how to strengthen hair follicles - #23276
I am really worried about my hair lately, and I keep thinking about how to strengthen hair follicles. Last year, my hair was thick and healthy, but now my scalp's been feeling itchy, and I'm shedding hair like crazy! I tried some over-the-counter shampoos and conditioners but nothing seems to help. Some friends told me about some natural oils that might assist in how to strengthen hair follicles, like castor oil or peppermint oil. Has anyone here actually had success with them? I also read somewhere about nutritional supplements being beneficial — are there specific vitamins or minerals that are especially good for how to strengthen hair follicles? I guess I’m just not sure if all this stuff is actually legit or if it’ll just be a waste of time. I really want to try to fix this before it gets worse because I can just feel my self-esteem kinda dipping with how my hair looks right now. Also, what are the things to avoid that could make this worse? Any guidance on how to strengthen hair follicles would mean the world to me!
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Doctors' responses
To strengthen your hair follicles, let’s first address potential root causes. Itchy scalp and excessive shedding could be a sign of conditions like dermatitis, psoriasis, or even stress-related. It’s crucial to rule out underlying medical issues, so consider seeing a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis if symptoms persist. Natural oils like castor and peppermint oil may provide benefits due to their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, but scientific evidence on their efficacy in strengthening follicles is limited. They can be safely used by massaging a small amount into your scalp a couple of times a week, typically leave it for 30 minutes before washing. Nutritional aspects definitely play a vital role in hair health. Key nutrients include Vitamin D, Biotin, Zinc, Iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Ensure your diet includes sources like eggs, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fish. It could be worthwhile to use supplements if lab tests confirm deficiencies; however, excessive supplementation without a confirmed deficiency can be harmful. Avoid harsh hair treatments like frequent heat styling, bleaching, or tight hairstyles which can damage hair shafts and weaken follicles. Stress management is also crucial as stress can lead to hair loss, try regular exercise, yoga, or meditation techniques. Lastly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol as they can negatively affect follicle health. All these steps combined should help support healthier hair growth, but for continuous or severe hair loss, do consult health care providers for targeted treatments.
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