Ways to Recover a Full Head of Hair

Your parents might have full heads of hair, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will too.

If you’re finding hair in your sink, more hair on your brush, or your bathtub becomes clogged with hair, it could be a sign of hair loss or hair thinning. These symptoms can be caused by stress or aging, or they could be hereditary.

Hair loss and thinning may be inevitable, but the question is how to get it back healthy and full.

The following are ways to help stimulate and promote hair growth (and one way to fake it):

Finasteride

This prescription pill is designed to prevent hair loss by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. DHT is a hormone that can shrink hair follicles and prevent them from producing visible hairs. Lowering DHT inhibits the shrinkage of hair follicles, hence stimulating hair growth.

Consult with your doctor to determine what’s best for you.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is an over-the-counter solution that stimulates blood flow to hair follicles in the scalp to promote growth. The product should be applied twice a day, every day, for four months before results are noticed; gains are lost if treatment is discontinued.

Diet

Your diet not only affects your body weight and anatomical health, it also contributes to the health of your skin, nails and hair. Foods rich in the high-quality protein omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can prevent dry hair and a dry scalp. Foods with vitamin A, such as carrots, also help keep the scalp healthy, creating a nutrient-optimal ground for hair follicles to regrow hair.

Extensions

When all else fails, salons and beauty stores offer synthetic- and human-hair extensions in a variety of lengths and colors.

Extensions can range from 8 to 23 inches or more and are available in a number of colors. Extensions also can be dyed to match your existing hair color.

Additional Tips

Don’t keep your hair too dry, stop using harsh chemicals and dyes and keep your hair trimmed to get rid of split ends.

Cut back on the use of harmful products and tools, such as hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners and hot rollers, or use a heat-protection product.

Avoid chlorine and salt water and unnecessary stresses on the hair, including tiny braids or coils.