As we age, it's natural to worry about wrinkles and sagging skin making us look older. These facial issues are not the only thing that may be contributing to a less than youthful appearance, however. Hair loss can play a role as well. Fortunately, there are ways to both prevent and treat this common problem.
Here at Plateroti Dermatology in Templeton, California, Dr. Carmelo Plateroti and our top-notch team can help with everything from hair loss to other aesthetic and dermatologic concerns. Using our collective experience of over 30 years, we combine proven Western medicine treatments with the most successful holistic care for a unique, integrative approach.
Hair loss occurs when something prevents the hair from growing. Causes can include a wide range of possibilities from genetics or an overactive immune system to certain medications and treatments. Using harsh hair care products and styling the hair in a manner that pulls on it can also result in its loss.
People can do a number of things to help slow or prevent hair loss. They include the following:
Eat a healthy diet, and make sure you're getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals so that you aren’t deficient.
Visit a doctor to rule out any health problems like thyroid disease or a hormone condition. Also discuss if any medications or health treatments could be contributing to the problem.
Finally, practice self-care to try to keep stress levels in check.
Keep in mind hair can be delicate and needs to be treated gently. Every day, use a soft brush with natural fibers, and brush from the top down through the ends in one direction only. This helps distribute healthy oils throughout the hair and prevents tangles that can lead to clumps of hair being torn out when brushing or combing.
Use a mild shampoo that does not contain sulfates, and do not overwash with shampoo, which can cause damage. In addition, limiting or avoiding dying, highlighting, having peroxide treatments, and getting perms can help keep the hair as healthy as possible.
It's also important to consider styling choices. Using a hair dryer, hair straightener, or curling iron can all be hard on the hair. Even certain hairstyles can be a problem if hair is so stretched it becomes permanently damaged. Ponytails, tight braids, and cornrows can all contribute to hair loss by pulling the hair away from the scalp.
Though preventing hair loss is obviously everyone's first choice, there are also options for treatment. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is an all-natural solution using a person's own blood to encourage hair regrowth while NeoGraft® involves moving individual hair follicles from areas of fullness to places that have thinned.
If you're suffering from hair loss and prevention tips are not helping, click our Contact button, or call us at 805-434-2526 today to make an appointment and find out which treatment option is right for you.
