There are few sights as emotionally distressing as finding large clumps of hair in the shower or on your pillow, or seeing thinning hair or bald spots in the mirror.
The bad news is that hair loss is a common occurrence that will affect over two-thirds of men and half of all women in their lifetimes. But the good news is that there are several proactive measures you can take to prevent hair loss or even regain a vibrant, healthy head of hair.
According to Alvi Armani Medical Director Dr Kashmal Kalan, an expert in hair transplants and restoration, good haircare habits are essential for caring for your scalp and nurturing your hair’s strength and vitality.
“An ounce of prevention can make a world of difference to maintaining healthy hair, which is why it’s vital to implement a proper haircare routine from an early age – much in the same way you would care for your skin or your teeth,” he states.
“In fact, hair care is particularly important in your younger years when your hair is at its peak growth potential, as establishing good haircare habits from early on can set the foundation for healthier hair as you age.
“That said, there are also a variety of modern, painless procedures available to help individuals manage and overcome hair loss, and regain natural-looking hair. With significant advancements in hair restoration, no one should suffer the burden of hair loss.”
Dr Kalan offers five expert tips for establishing a good haircare routine that will help you to maintain luscious locks for years to come:
Nourish from within
A balanced and nutrient-rich diet for healthy hair growth is imperative. Consuming foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, builds solid and lustrous hair. Hydration is also vital, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water daily.
For patients looking to boost their hair health with a targeted vitamin concentrate, they could consider drip treatments such as the Armani Vitadrip. Professionally formulated by medical doctors specialising in hair loss, this 45-minute drip features a combination of essential nutrients such as gluthathione, zinc, selenium, and folic acid, which form the building blocks for healthy hair.
Gentle cleansing and proper conditioning
When washing your hair, opt for gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners as harsh ingredients can strip the hair of natural oils and cause damage over time. Massage the scalp gently with your fingertips to stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth. And avoid excessive shampooing, as this can lead to dryness and breakage.
Conditioning is also vital to keep your hair hydrated and manageable, and for protecting your hair follicles from the stresses of combing and drying. Use a mild conditioner and apply it after shampooing to keep your hair moisturised and manageable. Apply conditioner from the mid-length of your hair to the ends, focusing on the damaged or dry areas, and leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Regular deep conditioning treatments can further provide an extra boost of moisture and nourishment.
Protect from heat and styling damage
Excessive heat from styling tools and harsh styling techniques can severely damage your hair, which is why it’s crucial to apply heat protectant sprays or serums before using heat-styling tools, such as blow dryers, curling irons, or straighteners. Use lower heat settings whenever possible, and minimise the frequency of heat styling to reduce the risk of hair damage.
Be mindful of chemical treatments and environmental factors
Chemical treatments such as perming, relaxing, or colouring, can significantly impact your hair's health. Spacing out these treatments and providing ample time for hair recovery is therefore crucial.
Likewise, environmental factors like sun exposure, wind, and pollution can negatively affect your hair. So, when spending time outdoors, shield your hair with hats, scarves, or protective hairstyles. Additionally, regularly washing your hair to remove build-up and using clarifying shampoos can help to maintain your hair’s health.
And if you regularly swim in chlorinated pools, it's essential to wear a swimming cap to protect your hair from the damaging effects of pool chemicals. After swimming, shampoo your hair thoroughly to remove any chlorine residue, salt, or other impurities.
Treat your scalp
There are a range of professional hair treatments available to improve scalp health, revitalise hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth.
For example, Alvi Armani offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves re-injecting concentrates of patients’ blood into the scalp to rejuvenate the skin and hair – a non-invasive technique with no downtime that has been shown to visibly improve hair quality and thickness within two to three months.
Another popular option is the non-surgical Armani Meso treatment, which stimulates the scalp and hair with plant extracts and vitamins.
Finally, patients suffering from permanent hair loss or baldness could consider a hair transplant. With cutting-edge medical techniques such as follicular unit extraction (FUE), modern hair transplants offer a relatively simple fix for fast, natural-looking results with minimal downtime or discomfort.
“Ultimately, the bottom line for hair loss sufferers is that there is no need to experience the emotional burden or feelings of insecurity and shame that are often associated with the condition. By implementing a sound haircare regimen and working in partnership with the appropriate professionals, you can prevent hair shedding, or restore a thick head of hair for improved self-confidence.”
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