SHARES
The hair is like a crown to many. Hence, experiencing hair loss can take a toll on the confidence level. As age catches up, some might notice that their hairline starts to retreat upwards too. Sadly, most wait until the glaring forehead in the mirror becomes too painful to behold before calling for an S.O.S. operation to regain their glorious thick crown.
What works to save receding hairline and hair loss?
Balanced Nutrition
The hair is made up of strands of keratin, a type of protein. Thus, consuming sufficient protein would ensure enough supply to the hair follicles for hair growth. Some easily attainable sources of proteins would include meat, soy products and dairy products. Iron also plays a role in supporting hair growth by generating more red blood cells to transfer nutrients to the hair follicles. Examples of iron-rich food would include red meat and dark leafy vegetables.
Besides that, diet packed with hair-friendly nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin B, strengthen the hair follicles. A normal, well-balanced diet should be able to provide nutrients required for hair growth. However, if one struggles in this department, one can always consider consuming multivitamins for healthy hair.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is known to be toxic to the human body. One of the harmful effect is hair loss, due to damaged blood vessels and DNA of the hair follicles. In line with that, researchers discovered that smokers were at an increased risk of experiencing hair loss. In fact, male subjects who smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day are more than twice likely to have moderate to severe hair loss than those who never smoked or stopped smoking. Hence, it might be worthwhile to consider exchanging nicotine for a pause in hair thinning.
Hair-saving Medications
Receding hairline, also known as male pattern balding, is caused by an excess byproduct of male sex hormone testosterone – dihydrotestoterone (DHT). Hair loss treatment with finasteride, available in tablet form, reduces balding by preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Alternatively, minoxidil, available as spray or foam, induces hair growth by dilating the blood vessels at the scalp to increase blood delivery to the hair follicles. While both medications combat receding hairline, both medications must be used for as long as presence of hair is desired. However, these medications can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
Bottom line:
Although the lifestyle changes mentioned above may be helpful, a trip to the clinic when early signs of balding appear is recommended because this allows doctors to identify the root cause of receding hairline and provide appropriate referral or treatment. Possible culprits could include stress, skin conditions, certain medications and more. Therefore, if you would like to visit a clinic, do make your appointment using GetDoc – a platform that allow users to schedule visits with panel doctors.
References
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
