To address the issue of "what to do about severe hair loss," the key is to first clarify the type of hair loss (which requires medical consultation through symptoms and diagnostic examinations), and then to adopt a comprehensive plan of daily care + medication treatment + medical intervention based on the type. Here are the specific steps and recommendations:
1. First distinguish the type of hair loss (key!)
There are significant differences in the causes and treatment options for different types of hair loss, which need to be clarified first:
| Type | Core Features | Common Reasons |
|--------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Androgenetic Alopecia (most common) | ① Hair loss in specific areas (Men: receding hairline at the forehead, thinning on the crown; Women: diffuse thinning on the crown); ② Oily scalp, excessive dandruff, itchy scalp; ③ Hair becomes finer and softer. | Genetic (mainly), elevated DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels damaging hair follicles. |
| Telogen Effluvium | ① Overall hair thinning (no specific areas); ② Hair is finer than before; ③ No dandruff, receding hairline. | Causes include stress, staying up late, malnutrition, postpartum (hormonal changes), side effects of medications (such as chemotherapy). |
| Alopecia Areata | ① Sudden patchy hair loss (such as "goose head"); ② No subjective symptoms (not painful or itchy). | Autoimmune disorder (such as stress, staying up late leading to the immune system attacking hair follicles). |
| Scarring Alopecia | ① The area of hair loss has wounds/inflammation (such as from burns, folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis sequelae); ② Hair no longer grows. | Hair follicles are destroyed (irreversible). |
2. Key measures for daily control of hair loss
Regardless of the type, adjusting lifestyle habits is fundamental and can effectively slow the progression of hair loss:
1. Hair care: Avoid damage
- Reduce dyeing and perming: Frequent dyeing and perming can damage the hair cuticle, making hair weak and prone to falling out;
- Choose the appropriate hair care products: for oily scalp, use oil control, sulfate-free shampoos (such as those containing selenium sulfide or salicylic acid); for dry scalp, use nourishing shampoos (such as those containing ceramides or panthenol);
- Hair washing frequency: wash once every 2-3 days (excessive cleaning can damage the scalp barrier, leading to increased oil secretion);
- Hair washing method: Use warm water (around 40℃), do not pull or tug at the hair; after washing, gently pat dry with a towel, avoid high-temperature blow drying (if you need to blow dry, use the low heat setting).
2. Lifestyle habits: Adjusting routines and stress
- Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily (staying up late can lead to hormonal imbalance and worsen hair loss);
- Stress management: Relieve stress through exercise (such as yoga and jogging), meditation, listening to music, etc. (long-term stress can lead to "telogen effluvium");
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: The nicotine and alcohol in tobacco and alcohol can constrict the capillaries in the scalp, affecting blood supply to the hair follicles ().
3. Scalp massage: Promotes blood circulation
- Massage the scalp with the pads of your fingers (avoiding the nails) for 5-10 minutes daily (in a clockwise circular motion) to enhance blood flow to the scalp and help the hair follicles absorb nutrients;
- Using gentle hair care essential oils (such as rosemary and ginger oil) will yield better results ( ).
3. Dietary adjustments: Supplement the nutrients needed for hair.
Hair growth requires nutrients such as protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins. A deficiency can lead to weak and easily falling hair. It is recommended to eat more of the following foods:
| Nutritional Components | Recommended Foods | Effects |
|----------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Protein | Lean meat (chicken, beef), eggs, milk, legumes (soybeans, black beans) | The main component that makes up hair (keratin), promotes hair regeneration. |
| Iron | Raisins, leafy greens (spinach, water spinach), lean meat, animal liver | Promotes hemoglobin production and improves blood circulation in the scalp (iron deficiency can lead to "telogen effluvium"). |
| Zinc | Nuts (walnuts, almonds, peanuts), seafood (oysters, shrimp), legumes | Maintains follicle health, promotes hair growth (zinc deficiency can lead to thinning and loss of hair). |
| Vitamin B Complex | Whole grain bread, animal liver, legumes, vegetables (broccoli, carrots) | Inhibit scalp oil secretion (Vitamin B6), promote hair regrowth (Vitamin B2). |
| Vitamin E | Black Gate, walnuts, peanuts, vegetable oils (olive oil, flaxseed oil) | Promotes the division of hair follicle cells and delays hair aging (Vitamin E deficiency can lead to dry and easily falling hair). |
| Vitamin C | Oranges, kiwis, strawberries, leafy greens (green peppers, spinach) | Nourishes the scalp and helps hair absorb nutrients (a deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to a dry scalp and brittle hair). |
Avoid foods: high sugar (such as milk tea, cake), high fat (such as fried foods, fatty meat), spicy foods (such as chili, Sichuan pepper) — these foods can stimulate oil secretion on the scalp, worsening hair loss (especially androgenetic alopecia).
4. Pharmacological treatment: Medication based on the cause.
If there is no improvement after 1-3 months of daily conditioning, medication should be taken as prescribed by a doctor (different types of medication for different conditions):
1. Topical medications (suitable for most types of hair loss)
- Minoxidil (2%/5% concentration):
- Function: Expands scalp blood vessels, improves blood supply to hair follicles, promotes hair growth;
- Applicable for: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata;
- Usage: 1-2 times daily, apply to the scalp in the areas of hair loss (massage with fingertips for absorption);
- Note: There may be an increase in shedding during the initial 1-2 months (a normal phenomenon, as old hair falls out and new hair prepares to grow). Significant results can be seen after 6-9 months ().
- Disulfide selenium shampoo / Compound sulfur shampoo:
- Function: Regulate scalp oil secretion, remove dandruff, inhibit fungi (such as Malassezia);
- Applicable to: Androgenetic alopecia (oily scalp, excessive dandruff), hair loss caused by seborrheic dermatitis;
- Usage: 2-3 times a week, use as a substitute for shampoo ().
2. Oral medications (for specific types)
- Male androgenetic alopecia:
- Finasteride (1mg/tablet):
- Function: Inhibits 5α-reductase, reducing the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) (DHT is the "culprit" that damages hair follicles);
- Usage: 1 tablet daily, to be taken long-term (effectiveness reaches 75%-90% after 1 year);
- Note: relapse may occur after stopping the medication; prohibited for pregnant women (()).
- Female androgenetic alopecia/postpartum hair loss:
- Spironolactone (20mg/tablet), Cyproterone Acetate (1mg/tablet):
- Function: Regulate hormone levels (reduce androgen);
- Usage: Follow doctor's advice (hormone levels need to be monitored);
- Note: May cause menstrual irregularities ( ).
- Alopecia:
- Prednisone (5mg/tablet), Cyclosporine (25mg/tablet):
- Function: Suppress immune system attacks on hair follicles;
- Usage: Follow doctor's advice (short-term use, avoid long-term dependence);
- Note: May cause side effects such as obesity, osteoporosis, etc. ()
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment (Nourishing Liver and Kidney, Promoting Blood Production)
- Blood Nourishing Hair Growth Capsules: Suitable for hair loss caused by liver and kidney deficiency, and qi and blood deficiency (such as postpartum hair loss, telogen effluvium);
- Tianma Shouwu Tablets: Suitable for seborrheic alopecia (oily scalp, sparse hair);
- Liuwei Dihuang Wan: Suitable for hair loss caused by kidney yin deficiency (such as soreness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus accompanied by hair loss);
- Usage: Oral, 2-3 times a day (as directed by a doctor, avoid spicy and greasy foods) ()
5. Medical Intervention: For Severe Hair Loss
If drug treatment is ineffective for 6-12 months, or if hair loss is severe (such as balding or large areas of alopecia), the following medical methods can be considered:
1. Hair transplant surgery (most effective)
- Principle: Transplant healthy hair follicles from the occipital region (not affected by DHT, grow for a lifetime) to the balding area;
- Applicable to: severe androgenetic alopecia, scarring alopecia;
- Effect: The transplanted hair follicles will grow for a lifetime (complete recovery may take 1-2 years);
- Note: High cost (10-20 yuan per unit of follicle, usually requires 1000-3000 units); those with heart disease, high blood pressure and other diseases should not undergo this ().
2. Laser Treatment (Mild to Moderate Hair Loss)
- Principle: Low-intensity laser (such as 650nm red light) stimulates hair follicles, prolonging the hair growth phase;
- Applicable: androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium;
- Effect: Use 2-3 times a week, and after 3-6 months, noticeable thickening of hair and reduced hair loss.
- Note: It needs to be done at a professional institution () .
3. Physical Therapy (for Alopecia Areata)
- Ultraviolet radiation: suppresses the immune system and promotes follicle repair;
- Photodynamic therapy: activates hair follicles and promotes hair growth;
- Applicable: Alopecia areata (especially in the progressive stage);
- Effect: Requires multiple treatments ().
6. Precautions: Avoid Misunderstandings
1. Early treatment: In the initial stage of hair loss (losing more than 100 strands daily for 1-2 months), medical attention should be sought promptly. Early treatment (such as using minoxidil and finasteride) can effectively prevent the progression of hair loss.
2. Do not self-medicate: for example, finasteride is only suitable for male androgenetic alopecia; using it in women may lead to side effects;
3. Avoid "home remedies": such as rubbing ginger on the scalp (which may irritate the scalp and cause allergies) and washing hair with vinegar (which disrupts the scalp's pH balance);
4. Regular Follow-up: Visit the dermatology department for a follow-up every 3-6 months to adjust the treatment plan (such as minoxidil concentration, finasteride dosage).
Summary: Hair Loss Control Process
1. Step one: Medical diagnosis (determining the type of hair loss through dermoscopy and hormone tests);
2. Step Two: Adjust lifestyle habits (care, sleep, stress) + dietary conditioning;
3. Step three: Follow the doctor's prescription for medication (topical + oral, choose according to type);
4. Step four: If ineffective, consider medical intervention (hair transplant, laser).
Reminder: Hair loss is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence (for example, minoxidil may take 6-9 months to show results). As long as there is early intervention, most hair loss can be effectively controlled.
The above content is collected and generated by AI, for reference only.
