Hair loss: Tips for managing (2024)

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      Diseases & conditions
      Featured
      Hair loss: Tips for managing (1) Molluscum contagiosum: How to safely treat it

      Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. See what they recommend.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (2) Biosimilars: 14 FAQs

      Find answers to questions patients ask about this newer treatment option, including, “What’s involved in switching from a biologic to a biosimilar?”

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      Hair loss: Tips for managing (3) Practice Safe Sun

      Everyone's at risk for skin cancer. These dermatologists' tips tell you how to protect your skin.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (4) Relieve uncontrollably itchy skin

      Find out what may be causing the itch and what can bring relief.

      Darker Skin Tones
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      Hair loss: Tips for managing (5) Fade dark spots

      Find out why dark spots appear and what can fade them.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (6) Untreatable razor bumps or acne?

      If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. Find out what can help.

      Cosmetic treatments
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      Hair loss: Tips for managing (7) Laser hair removal

      You can expect permanent results in all but one area. Do you know which one?

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (8) Scar treatment

      If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (9) Botox

      It can smooth out deep wrinkles and lines, but the results aren’t permanent. Here’s how long botox tends to last.

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      Hair loss: Tips for managing (10) Free materials to help raise skin cancer awareness

      Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (11) Dermatologist-approved lesson plans, activities you can use

      Free to everyone, these materials teach young people about common skin conditions, which can prevent misunderstanding and bullying.

      Find a dermatologist
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      Hair loss: Tips for managing (12) Find a Dermatologist

      You can search by location, condition, and procedure to find the dermatologist that’s right for you.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (13) What is a dermatologist?

      A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists care for people of all ages.

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      Caution

      Taking a supplement to regrow your hair may seem like an easy solution; however, getting too much of certain nutrients can worsen hair loss.

      Hair loss: Tips for managing (14)

      When faced with hair loss, many people aren’t sure where to turn for help. They often:

      • Try to hide the problem by changing their part or hairstyle

      • Buy products that come with claims that they can restore hair

      • Take vitamins and other supplements sold specifically for hair growth

      Some women scale back on how often they shampoo.

      The results from these efforts are often modest at best and rarely get to the root of the problem. If you’re losing your hair, here’s what the experts recommend.

      1. Make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist. Hair loss has so many causes. The sooner you find the cause, the better your chance of getting results you want.

        A dermatologist is a doctor who is trained to diagnose conditions that affect our skin, hair, and nails. They can get to the root of the problem, and in many cases, successfully treat hair loss.

        You can find a dermatologist who can help you by going to: Find a dermatologist.

      2. Wash and condition your hair without traumatizing it. Hair that’s thinning or falling out is fragile and easily damaged. Here’s what dermatologists recommend for their patients who have hair loss:
        • Use a gentle shampoo. Some shampoos can strip moisture from your hair.

        • Apply a moisturizing conditioner after every shampoo. Conditioner coats your strands, which reduces breakage and split ends.

        • Make use of a leave-in conditioner or detangler. Applying this every time after you wash and condition your hair helps to reduce breakage, split ends, and frizz.

        • Wrap your hair in a microfiber towel to help it dry more quickly.This helps reduce the time you spend blow-drying.

      3. Forgo hot-oil treatments. These heat up the hair, which further damages fragile hair.
      4. Stop at-home coloring, perming, chemical straightening, and relaxing. If you want to use these, find a salon that specializes in the service you want and has professionals who know how to examine your scalp and hair in order to find the product most suitable for you. Make sure the salon uses a moisturizing conditioner afterward.
      5. Limit your use of curling irons, flat irons, and hot combs, using one only on a special occasion, such as a wedding or job interview. These heat up your hair, which can weaken it.
      6. Use the lowest heat setting on your blow-dryer. When possible, let your hair dry naturally rather than using a blow-dryer. To repeat, wrapping wet hair in a microfiber towel can help dry your hair more quickly.
      7. Stop wearing your hair tightly pulled back in a bun, ponytail, pigtails, cornrows, or braids. Frequently wearing a hairstyle that pulls on your hair can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. In time, anything that pulls on your hair can cause permanent hair loss. You'll find styling changes that can help you prevent this type of hair loss at Hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss.
      8. If you have a habit of twisting your hair around your finger or pulling on it, try to stop. These habits can further weaken already fragile hair, causing more hair loss.
      9. Brush or comb your hair gently, and only enough to style it. Tugging on your hair while brushing or combing it can lead to hair loss.
      10. If you smoke, stop. Smoking causes inflammation throughout the body, which can worsen hair loss.
      11. Eat healthy. If you’re not getting enough of some nutrients, such as iron or protein, this can lead to hair loss.
      12. Eating too few calories every day can also cause significant hair loss.
      13. Here’s what you can do to eat healthy: Healthy Eating Plan

      14. Before taking a supplement to grow your hair, find out whether you’re getting enough of certain vitamins or minerals. A blood test can tell you whether you’re not getting enough of certain nutrients.

        It’s important to understand that the supplements you see advertised for hair growth are not regulated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are sold. That responsibility lies with the company manufacturing the product.

        If you decide to try supplements, understand that they can do more harm than good. Getting too much of certain nutrients (including selenium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E) has been linked to hair loss.

      By seeing a board-certified dermatologist, you can learn inside secrets tailored to your individual needs that can help you with hair loss.

      Image
      Getty Images

      References
      American Academy of Dermatology. “Dermatologists can help women win the fight against common forms of hair loss.” News release issued March 4, 2010. Last accessed May 23, 2019.

      Guo EL, Katta R. “Diet and hair loss: Effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use.” Dermatol Pract Concept. 2017; 7:1-10.

      Kunin A. “Hair loss.” In: Kunin A, The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual. Simon & Schuster. USA. 2005:123-131.

      Sperling LC. “Alopecias.” In: Bolognia JL, et al. Dermatology. (second edition). Mosby Elsevier, Spain, 2008: 987-1004.

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      Hair loss: Tips for managing (2024)

      FAQs

      How to deal mentally with hair loss? ›

      Try Talk Therapy If You Feel Depressed or Anxious

      This is very understandable given the impact that losing your hair can have on your self-perception. Talking to a therapist or other mental health professional can help you to put your hair loss in context, deal with negative feelings and work out your next steps.

      How to stop obsessing over hair loss? ›

      Here are 7 useful ways of dealing with hair loss:
      1. Put things in perspective.
      2. Be practical about it.
      3. Find a style that suits you.
      4. Be careful when caring for your hair.
      5. Try talk therapy if you're feeling depressed or anxious.
      6. Use FDA-approved medications like finasteride and minoxidil.
      7. Consider hair transplantation surgery.

      How to cope up with thinning hair? ›

      Tips to cover thinning hair
      1. Wear a wig or toupee. A wig or toupee can cover large areas of thinning hair. ...
      2. Use scalp sprays. You can use a spray or colorants that match your hair and scalp color to fill in thinning areas of your scalp and reduce the appearance of thinning.
      3. Try a crown weave. ...
      4. Play with your hairstyle.

      What emotion is connected to hair loss? ›

      Hair loss affects your emotional well-being

      Everything your hair reflects about your self-identity changes. As a result, you may feel sad, angry, ashamed, or embarrassed — feelings that can easily lead to depression.

      How do I gain confidence when I lose my hair? ›

      For overall hair loss, shorter hairstyles tend to be more effective in disguising thinning hair than longer styles. If your hairline is receding, try growing out the hair at the front of your head and comb it backward. If you're developing a bald spot on one side of your head, try parting your hair to that side.

      Is thinning hair unattractive? ›

      The only times when thinning is ugly, is when it's paired with an incongruous haircut, eg bald on top, then long hair at the sides. But bald all over, or really close-cropped, can be really hot, depending on whether you have a nicely-shaped head.

      What is peladophobia? ›

      What is peladophobia? Peladophobia is the fear of hair loss and of bald people. This is a surprisingly common phobia, which can affect anyone, of any age. Peladophobia can produce both physiological and physical symptoms and it affects both sexes equally.

      How to handle going bald? ›

      There isn't a single hair style that will work for all types of hair loss. So as a general rule: the more hair you lose, the shorter you should style it. If you have a receding hairline you may be tempted to cover it, but actually a side part works very well with a higher hair line.

      What is the best age for hair transplant? ›

      Doctors typically recommend hair transplants for individuals over the age of 25 because the hair loss process may not be complete before this age. However, individuals should consider potential challenges and considerations for different age groups when making the decision.

      How to reverse balding? ›

      The following treatments may help.
      1. Topical drugs. The FDA has approved minoxidil (Rogaine), available over the counter, as a hair loss treatment for both men and women. ...
      2. Oral medications. ...
      3. Platelet-rich plasma injections. ...
      4. Laser light treatments. ...
      5. Supplements. ...
      6. Image: © Peter Cade/Getty Images.
      Jan 1, 2023

      Is balding embarrassing? ›

      Hair loss can have significant psychological impacts for men and women alike. People with hair loss can feel embarrassed or suffer from depression and anxiety.

      Can thin hair become thick again? ›

      Can thin hair get thick again? A. Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair.

      How do you mentally accept hair loss? ›

      Ways to cope with hair loss
      1. Join a support group. There are groups around the country where you can meet and socialise with other people with alopecia. ...
      2. Accept it. It's not easy, but try to come to terms with your hair loss. ...
      3. Talk about it. ...
      4. Cover up. ...
      5. Be patient. ...
      6. Avoid miracle cures.

      Can hair grow back after thinning? ›

      Telogen effluvium is a common type of hair loss that affects people after they experience severe stress or a change to their body. Symptoms include thinning hair, usually around the top of your head. Treatment exists to reverse hair loss, but hair will typically grow back in three to six months without treatment.

      How do I cope with my hair falling out? ›

      Ways to cope with hair loss
      1. Join a support group. There are groups around the country where you can meet and socialise with other people with alopecia. ...
      2. Accept it. It's not easy, but try to come to terms with your hair loss. ...
      3. Talk about it. ...
      4. Cover up. ...
      5. Be patient. ...
      6. Avoid miracle cures.

      How do I stop stressing about balding? ›

      How to reduce stress to promote hair growth
      1. Spend time in nature.
      2. Discuss your emotions with a trusted person.
      3. Take up a hobby you enjoy.
      4. Explore meditative practices such as yoga, mindfulness or Tai Chi.
      5. Relaxing self-care habits such as scented baths.

      How do you deal with insecurity about hair loss? ›

      1. Tips for Keeping Your Confidence With Hair Loss. ...
      2. Put Things in Perspective. ...
      3. Be Practical About It. ...
      4. Find a Style That Suits You. ...
      5. Be Careful When Caring For Your Hair. ...
      6. Try Talk Therapy If You Feel Depressed or Anxious. ...
      7. Use FDA-Approved Medications. ...
      8. Consider Hair Transplant Surgery.

      How do you help someone cope with hair loss? ›

      Listen and validate their feelings

      The first step in supporting a loved one with hair loss is to listen to them and validate their feelings. Hair loss can be a sensitive topic, so it's important to create a safe space where they can talk about their emotions without feeling judged.

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