How to Keep Hair

We grow hair every day--sometimes as many as 100. But we lose as many as we grow. As we grow older, we lose more than we grow and our hair thins. Some hair loss is irreversible--baldness is largely a genetic trait. Some hair loss, however, is due to factors that we can control or reverse. Since each hair follicle has tens of thousands of hair "seeds", we can continue to grow hair if we can keep our hair cells and the follicles that house them healthy.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat right and take care of any illnesses or conditions immediately. Certain skin disorders, like psoriasis and eczema, weaken the hair follicles and make it possible for them to fall out more easily. Treating these conditions will slow hair loss. Severe illness and malnutrition can also accelerate hair loss. Recovery will allow hair to get the protein and other nutrients needed for growth and maintenance.

• 2

  Try to cut back on stress and use antibiotics and other drugs only as directed. Hair loss during pregnancy accelerates because the body is concentrating on reproductive needs. Anticonvulsants, birth control pills, thyroid agents and other drugs as well as excessive amounts of Vitamin A can have a negative effect on hair growth.

• 3

  Take it easy on your hair. Brush and style your hair but go easy on styling products that can dry your hair and make it brittle. Limit the use of hot oil treatments and permanents that use harsh chemicals. Avoid pulling or stretching hair when styling or rolling.

• 4

  Keep your hair--and hands--clean. In addition to washing your hair with a mild shampoo, wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading infections or oil. Launder pillowcases and sheets more frequently if you have a scalp or hair infection or condition so that infected follicles don't spread bacteria. Use dandruff shampoos daily until scaling stops and then cut back to washing hair every two or three days.

• 5

  See your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual hair loss. Early diagnosis can reverse many conditions. If your hair loss is irreversible, your doctor can make recommendations for medication or surgical alternatives.