4 TIPS FOR AVOIDING Hair Loss IN STRESSFUL (AND OTHER) TIMES

For those who want to keep their hair healthy and full now and who hope to avoid ever reaching the point where they need hair-loss intervention, Dr. Patrick Angelos offers four tips.

- Dr. Patrick Angelos

1 MAINTAIN GOOD HAIR CARE AND HYGIENE

HABITS. The way you wash your hair could undermine your efforts to prevent hair loss, Angelos says. As you wash, avoid pulling back on your hair because that can put traction on the follicles. “The same goes for combing,” he says. “It’s less stressful on the follicles to wash and comb your hair forward, toward your face, instead of toward the back of your scalp and neck. Also, long hair weighs more, so on its own, it can put more traction on the follicles.” Brushing your hair regularly, however, is good because it massages the scalp and helps improve blood flow and circulation. The condition of your hair should also be in balance – not too oily, not too dry. “Finally, don’t overuse a hairdryer because that can make hair weak and brittle, which can lead to more hair loss,” Angelos says.

2 TREAT HEALTH ISSUES.

Hormonal imbalances and other medical conditions such as low thyroid and iron or iodine deficiency can contribute to hair loss, Angelos says. “Avoid overuse of supplements and medications,” he says. “Since supplements such as testosterone, human growth hormone, whey, and DHEA can cause thinning and hair loss, especially avoid excessive use of these.”

3 BE AWARE OF YOUR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS.