Dealing with hair loss is, unfortunately, just as tricky as it is necessary.

Our hair is, to a large extent, our identity. We style it the way we want to express our individuality. Depending on how it looks, it can either be the crowning glory of our visage, or it could lay utter waste to our appearance.

But those of us dealing with hair loss have more than the styling of our hair to worry about: we struggle with not having enough hair to put into a style!

Hair loss can be triggered by many factors.

• Some medical conditions that precipitate hair loss are thyroid disease, scalp infections and alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that destroys hair follicles).

• Hormonal changes related to pregnancy, childbirth and other elements that may alter the physiology of the body can cause temporary hair loss.

• Family history is the most common cause of hair loss resulting in a hereditary condition called male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. This progresses with ageing and is marked by predictable patterns of receding hairlines and bald areas in men and a general, overall thinning of hair in women.

• Mechanical causes like tight hairstyles, excessive hair pulling and hair styling result in traction alopecia (another kind of hair loss), and hair treatments (such as perms, hot oil treatments etc.) can inflame and damage your hair follicles over time.

• Severe and sudden episodes of stress and shock can cause temporary hair loss.

The first step you need to take if you have noticed hair loss is to contact a physician or dermatologist. Losing 50-100 strands of hair a day is normal, but any amount significantly more than that should be checked out. This will allow you to determine what is causing the hair to fall.

Deciding on a treatment based on the cause is the next step. While there are surgical options like hair transplants, it is preferred for people first to try non-surgical methods to treat the source of the problem.

Here are seven non-surgical ways to deal with hair loss that you might want to consider.

1. Diet

A balanced diet plays a significant role in improving hair health.

Good hair starts from within, and while changing up your diet is not a complete solution, it can definitely induce positive changes in your entire body, including rapid re-growth of healthier and stronger hair along with decreased hair fall.

Hair is composed of a protein called keratin. Diets lacking in protein have been linked to hair loss, while those comprising sufficient protein sources like eggs (which contain protein as well as biotin, a vitamin helpful for hair growth) have been proven to promote hair growth. Foods that contain iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids like milk, yoghurt, spinach, fish, walnuts, flax seeds etc. have also been shown to contribute immensely to hair growth.

2. Medications

Medications for hair fall are available as either topical formulations or ingestible pills.

DHT is a hormone that causes hair loss and alopecia in those who suffer from male-pattern baldness. It triggers an inflammatory reaction that shrinks the hair follicle, reduces its blood supply and causes it to die.

The two most popular medications used to combat hair fall are Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Rogaine). Minoxidil acts by reviving the hair follicle and prolonging the hair’s natural growth cycle. On the hand, finasteride directly targets DHT itself.

These are the easiest and least invasive methods for tackling hair loss, but they require a few months of diligent application for results to manifest. They are available as shampoos, sprays, foams or pills, as both prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Book an online assessment with the medical experts of Click Pharmacy, where you can learn more about these, obtain a prescription, and purchase these hair loss medications online.

3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

This is perhaps the most potent non-surgical treatment for hair loss. However, it is not entirely non-invasive, as the procedure involves drawing a person’s blood from their arm, processing it to collect the patient’s own platelets and then injecting them into the scalp.

PRP serves as the equivalent of fertilizer for the hair, contributing to an incredible rebirth for hair. Although it is on the pricier side, it has shown encouraging results.

4. Supplements

People experiencing hair fall need to up their intake of the specific nutrients and vitamins that are required for the health of their scalp and hair.

Supplements can either prevent hair loss or encourage hair growth, and you can opt for either depending on what your primary concern is. These need to be paired with a better diet and can be beneficial when used in conjunction with medications or therapy like PRP.

5. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

This is a relatively recent approach to fighting hair fall. It influences the growth phase of the hair follicle to help hair grow back.

LLLT can be performed in-office, by a specialist, or at home using special laser combs or helmets.

6. Oils and extracts

Various oils and extracts have also proven moderately efficacious as natural remedies for hair loss.

Essentials oils are concentrated plant extracts, which need to be mixed with carrier oils like jojoba or coconut oil before application. Peppermint, rosemary and cedarwood essential oils, in particular, have been known to improve circulation, reduce dandruff and invigorate the scalp, resulting in radiant, luscious locks.

7. Haircare

As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

Preventive and precautionary hair care should be a regular part of every person’s routine, whether they are experiencing hair loss or not. But for those who are worried about thinning hair, stringently following these tips can make a world of difference to the volume and quality of hair.

• Deal with dandruff, or any other scalp condition, as soon as you notice it.
• Gently massage your scalp regularly to stimulate hair growth.
• Go shorter: long hair gets tugged, tangle and pulled easily, which causes more fallout.
• Don’t shampoo every day. Shampoo your hair on alternate days with a sulfate-free, anti-hair fall shampoo.
• Avoid tight ponytails, hair-clips and hairstyles.

Hair loss can undermine self-esteem and can be quite challenging to cure. As this problem becomes more prevalent, so have various treatments come to light, making it rarely necessary to go under the knife. No matter which treatment you choose, it is imperative to always check with a certified dermatologist before you start any hair loss therapy.