Stop Hair Loss: This Is The Ultimate Guide For Healthier Hair

What is Hair Loss?

Everyone loses hair, some more than others. The average person loses between 50–100 strands of hair a day, which is actually a lot less than it might seem. I used to feel like I was losing half my head of hair every day, but thankfully, that’s not the case anymore.

There are, however, different types of hair loss that can affect both children and adults.

The Different Types of Hair Loss

Telogen Effluvium: Characterized by a sudden, widespread shedding of hair, this type often occurs a few months after experiencing significant physical or emotional stress or abrupt hormonal changes.

Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out in small, round patches on the scalp and body due to the immune system attacking hair follicles.

Anagen Effluvium: This rapid hair loss is typically a side effect of certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, which impact the hair's growth phase.

Androgenetic Alopecia: This hereditary condition, also known as male-pattern baldness or female-pattern hair loss, can affect both men and women, leading to progressive thinning and hair loss.

The Cause

The cause of hair loss is unique for everyone. Sometimes it is inherited, caused by hormonal changes, pregnancy, medication, or how you style and treat your hair. For me, however, it was due to my struggle with anorexia nervosa.

I always had a lot of hair and was born with a full head of hair. But when my body wasn’t getting the nutrition it needed, I started developing bald patches. It was a very stressful and scary time in my life, and I thought it would never stop. So, I decided to change the direction I was headed in.

How To Stop Hair Loss

My Hair Loss Saver: Alpecin shampoo

My absolute TOP TIP for stopping hair loss is using Alpecin shampoo. Despite being initially intimidated by its design and its price and not planning to buy it myself, my mum sent it to me while I was in the hospital, where my hair loss had become severe.

From the very first night, I noticed a huge improvement. My hair felt different—more textured, almost as if it had a light gel in it. I massaged the shampoo into my roots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinsed it out. As I continued this routine, my hair loss decreased significantly, and new growth started to appear.

Although it’s a bit pricier than your typical shampoo, it’s important to see it as a treatment rather than just a shampoo. I’m really glad we invested in it; without it, I might not be enjoying the blessing of a full head of hair today.

Drying Your Hair

I think we all do or have done this before: after washing our hair, we either dry it with a hairdryer or rub it dry with a towel. Well, I think it’s about time to stop.

By rubbing your hair dry, you are making your hair drier and more brittle, which can result in hair loss. What I started doing at the beginning of my journey was to let my hair dry completely naturally—no towel, no brushing, and no dryer, just air.

At first, it felt a bit unusual and time-consuming, but over time, I noticed significant improvements in my hair’s health. My hair became less frizzy, more hydrated, and much stronger and most importantly it stopped falling out. Here are some additional tips to help you care for your hair and reduce damage:

• Gently Squeeze Out Water: Instead of rubbing, gently squeeze out excess water with your hands after washing your hair.

• Use a Microfiber Towel or T-Shirt: If you must use something to dry your hair, opt for a microfiber towel or a soft t-shirt. These materials are less abrasive and help reduce frizz.

• Use a Wide-Tooth Comb: When your hair is wet, it’s more vulnerable to breakage. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair, starting from the ends and working your way up.

• Trim Regularly: Regular trims help get rid of split ends and keep your hair looking healthy.

No Touch Hair Rule

We often touch our hair in various scenarios without realizing the impact. Maybe you spot someone cute and start twirling a strand while daydreaming, or you pull your hair into a ponytail to stay cool on a hot day. You might also absent-mindedly smooth it down or brush it repeatedly, thinking it’ll make it look better. While these actions feel natural, they can contribute to hair breakage and loss.

When I started my journey towards healthier hair, I stopped brushing my hair daily and kept it in a loose braid to prevent tangling. This not only kept my hair out of my face but also reduced the urge to touch it constantly, helping me maintain healthier hair.

I also extended the time between washes. Instead of washing my hair 2-3 times a week, I started washing it only once or every 1.5 weeks. This might sound a bit gross, especially if you get greasy hair quickly, but did you know that not washing your hair frequently comes with many benefits?

Massaging your scalp

Massaging your scalp helps with the blood circulation in your head. Research suggests that regular scalp massage may help promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, and improve hair thickness for some people. For instance, a study conducted by Koyama and colleagues found that standardized scalp massage increased hair thickness by inducing stretching forces on dermal papilla cells in the subcutaneous tissue (Koyama et al., 2016).

How to massage your scalp?

There are two ways you can massage your scalp. You can either invest in a scalp massager (highly recommended, and it’s also very calming) or you can massage your scalp by hand.

Using a Scalp Massager

Investing in a scalp massager can be a great choice. These devices are designed to mimic the effect of a manual massage but with added convenience and consistency. Simply follow the instructions provided with the device to ensure you’re using it correctly and safely.

Massaging Your Scalp by Hand

Find a Comfortable Position:

• Lay on your back on a comfortable surface, such as your bed. What also helps with relaxation is being in a room that feels comfortable, so a well lit room with natural lighting and a clean environment.

Use Your Fingertips:

• Using only your fingertips, gently massage your scalp in small circular motions. Avoid using your nails to prevent scratching your scalp.

Massage Duration:

• You can massage your scalp for as long as you like. A typical session might last 5–10 minutes, but feel free to extend it if it feels good and relaxing.

Enhance with Essential Oils (Optional):

• For added benefits, you can use essential oils known to promote hair growth, such as rosemary or peppermint oil. Apply a few drops to your fingertips before you start massaging. Essential oils can also enhance the relaxation aspect of the massage.

Be Gentle:

• Apply gentle pressure to avoid causing any irritation or damage to your scalp. The goal is to stimulate blood flow and relax the muscles, not to cause discomfort.

Regular scalp massages can be a relaxing part of your hair care routine and may contribute to healthier, thicker hair over time.

Multivitamins

Taking vitamins and minerals has shown to have a great effect on hair. According to an article written by Forbes Health, “Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.

I was prescribed multivitamins while in the hospital during my treatment for anorexia nervosa. However, in most countries, multivitamins are available over the counter and don’t require a prescription. You can find them in nearly all drug stores, and they are generally quite affordable.

Although taking supplements is easier than consuming all the different foods, I still prioritize eating nutritious foods over taking supplements. You don’t have to always eat the same thing; variety is key to achieving balance.

The most important vitamins and minerals for healthy hair are:

• Vitamins A, B, C, and D
• Iron
• Selenium
• Zinc

Less Stress, More Shine

We all encounter stress in our lives. Whether it’s from work, personal matters, or other sources, stress can contribute to hair loss. So how can we manage it and keep moving forward?

Something so powerful and yet so simple is something that my therapist told me: “Stressen Sie sich selber, oder lassen Sie sich stressen?” which translates to “Do you stress yourself, or do you let yourself be stressed?”

Essentially, are you creating your inner stress? This can happen through setting overly high goals, applying too much pressure on yourself, overcommitting, engaging in negative self-talk, being overly controlling, or overthinking. Or, are you letting others stress you with deadlines, unreasonable demands, conflict, micromanagement, neglect, and so on?

Both types of stress are significant, but the stress you create for yourself is often unnecessary. You shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself; you are only human and can’t do everything perfectly all the time. The stress that comes from others is often uncontrollable; it just happens. However, if you can manage the self-made stress, that will alleviate at least 50% of your overall stress.

You can’t always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.

Wayne Dyer

Leaving Note

Taking care of your hair is not just about using the right products; it’s about nurturing your overall well-being. By implementing these strategies—whether it’s finding the right shampoo, being gentle with your drying routine, reducing stress, or enriching your diet with essential vitamins—you can take significant steps toward reducing hair loss and restoring your hair’s vitality.

Remember, every small change can make a big difference. Don’t be too hard on yourself if progress seems slow; consistency is key. Your hair journey is just that—a journey. Celebrate the progress you make, and give yourself grace along the way.

If you’ve found this article helpful, stay tuned for my next post where I’ll dive into natural methods to promote fast hair growth. And as always, feel free to share your experiences, questions, or tips in the comments below. Let’s continue supporting each other on this path to healthier, happier hair.

See you next time!