Healthy hair follicles run through three stages of growth: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Each of these phases is crucial to the systematic development of hair shafts (strands) and ideal growth. Sometimes, genetics and aging essentially deactivate hair follicles and disrupt the natural growth process. The result? Balding, thinning, or shedding locks.
Hereditary hair loss conditions are a result of under active, dormant hair follicles. In cases of androgenic alopecia, follicles begin to miniaturize with the help of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Rather than cycle through the typical stages of hair growth, DHT shortens the active growth (anagen) stage. Follicles affected by DHT produce shorter, finer hairs at first, and ultimately cease to grow hair altogether as the condition evolves.
DHT affects men and women differently. Androgenic alopecia in men, or male-pattern baldness, usually manifests as apparent balding along the hairline, temples, or the top of the head. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is more diffuse with an overall thin or sparse result. Either way, DHT-driven follicle miniaturization is the culprit.
While complete follicle miniaturization isn’t irreversible, it is possible to slow down or prevent the process from worsening with these three wholesome habits:
Better Nutrition
The hair shafts visible to the naked eye are dead. Strands are made up of hard proteins called keratins, which don’t receive any nourishment from your body. However, the follicles which produce each shaft are comprised of living cells. Like any other part of your body, follicles need nutrients, oxygen, and blood flow to function properly. Eating foods with high iron levels helps transport essential oxygen to the scalp. Leafy greens are some of the best sources for iron, including spinach and kale. You can also consume more lean meats, beans, legumes, or lentils to boost your iron intake. Zinc, found in fish, facilitates protein binding to keep follicles at their best. Don’t forget about proteins, copper, selenium, B vitamins and vitamin C to support healthy hair follicles.
Stress Reduction
Even if you’re hair loss is mostly genetic, symptoms can worsen with stress. Telogen effluvium (TE), or stress-induced hair loss, may occur a few months following a strenuous life event. Divorce, job loss, or death of a family or friend are common reasons your hair may fall out more. TE alone usually reverses itself, but that’s not always the case when you’re already dealing with follicle miniaturization due to androgenic alopecia. Since follicles affected by androgenic alopecia are already debilitated, TE intensifies the damage. Curbing your stress through meditation, time off work, vacation, and exercise is key, especially if you recently experienced an arduous or life-changing event.
Laser Therapy
Sometimes, a healthy diet and peace of mind aren't enough to re-nourish failing hair follicles. Targeting the problem at the source through low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps replenish cells and stimulate regrowth by drawing more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to follicles. While low-level laser therapy doesn’t reverse fully-miniaturized hair follicles, it stops the process from progressing. LLLT also helps stimulate the arector pili muscle within the hair follicle, which supports and lifts strands for greater volume. Even for individuals with healthy hair follicles, LLLT regulates oil production from the sebaceous gland. This lubricates your scalp and allows for better shine and flexibility, as opposed to dry or brittle hair shafts.
Capillus® laser caps provide convenience, portability, and discretion for LLLT hair loss treatment. For more information on laser caps for hair regrowth, contact our customer representatives at 844-280-4680.
