What helps against hair loss
|
Time to read 7 min
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Hair loss affects many people at very different stages of life. Whether sudden or gradual, for many it comes with insecurity, frustration or even shame. That makes it all the more important to know the causes and take targeted action. So: What helps against hair loss? We’ve summarised all your options for you below.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katharina Alder
Dr. Katharina Alder is a pharmacist specialised in dermatology. As CTO at RAUSCH, she is responsible, among other things, for research and development and is an expert on medical questions related to scalp and hair care.
What to do about hair loss? The essentials at a glance
There isn’t one single answer to the question “What helps against hair loss?”. Hair loss has many possible causes, e.g., genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, stress, illnesses, etc.
To take effective action against your hair loss, you need to know the exact cause. Here you’ll find an overview of different causes and their treatment options.
There are two main forms: irreversible and reversible hair loss.
With irreversible hair loss, remaining hair can be strengthened with various treatments. Where the follicles have died , however, only a hair transplant can help.
With reversible forms, the hair follicles remain intact. In these cases, targeted treatment often helps — options range from dietary changes and home remedies to medical options such as medication.
Gentle care, scalp massages and ingredients such as caffeine, rosemary or ginseng can promote circulation and stimulate hair growth.
Not all hair loss is the same
A few hairs in the brush or in the drain are usually no cause for concern. We all lose between 60 and 80 hairs every day — this is part of the scalp’s natural renewal process and is completely normal.
Only when significantly more hair falls out over a longer period or thinning areas become visible is it called pathological hair loss. In this case, many affected people ask themselves: “What can you do about hair loss?” Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are many possible causes of hair loss, including:
genetic factors,
hormonal changes,
deficiencies,
stress,
autoimmune diseases
etc.
As varied as the triggers are, so are the ways to stop hair loss. Before you look for the right solution, you should first find out which of the two fundamental types of hair loss affects you.
In general: Sudden or persistently severe hair loss should be assessed by a doctor — because the earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of effective treatment. A medical diagnosis is particularly important if hormonal or autoimmune disorders are suspected.
The 2 main types of hair loss
Basically, you can distinguish between 2 types of hair loss: reversible, i.e., treatable, and irreversible, i.e., permanent hair loss.
Reversible hair loss is — as the name suggests — temporary and can regress once the cause is eliminated. The hair can then grow back.
Irreversible hair loss, on the other hand, is caused by permanent damage to the hair follicles. The lost hair cannot regrow in the affected areas without surgical help.
How to find out which type applies to you
If you want to understand the exact cause of your hair loss, you should take a structured approach:
First, observe closely when and how much hair loss occurs.
Also pay attention to possible triggers such as stress, hormonal changes or taking certain medications.
In addition, a blood test can provide information on nutrient deficiencies or health-related causes.
If you suspect an underlying illness, you should definitely seek medical advice .
Good to know: Dermatologists can determine the type of hair loss based on a detailed medical history, your blood values and specific hair analyses — and recommend a suitable therapy.
Stop hair loss: overview of causes & treatments
In the following table, you’ll find the most important types and causes of hair loss and their respective characteristics at a glance — and of course how to stop or treat each type.
| Type of hair loss | Cause | Characteristics | Reversible | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) | genetic predisposition | receding hairline, thinning crown | No | prescription medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, hair transplantation |
| Scarring alopecia | inflammatory diseases of the scalp | scarred, bald patches on the scalp, often with itching or redness | No | dermatological treatment to curb inflammation, hair transplantation |
| Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss) | autoimmune reactions related to disease | round bald patches; often appear suddenly | partly | corticosteroids, immunotherapy, dermatological treatment; additionally, activating hair tonics by agreement |
| Diffuse hair loss (telogen effluvium) | disrupted resting phase of the hair, e.g., due to hormonal changes, nutrient deficiency, medications or stress | even hair loss across the whole head, severe thinning; often with a delay after the trigger | Yes | seek medical evaluation and eliminate causes (blood work), optimise nutrition, reduce stress, gentle care, scalp massages with activating hair tonic |
| Mechanically induced hair loss (traction alopecia) | overuse due to e.g., hairstyles or headwear | hair breakage, thinning hairline | Yes | gentle hairstyles, avoid friction, gentle care |
What helps with irreversible hair loss?
Genetically induced, irreversible hair loss is considered the most common form of hair loss. In this case, the hair roots react sensitively to the male sex hormone testosterone and atrophy. The hair falls out and, once gone, cannot grow back without the insertion of new follicles (as with a hair transplant).
Various preventive measures against hair loss can slow down genetically induced hair loss, but unfortunately cannot prevent it entirely. In this case, specialist medical treatment is usually the only option. There are now two prescription medications that can stop this type of hair loss: finasteride and minoxidil — however, they only work as long as they are used. After stopping, the atrophy of the hair roots resumes.
Good to know: Minoxidil is a drug used against high blood pressure that widens blood vessels — improving scalp circulation. Finasteride, which is approved for men, influences hormone balance by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone.
Prevention & help for reversible hair loss
The answer to the question “What helps against hair loss?” may vary depending on your starting point. In general, however, one rule always applies: Prevention is easier than aftercare. Especially with reversible types, there are many ways to counteract progressive hair loss.
Balanced nutrition: Scalp health starts from within. A balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals is therefore essential. Particularly important are biotin, iron, zinc, vitamin D and omega‑3 fatty acids. Only use supplements after a blood test and medical advice.
Regular scalp massages: Gentle massages support blood circulation to the hair roots, which in turn improves their nutrient supply. Be careful and avoid pressing too hard.
Mindful stress reduction: Physical or emotional stress can throw the hair cycle out of balance. You can’t avoid every kind of stress, but a generally mindful lifestyle always helps. Treat yourself to breaks, outdoor exercise and small rituals that do you good.
Cleanse and style gently: Washing too frequently can weaken your hair. Hair care itself also plays a role: frequent blow-drying, straightening or aggressive products stress the scalp and hair structure. Use only mild products and be gentle on your hair.
Natural remedies: Many people swear by rosemary oil, nettle extract, apple cider vinegar and even beer for hair loss. Some of these natural remedies can indeed promote circulation. However, their effectiveness is often not scientifically proven. They are also difficult to dose and can cause allergic reactions, dry scalp and dandruff .
Revitalising care products: Alongside natural remedies, there are also dedicated specialised products against hair loss. These shampoos, conditioners and tonics contain revitalising ingredients such as caffeine or ginseng that improve circulation and gently strengthen the hair roots.
Our recommendation for hair loss
Find your personal path to fuller hair
There may be no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “What helps against hair loss?”. But hair loss is not a fate you have to accept — quite the opposite. If you know the causes and act in a targeted way, your chances are good of at least slowing down hair loss. Whether with medical treatments, natural home remedies, an adjusted diet or a combination — there are many paths to stronger hair; you just need to find the one that’s right for you.
Frequently asked questions
How much hair loss per day is normal?
Most people lose between 60 and 80 hairs a day through the scalp’s natural renewal process. If you have very long or dark hair, it can look like more — so feel free to count if you’re unsure. It’s also completely normal to lose a little more hair in autumn and spring than during the rest of the year.
What really stops hair loss?
An individually tailored combination of medical treatment, healthy diet and gentle care helps against hair loss. Success rates are particularly high with reversible forms such as hormonal or stress-related hair loss.
Which vitamin is lacking if you have hair loss?
Hair loss is often linked to a deficiency in vitamin D or other nutrients such as biotin, iron or zinc . A blood test can provide clarity. Supplements should only be used in consultation with medical professionals.
How do I stop severe hair loss?
To stop severe hair loss, you should act quickly: determine the exact cause, adjust your lifestyle and use suitable care products. Also note: there is no one-size-fits-all answer to “What helps against hair loss?” — you need an approach tailored to your individual needs.
You might also like:
Invalid password
Enter