Want to slow down hair loss? Here’s how.

Everyone is different when it comes to hair loss. Normal hair loss or alopecia might run in your family, skip a generation, affect siblings differently or just appear out of nowhere. It’s very difficult to predict. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to keep your hair for longer. But first, let’s take a closer look at why this happens.

The science bit

Every day, everyone naturally loses between 50 to 100 hairs. Normally these are  replaced with freshly grown hairs. However, hair loss in men is mainly genetic, and progresses over time in 70% of cases. This is known as hereditary androgenetic alopecia or, more commonly and simply, baldness. 

This is the effect of androgens (aka male hormones) such as testosterone which is transformed into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) over time.

As Dr Vincent Renaud and nutritionist Véronique Liesse write in their book ‘Hormone, arrêtez de vous gâcher la vie’ (roughly translated as ‘Stop ruining our lives, hormones’): "If DHT rises too high, testosterone synthesis is inhibited". The result in hair is that the collagen in your scalp solidifies, compressing the root and thinning the hair. In the long run, this will weaken the hair follicle, the hair will be too thin to remain in your head and it will eventually fall out. 

It's pretty hard to fight genetics. But, there are actions you can take to slow down hair loss and prevent it as much as possible.

Show that scalp some love 

The healthiest hair follicles are the result of good scalp microcirculation. This can be stimulated with a good massage and good brushing - both of which you can do yourself. Often when it comes to hair loss, the fear is that you'll lose more hair by brushing. However, by gently using a brush with small spikes or using a dedicated tool, you can boost the scalp’s natural defenses. This helps to cleanse the surface of the skin of particles of sebum that can have an adverse effect, improving its microcirculation. As a result, the hair roots are better nourished, so they are more likely to stay in place longer and less likely to thin out.

Products make perfect

Aggressive shampoos that don't respect the scalp’s natural pH can work against the hair's natural ability to thrive. It’s better to choose gentle cleansing products that support the right level of acidity (ideally between 4 and 5) and therefore healthy hair growth. When hair loss begins to be noticeable, it's a good idea to follow up a scalp massage with a serum or specific treatment (like ours, for example) which helps slow down the condition and strengthens the scalp’s grip on its hairs.

You can also look at food supplements. They can contain all manner of ingredients, but look for things like Florida palm to encourage natural hair growth. Or Arugula, which stimulates the hair roots. Also zinc, selenium and vitamin B8 help maintain your hair and promote its health. Top tip: all of these ingredients can be found in our Anti-Hair Loss Serum.

Lifestyle is a choice

Although it may seem obvious, this idea isn't always the easiest to address.  stress, fatigue and a poor diet can all have a direct impact on health and hair loss. So it's highly advisable to take up regular exercise, or perhaps try something like meditation to balance out the daily stress that affects us all. When it comes to diet, opting for a balanced diet that’s rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, with as little processed food as possible can have positive effects on your life for your hair and beyond!