Remedies for hair loss

By Maridadi

Hair loss occurs in both men and women with devastating effects. In men, the loss can be linked to genetics and lifestyles. Some unhealthy practices that could lead to hair loss include smoking or a stressful work related routine. People who do not have enough sleep or who eat too much junk or over processed food are also likely to complain of hair loss.

In some families, hair loss sets in as early as age 22. Hence members are likely to complain of hair thinning or receding hairlines. Contrary to popular belief, men also agonise about hair loss. In extreme cases, it could even cause sleepless nights. Ofafa, my barber says: "There is nothing that gnaws a man like early signs of hair loss".

Hormonal fuzz

There is a common belief that hair loss in men is caused by reduced hormones. Proponents explain that this is the reason it begins to manifest in men in their late 30s. But before medical experts confirm this link, we must address the beauty concerns related to premature hair loss.

Certainly, there is a thin line between the medical and beauty aspects of hair loss. "Whatever the case, the effects on the persons’ appearance and self-esteem are never welcome," says Mayani Wanjala, a hair therapist. "Not even in this era of clean bald hair styles that are common with famous persons. Put simply, most men would rather shave bald voluntarily than be forced to do it because their hair is thinning out."

What then can one do to prevent early hair loss and manage it effectively? Once you notice excessive hair loss or early baldness, the first step is to seek medical advice. Clinical tests are important as they help in unravelling the root causes of hair loss. Perhaps it could be a medical condition that is manifesting itself in the form of hair loss.

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If doctors rule out a medical condition, then perhaps you could address it from a lifestyle point of view.

Lifestyle habits

If you are a smoker, then it might be time up for you to quit. Other lifestyle habits such as lack of adequate sleep, long working hours and general stress need to be addressed as well, by altering your lifestyle. Similarly, you may be forced to re-evaluate your diet if you take too much sugar and salt or if you love junk food and soft drinks as they also cause hair loss.

Wanjala warns against products that claim to treat hair loss. "They could be harmful in the long run as only a handful of treatments have so far been tested and approved in Europe."

Other healthy practices that aid in circulation of blood to the scalp can also be adopted. They include scalp massaging, dieting and exercising.

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