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I’m a dermatologist and two popular hair growth tricks won’t help you – but some little-know ingredients can
Two topical ingredients can help in early-stage hair loss
A DERMATOLOGIST has helped her clients regain their confidence by using little-known hair growth tricks.
She revealed that two of the most popular hair care ingredients aren’t as effective as many believe.
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Dr. Ellie Rashid is a UK-based consultant dermatologist with extensive experience in treating hair loss.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she revealed her top tips for healthy tresses.
“The most common cause of hair loss is called male/female pattern hair loss, otherwise known as androgenetic alopecia,” she said.
“This is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.
“The hair becomes smaller in diameter and the hair follicles shrink. There is a genetic susceptibility to this condition.
“In women, the age of onset is from the 40s onwards but in some can develop earlier, and in men occurs from as early as the late teens or early 20s.
“However, the onset and progression of androgenetic alopecia can vary significantly among individuals.
“Hormonal fluctuations can also cause hair loss, such as pregnancy and thyroid disorders, they disrupt the hair growth cycle and more hairs go into the shedding phase.
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“This is usually temporary.
“An autoimmune cause of hair loss is alopecia areata, then there are less common causes of hair loss such as medications, poor nutrition, and scalp infections.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Dr. Rashid said patients often ask if they should take biotin supplements.
However, it’s unlikely to improve hair health in people who don’t have a deficiency.
She warned the vitamin can also have an undesirable effect on other health issues.
Caffeine and saw palmetto, often found in topical hair growth treatments, are best suited for early-stage hair loss.
Dr. Ellie Rashid
“Biotin can falsely elevate T3 and T4 levels, and therefore suppressing TSH [thyroid stimulating hormone] which could cause misdiagnosis of an overactive thyroid or mask an underactive thyroid picture,” she said.
“This effect is lost within 48 hours of stopping biotin supplements.
“A balanced diet rich in protein such as meat, fish, eggs, and legumes, vitamins, and minerals is important for overall hair health.”
TRICKS OF THE TRADE
“There are some home remedies that can block dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the testosterone-derived hormone that can cause miniaturization of the hair follicles,” Dr. Rashid said.
“Saw Palmetto is a plant extract commonly used as a natural DHT blocker.
“It is often found in supplements aimed at promoting prostate health and may have some impact on hair loss.
“Some studies suggest that pumpkin seed oil may help inhibit the production of DHT.
“Another herbal remedy from African cherry tree bark, called Pygeum Bark Extract is sometimes included in supplements targeting DHT-related issues.
“Certain compounds in green tea, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may have mild DHT-blocking properties.
“Nettle root is thought to help inhibit the production of DHT and is sometimes included in hair loss supplements.”
Hair growth oils, sprays, and supplements
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“Hair oils can be useful in preventing breakage,” she said.
“As our hair grows out from the root, the ends of the hair get further away from our scalp, and in turn grow further away from the protective oils that the scalp produces.
“Combine that lack of oil with environmental hair stressors like heat, friction, and bleach, and the lengths of your hair can dry out, become more fragile, and be more prone to split ends and breakage.
“Some oils act as heat protectants and make the hairs glide more easily over one another so they don’t break from mechanical damage.”
Coconut oil and argan oil can help shine and moisture improvement within the hair shaft.
Dr. Ellie Rashid
Rosemary oil has become popular among beauty enthusiasts for treating hair loss.
However, Dr. Rashid said the claims are based on one 6-month study that didn’t include a placebo group.
She revealed rosemary oil was considered as effective as 2% Minoxidil for male pattern baldness, but treatments usually use 5%.
HAIR CARE HEROES
“Caffeine and saw palmetto, often found in topical hair growth treatments, are best suited for early-stage hair loss,” Dr. Rashid said.
“Ingredients like panthenol and amino acids or peptides can temporarily lift and plump hair for a fuller appearance.
“Hydrolyzed proteins and collagen can strengthen and bulk up hair strands.
“Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid act as humectants and draw water into them. This can help with scalp hydration.
“Coconut oil and argan oil can help shine and moisture improvement within the hair shaft.”
SCALP SAVIORS
Dr Rashid said her patients have had a boost in confidence from focusing on their scalp health as it’s the “foundation” for hair growth.
“By addressing issues like inflammation, dryness, or excessive oiliness of the scalp, we can help maintain healthy hair follicles, leading to healthy hair,” she said.
“Patients who have followed scalp care routines have noticed positive changes in their natural hair, such as increased thickness and reduced shedding.
“The recovery time for various hair loss problems can be influenced by the hair growth cycle phases and the proportion of hairs in each phase.
“It also depends on the underlying cause of the hair loss.”
Telogen effluvium describes excessive shedding caused by stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, or medication.
“Since telogen hairs normally remain in the resting phase for approximately 3 months, hair loss due to telogen effluvium typically becomes noticeable 2 to 3 months after the triggering event,” Dr. Rashid said.
“Once the underlying cause is addressed and the hair growth cycle normalizes, hair regrowth can occur within several months as new hairs enter the anagen (growth) phase and replace the shed hairs.
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“Nothing happens fast. The hair growth cycle is a slow process.
"Prevention and immediate intervention are key.”
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