How To Prevent Balding

Consult a doctor to discuss your options. Besides genetics, a hormone imbalance, scalp infection, medical condition, certain medications, and even stress can all cause hair to fall out. Knowing why you’re losing your hair might help you stop it.

Be gentle when drying your hair. Vigorous towel drying – rather than patting your hair dry – can break hair, as can frequent blow-drying, especially on a hot setting.

Limit wearing your hair in styles that tug hair at the scalp, like tight ponytails, pigtails, cornrows, and hair extensions. The stress on the follicles can lead to a type of permanent hair loss called traction alopecia.

Use dandruff shampoos that contain zinc, which has been shown to promote modest hair growth.

Stop smoking, or don’t start in the first place. Researchers have linked it to hair loss.

Talk to your doctor about the topical solution minoxidil, available over-the-counter as Rogaine, and the oral prescription finasteride, known by its brand name, Propecia. Eight out of 10 Rogaine users stop losing hair after several months of applying it twice a day. Propecia slows hair loss and grows visible hair in about 50 percent of patients.

Try laser therapy, which may stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Some dermatologists and many hair-loss centers offer in-house sessions, or you can purchase a laser comb or brush that you use at home.