Steps
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See a doctor
Consult a doctor to discuss your options. Besides genetics, a hormone
imbalance, scalp infection, medical condition, certain medications, and
even stress can all cause hair to fall out. Knowing why you're losing
your hair might help you stop it.
Be gentle
Be gentle when drying your hair. Vigorous towel drying – rather than
patting your hair dry – can break hair, as can frequent blow-drying,
especially on a hot setting.
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Lighten up
Limit wearing your hair in styles that tug hair at the scalp, like
tight ponytails, pigtails, cornrows, and hair extensions. The stress on
the follicles can lead to a type of permanent hair loss called traction
alopecia.
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Use dandruff shampoo
Use dandruff shampoos that contain zinc, which has been shown to promote modest hair growth.
Stop smoking
Stop smoking, or don't start in the first place. Researchers have linked it to hair loss.
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Try topical or oral medication
Talk to your doctor about the topical solution minoxidil, available
over-the-counter as Rogaine, and the oral prescription finasteride,
known by its brand name, Propecia. Eight out of 10 Rogaine users stop
losing hair after several months of applying it twice a day. Propecia
slows hair loss and grows visible hair in about 50 percent of patients.
Try laser treatment
Try laser therapy, which may stimulate hair growth by increasing
blood flow to hair follicles. Some dermatologists and many hair-loss
centers offer in-house sessions, or you can purchase a laser comb or
brush that you use at home.
