Can You Regrow Your Hair?

Have you ever wondered if you can regrow your hair?

If you have noticed your hair thinning or falling out in larger quantities than normal, it can be alarming. You may even wonder if the loss is permanent. The good news is that there is hope! The reasons for hair thinning vary, but getting to the root cause can be instrumental in treating the problem. Most men and even women experience some degree of hair loss at some point in their lives, so the issue is not at all uncommon. Around two-thirds of both genders will suffer clinically significant hair loss during their lifetime, with most experiencing some loss of hair density by the time they are 50. Now that you’re equipped with this information, you may be wondering what steps you can take to help prevent, arrest or even reverse the progression of loss. Though your best advice is to involve your primary care provider in evaluating the matter, there are some simple things you can try at home as the first steps to help with hair thinning or regrow your hair. 

 

Shampoo for Hair Thinning 

There are many different shampoos ostensibly formulated for hair loss and thinning. It’s probably not going to be harmful to give them a try to see if they help with your hair thinning. Protein-rich formulas are said to seep into each individual strand, making them stronger. They leave the hair shiny and hydrated, looking healthy, but do nothing to address the ‘root cause’ of the problem. You have to be careful though: some volumizing shampoos actually strip the hair of moisture, so it’s important to check out the ingredients thoroughly before purchasing. 

There are also specific formulas that contain botanically-based compounds intended to target the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone, shown to be an important factor in male and female pattern hair loss. These shampoos often claim to reduce the synthesis of DHT which may reduce the rate of hair loss and possibly help you regrow your hair. Some contain ingredients formulated for hydration and these ingredients are purported to help stimulate the scalp, which may or may not have a positive effect on hair growth. Testing a thinning hair shampoo may be the least expensive and easiest option to see if it has a positive effect on your individual hair loss. 

 

Vitamins to Help Regrow your Hair 

Another inexpensive option for hair thinning may be to try some natural vitamins and supplements also purported to help with hair loss. Iron, zinc, and various vitamins are all needed for the body to function properly, so, in rare cases, if they are markedly out of balance even hair growth may be negatively affected  The good news is that vitamins and minerals in supplement form, when taken as directed, are generally inexpensive and easily obtained. Are you wondering if you can regrow your hair and wondering what are some of the vitamins one may try for hair thinning? 

1. Vitamin A. Vitamin A is required for proper cell growth. One of the fastest-growing structures in the body is the hair follicle, so supplementing with vitamin A may be helpful for some in order to facilitate healthy hair growth. Diets that are deficient in vitamin A can lead to hair loss. Eating foods naturally high in vitamin A can be a great way to help supply the body with the nutrients it needs. Sweet potatoes, spinach, pumpkin, and kale are all high in vitamin A. 
2. B vitamins. One of the most popular supplements supposedly useful for hair growth is biotin, which is technically a B vitamin. When used as a hair loss treatment, those who are deficient in biotin may respond positively. However, in healthy individuals, no benefit is likely to occur.   When properly monitored by a health professional, it shouldn’t hurt to take a B vitamin supplement, as the various B-vitamins may also help stimulate such homeostatic processes as red blood cell production. Whether you take a supplement or eat foods like almonds, fish, seafood, and whole grains that are higher in B vitamins, avoiding vitamin B depletion is definitely a good idea for your health. 
3. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents free radicals from damaging your body’s cells.  Free radicals have also been linked to many disorders as well as aging and senescence.   Vitamin C also helps your body absorb iron, which is important for hair growth. Many fruits are high in vitamin C, and if one is unable to obtain sufficient quantities of whole foods supplements are also readily available.
4. Vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for immune health, and low levels have also been linked to some forms of alopecia. Many people don’t get enough vitamin D, although limited exposure to the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D. Eating fatty fish and taking a supplement may be advantageous in the winter when the sun isn’t abundant. 
5. Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help prevent oxidative stress in the body. Avocados, spinach, and almonds are good sources of vitamin E. 

 

Reasons for Hair Thinning 

The reasons for experiencing hair thinning are varied but the most common cause is a confluence of genetics, biochemistry, and aging. Both men and women experience hair loss, and most individuals of either gender are likely to observe a loss of scalp hair density by age 50.  Everyone loses small amounts of hair daily as it’s just part of the normal hair growth cycle process. Adults generally lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day, yet each strand is replaced with another growing hair. Heredity, hormones, and aging can all affect hair thinning. Men generally start to lose their hair in the bi-temporal front of the scalp as well as the crown of the head, whereas women lose hair throughout their scalp, in a pattern of generalized thinning. 

 

Work With a Professional to Regrow Your Hair

Whether you’ve just started losing hair or have been slowly losing hair over the years, there is help available. Working with a medical professional with expertise in the field will be of great value in seeking to uncover the root cause of your hair loss and develop a treatment plan that can help you regrow your hair. If you’re concerned about hair loss don’t wait another day.  Resources are available online, and specifically thru clearinghouse websites such as the American Medical Association  & the ISHRS.