Understanding hair loss prevention

Although you can't reverse natural balding, you can protect your hair from damage that may eventually lead to thinning. Some people, women in particular, put their hair under tremendous stress in the pursuit of beauty. Hair dryers, hot curlers, dyes, bleaches, hair straightening, permanent waves, and chemical-laden cosmetics may eventually result in dry, broken, and thinning hair.

Go natural

People who leave their hair its natural colour and texture will have healthier hair in the long run.

Choose products wisely

Use a basic shampoo designed for your hair type. If you curl your hair, use sponge rollers and let it air dry whenever possible.

Brush properly

Proper brushing can do as much for the condition of your hair as any over-the-counter product. Choose a moderately stiff, natural-bristle brush, which will not tear your hair. Use full strokes from the scalp to the tips of your hair to distribute the hair's natural oil. Be gentle, and avoid brushing your hair when wet, when it is especially fragile. Remember, hair is not living tissue, so it cannot repair itself.

Quit smoking and save your hair?

Several studies show a significant relationship between smoking and how fast male-pattern baldness gets worse. So if you need one more reason to quit smoking, add early hair loss to your list.

Hair loss medication

Although there's no way to cure male-pattern baldness, you can slow it down with medication.

Minoxidil is available as a lotion or foam to rub on the scalp every day and is available from pharmacies without a prescription. It slows the rate of hair loss in men, and some men even grow new hair. But once you stop using it, hair loss returns.

Finasteride is a daily tablet which prevents the hormone testosterone being converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which shrinks hair follicles. Blocking this process lets hair follicles go back to their normal size. Finasteride is not available on the NHS, only on private prescription from your GP.

Make the most of the hair you have

There are some styling tricks you can use to make your hair loss less noticeable. Cutting thinning hair short lets you avoid obvious comb-overs. Hair care and styling products may add volume to your hair. Eating a balanced diet and handling your hair gently will also help.