Hair loss is far from easy to comprehend, given the multitude of treatments available. Therefore, hearing from experts is an important way to dispel myths and give yourself the best possible chance of achieving your hair regrowth goals.
Approximately 6.5 million men in the UK experience male pattern hair loss, according to estimates. It is a condition that is genetically inherited and usually follows a pattern of thinning on the crown and a receding hairline. The Medical Director of men’s health brand Sons – Dr. Knut Moe – provides his insights and top tips for improving your hair regrowth, while dispelling some myths about hair loss treatments that are widely perpetuated.
Dr. Moe advises that it’s always easier to maintain the hair that you presently have than to attempt to regrow hair that you have already lost. Therefore, it’s essential to take action before losing a considerable amount of your hair in the first place.
“There are lots of products out there that promise to treat hair loss and, whilst they may have some benefit on hair quality, the only two proven medications to treat male pattern hair loss are Minoxidil and Finasteride.
“Self-care is really important, and I’d recommend thinking of caring for your hair as an extension of caring for your body.
“Our hairs are made from Keratin, a protein produced in the body.
“The body needs healthy blood flow and nutrients to produce healthy hair.
“As such, it’s important to look after your diet (and eat the right types and quantities of food), hydration and exercise levels to stay fit and active.”
In regards to the impact that diet might have on a person’s hair growth, Dr. Moe explained: “It’s always important to watch what you eat for good health, but certain foods can help promote hair growth.
“Eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, which promote hair growth.
“Berries and fruit such as blackcurrants, blueberries, strawberries, and foods high in Vitamin C can also help by promoting collagen production, which strengthens blood flow to hair follicles.
“Other foods that can also help include spinach, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, nuts, and seeds.
“Drinking enough water is also hugely important as 25 percent of each strand of hair is made up of water; staying hydrated prevents your hair from becoming brittle and breaking easily.”
As well as diet, Dr. Moe emphasized the vital role that exercise plays in the health of one’s hair.
He described how exercise promotes blood flow and improves circulation, which ensures that one’s hair follicles receive sufficient amounts of the body’s nutrients.
“However, it’s important to get the right balance as there are theories that too much exercise can increase testosterone, which in turn can increase DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss,” he said.
Getting enough sleep and melatonin also play a crucial part in the protein synthesis in hair, so making sure you get sufficient sleep every night is important, he added.
“Another benefit of exercise and getting sufficient sleep is the positive effect they have on mental health – hair loss can be accelerated by stress (known as ‘shock loss’), so ensuring to look after your mental health and reduce stress levels can reduce stress on your hair.”
Dispelling hair loss myths
Dr. Moe said: “It’s a common misconception that washing your hair causes hair loss, with many refraining from washing ‘too often’ just in case this is true.
“If you are noticing hair falling out from washing, you are likely just dislodging hairs that are ready to fall out due to male pattern hair loss, with combing and running your hands through your hair also has the same effect.
“It can be useful to try shampoos that improve the quality, those containing essential oils and nutrients including – Argan oil, iron, Vitamin B3/Niacin, Amla Oil, Sage Oil, Rosemary and Saw Palmetto, which is a natural plant-based ingredient with a host of other health benefits.
“Research has shown that saw palmetto can help to protect the tissues in the prostate from the attack of damaging illnesses such as cancer, reduce inflammation and can even boost testosterone and subsequently, sex drive.”
Another myth that Dr. Moe dispelled was the fact that tying up your hair or wearing hats can actually worsen your hair loss.
“Whilst there is a condition known as ‘traction alopecia,’ that can come from tying hair up into a tight ‘man bun’, wearing your hair in a ponytail or wearing hats regularly cannot cause male pattern hair loss.
“However, they can have an effect on hair quality, and it is important to let down the ‘man bun’ and take off the hat regularly to avoid damaging hair and hair follicles.”
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