Four natural ways to cut hair loss

As we age, adding to our hat collection might seem like the easiest way to cover up a receding hair line or growing bald spot. But there are numerous drugs and natural supplements that can stimulate hair growth and ultimately slow hair loss in the long run.

Before going down those preventative avenues, let’s learn a little about the hair on our heads, the aging process and how it is related to hair loss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, there is a range for everyone, but head hair tends to grow an average of about six inches per year. This metric, as well as hair loss in general, also varies between men and women. Similar too many health-related issues, hair loss is genetic.

From a genetics hair loss standpoint, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a male hormonal testosterone, causes the hair follicles on the head to get smaller and smaller, eventually getting to the point where they cannot grow any more hair. DHT results in what many of us are familiar with – “male pattern baldness” – as this condition affects 70 percent of all men. On the other hand, hair loss in women is far less common, as only 40 percent go through what’s called “thinning of the scalp.”

For men with male pattern hair loss or women with thinning hair, here are four methods you can consider to counteract hair issues:

1. Consult your physician and try Propecia or Rogaine which are commonly-used prescription and over the counter options, respectively, that aim to not only stop hair loss but regrow hair follicles. You can also try the compounded version of generic Rogaine, called minoxidil, which has been shown to reduce side effects such as skin irritation.

2. Take a daily dose of fish oil supplement or eat more foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like nuts, flaxseeds or salmon-fish products. These products have shown to improve hair loss outcomes and slow receding hair-lines.

3. Use the vitamin, biotin, which is available as a supplement containing turmeric, milk, thistle, and nettle leaf. This vitamin may not directly prevent hair loss, but can help the body function better overall, which in turn can help with hair loss prevention.

4. Try a variety of herbal and natural supplements, such as vegetable silica, pumpkin seeds or saw palmetto, as in many cases these act as DHT inhibitors and can help with hair loss.

Many of us have learned to live with hair loss. For those who are younger or still have a fuller head of hair, use these more natural preventative measures now before it becomes too late. It is important to know and understand that an overall healthy and well-balanced lifestyle that includes a nutritional diet and a commitment to exercise can delay hair loss and maintain that full head of hair for years to come.

John Walczyk is a registered compounding pharmacist at Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email john@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.