects the hair strands, minimizing breakage and tangles. It also helps maintain hydration and smooth cuticles, reducing the likelihood of hair fall during combing.

Overwhelmed by all the options on the internet? Here’s a narrowed down list of the shampoo and conditioners I personally love and use!

5. Be Gentle with Your Hair to Prevent Hair Loss

This one is a simple yet effective tip that can sometimes be overlooked. And it may seem obvious but perhaps not practiced enough. If you want to keep your hair lush and lustrous, it’s important to handle it with care. 

Keep tight hairstyles like up-dos at bay and lesson the use of chemicals when styling. Over styling with hair dryers, curlers and straighteners can damage the hair cuticle leading to increased breakage. 

Additionally, tugging too harshly on hair results in hair loss. Instead opt for hair styles that are gentler on the scalp such as loose braiding or incorporating accessories with thinner material that won’t dent into the scalp or its protective layers.

After washing your hair, it will be in its most fragile and vulnerable state. I highly recommend waiting until your hair dries completely before brushing it. But if you’re like me (and probably most), a tangle free and neatly brushed hair feels necessary. 

I suggest using a brush that is meant for wet hair and gentle for detangling. My personal favorite brush on the market is the Tangle Teezer – it’s both gentle on my scalp and it does a quick and painless job on detangling my hair. I’m sure you’ve already got your go-to brush at home and it would be annoying to have to purchase a new one, however I believe it’s worth the purchase if you’re pulling out less hair. Those little strands sure do add up pretty quick when you’re tugging hard at it. 

6. Maintain a Healthy Diet

I’m sure you’ve read this one a million times, but eating a healthy diet is an essential part of having a strong and efficient overall health. Incorporating healthy foods can help your body resist illnesses as well as can help prevent hair loss. 

If you haven’t already, I recommend throwing in some leafy green vegetables into your daily meals. These types of veggies contain many vitamins like iron, zinc and proteins. These foods not only promote hair growth but also protect against breakage. Making time to focus on ingesting a balanced and nutritional diet containing various fruits and vegetables will make all the difference. This way, you can sport beautiful hair and optimum daily energy levels.

Additionally, avoiding crash diets or yo-yo dieting can also help reduce the chances of hair loss. These extreme diets can send your body into a state of nutrition deficiency. As a result, it can cause severe damage to your hair follicles. When our bodies lack nutritional value, they tend to prioritize accessing residual energy sources like the ones found in our thick strands of hair beneath the scalp. This can then triggers significant weakening of the hair follicles, leading to drastic hair loss. 

Only under professional medical advice should you consider such drastic measures. Any deprivation based diet can potentially harm the natural balance and lead to unmanageable consequences. Instead of crash diets that might leave loose strands behind on your tiled floors, consider adding healthy proteins and fatty acids (omega 3s!) to your diet. Health supplements like fish oil could be an appropriate solution as well. Doing so doesn’t just help restore hair growth but also provides sun protection from UV rays that can otherwise cause hair damage as well.

7. Eat Enough Protein

Eating protein has a huge impact on the health of your hair. Protein is an essential building block that helps to create strong hair fibers. Your body will prioritize where its energy is going – if your diet is low in protein, the body will ration out dietary sources to other functions before devoting any to hair growth. 

If you don’t provide enough of the necessary nutrients from food to grow healthy hair, your follicles are likely to suffer in drought. Luckily, increasing your intake of proteins can give your hair what it needs much more quickly and easily than expecting rapid growth solely through topical treatments. Feeding your hair from within is the foundation for growth you can visibly see on the outside!

If you’re looking to get more protein in your diet, you can do so from many food sources, often found right in your own kitchen. Nutrient sparse meals can become substantially richer with the incorporation of staples like meat, fish, eggs, dairy and other discoveries. 

Beans, nuts, and seeds all contain a plethora of proteins while soy products such as edamame and tofu are organic alternatives lacking in essential ingredients. Further solidifying your nutrition platform may require investments into supplemental powders or pills like whey protein powders that guarantee an adequate amount of daily protein intake.

If you love a good tasting whey protein powder, there are MANY great options on Amazon!

8. Improve Your Immune System

A strong immune system is essential for thriving health and wellness. When our body is weakened, it often enters a process known as survival mode to preserve energy. In survival mode, the body prioritizes providing basic bodily functions over hair growth and repair. 

To ensure your body can focus energies on healthy hair growth, it is important to keep one’s immune system running effectively! A combination of rest, nutrition and exercise are all guaranteed to give your immune system the power boost it needs.

​​This is how you can improve your immune system: 

• Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Exercising regularly to promote blood circulation and prevent stress.
• Getting plenty of rest each night to reinvigorate and restore your body – a full 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. 

Seems pretty basic but these three factors together set the foundation for improving your immune system function!

9. Keep Your Scalp Clean

It is important that your hair follicles have the freedom to breathe. This will help ensure your scalp stays healthy so your hair will grow strong. To accomplish this, it’s wise to avoid overusing products such as hair spray or dry shampoo. Excess build up from these products can harm your scalp by preventing it from getting the necessary air circulation. Instead, devote some time for regular cleanings of your scalp; this will keep away any unwanted residue and help keep your locks looking good.

Obviously regularly shampooing your hair keeps it clean and healthy. Look for a mild, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo specifically created to be gentle on the scalp while also removing dirt and excess product. If you’ve got a lot of product in your hair, don’t be afraid to go in for a second wash. Just like double cleansing your skin to make sure it’s clean, you can also double cleanse your hair to ensure you’ve got it all out. 

If you’re looking for a way to give your scalp some extra lovin’, think exfoliation! You can find them offered in spas, salons, and can now be done right from home. Incorporate a gentle scrub into your hair care routine to keep dead skin cells from clogging up your follicles. Exfoliating your scalp once a week ought to do the trick. Additionally, exfoliation helps remove product buildup, sweat and oil that build up over time on the scalp. This will allow air and blood to circulate more efficiently. In turn, this boosts hair growth rates! So, is exfoliating your scalp worth adding to your natural hair regimen? I think so!

I recommended using one of these amazing clarifying shampoos after a day of heavy products in the hair. Also a hair exfoliation once a week. 

10. Try Some Hair Mask/Oils

To help boost your hair growth, try incorporating a sound hair care regimen that includes applying a generous mask or oil to your scalp once a week. Let it rest for at least several minutes so that its nourishment deeply sits into the altered environments affected during shampooing. Through consistency and dedication, you can enjoy long term positive results with healthy, shiny, and strong locks!

Some good options to try include coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, castor oil, almond oil, and argan oil. You can also find some good ones in stores that may be more specific to your hair needs.

About once a week or so, these topical products have been lifesavers to my hair! Not only do they feel softer, but they’re noticeably shinier and more voluminous!

11. Limit Hair Coloring/Heat Usage

Going for that new vibrant hair color you’ve always wanted? Just keep in mind that coloring your hair will cause damage to it by stripping away natural oils. To prevent this, use an ammonia-free formula when coloring and avoid coloring more frequently than every four to six weeks. This way, you can ensure that your hair looks great and get the chance to recover every so often instead of being unceasingly exposed to harsh chemical treatments.

If you’ve taken the plunge and decided to color your hair, it’s important to keep in mind that heat styling afterward can cause further damage. Aftercare is essential if you want to keep your colored locks healthy and strong. That’s why it’s best avoided altogether when you’re fresh off from the salon product chair. 

Too much heat can suck the moisture out of your hair, leading to a really dry and brittle texture. Ultimately this weakens your strands significantly, ruining any potential luster and vibrancy that could come with taking chances at the beauty shop. It might be tempting to immediately turn up the temperature on hot tools once home, but don’t give in! With caution and avoidance of extreme heat ultimately comes glowing hair health you’ll be proud of!

Well there you have it! These are my 11 tips on how you can prevent hair loss. I wish I had known these tips before going through my hair loss journey. But now that it has grown back even healthier, I am still applying these tips so I can prevent it from possibly happening again.  

It is important to remember that any products or treatments you use must be tailored to your own individual needs. Adopting the right hair care routines and habits are essential in preserving your hair health long-term. Lastly, consult a professional if your hair needs extra help. You might find that vitamins, hormones, particular diets or even anti-inflammatory drugs can benefit your condition significantly. So now it is up to you – what are some ways you try to prevent hair loss in yourself? Leave a comment below!