Have you experienced hair loss? If so, you’re probably wondering: “Why is this happening?” and “Can my hair grow back?”
Hair loss can feel frustrating, humiliating, and stressful. If you’ve experienced hair loss, you probably have a lot of questions, first among them being, “Will my hair ever grow back?”
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t simple. Hair regeneration is a complicated topic with no simple answer. Whether or not your hair can come back depends on many factors, including the underlying reason for your hair loss in the first place.
In this article, we examine the facts surrounding hair regeneration so you understand the next steps available to you if you’re facing this situation. Let’s dive in.
When Hair Loss Occurs
The reason for your hair loss can have a significant impact on whether hair regrowth is possible for you individually.
Note: this chart does not depict causes of hair loss in-depth. Our goal is to show you the breadth of issues that can affect hair loss.
|
Cause |
What Happens |
Is Hair Regrowth Possible? |
|
Stress and other reasons |
During telogen effluvium, your hair stays in the shedding phase of the growth cycle, without growth occurring. Causes vary but include stress, weight loss, certain medications, and more. |
Yes. You must discover and treat the underlying causes to see the best results. |
|
Pregnancy and hormonal changes |
Many women experience hair loss after giving birth, or later in life during menopause as their hormones change. |
Yes. Typically, hair loss from pregnancy or hormonal changes resolves. |
|
Poor nutrition |
Diets that are too low in protein or certain vitamins can cause hair loss. |
Yes. Adding these nutrients back into your diet can help. |
|
Alopecia areata |
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks your hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out. |
Yes. If you have this condition, you should seek treatment from a doctor. |
|
Androgenetic alopecia |
Typically known as male or female pattern baldness, androgenetic alopecia is hereditary and one of the most common causes for hair loss. |
There are studies and medicines available, but no conclusive proof yet. |
How to Achieve Hair Regeneration
Every case is different. You should know that regenerating your hair is a long journey and that it requires patience. In this section, we’ll examine a few ways to stimulate hair growth.
#1: Address Scalp Care
Proper scalp care is one of the most important, and often overlooked, component of hair care. If your scalp is affected by oxidative stress, your hair will struggle to grow. Fortunately, you can address and repair many common scalp problems by using a scientifically-formulated leave-in scalp serum to nurture and repair your scalp. One example is Mereltä’s Root Renewal serum, a plant-based and safe scalp treatment that is dermatologist-tested and proven to promote hair growth.
Even as your scalp may be stressed, you may not feel that you have an issue. Yet, stress can impede hair growth. Also, excess product build-up can block hair follicles from growing hair or can cause hair to grow thinner, more sparse and prone to breakage.
By addressing scalp care, you can get at the root cause of some instances of hair loss and thinning.
#2: Take Measures to Manage Stress
Stress can have serious negative consequences for your hair. By taking steps to manage your stress, you may experience healthier hair, too.
You can take several measures to manage your stress. A therapist or other mental health professional can work with you to address the reasons behind the stress you’re feeling and put together a plan to help you move forward. If you don’t have the time or space to see a therapist, there are numerous stress management techniques you can try at home, from box breathing to a quick, gentle walk. You could also use an app, such as HeadSpace to practice calming meditation.
#3: Mind Your Diet
Your hair needs nutrients to thrive. Eating a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, can help promote hair growth. Here’s what your diet should include to promote hair growth:
- Protein: Protein is important for keeping your hair healthy and strong. Most people don’t get enough protein in their diets. Look for lean protein sources, like chicken, eggs, and fish to up your intake.
- Essential fatty acids: Fatty acids like omega-3s are very important for maintaining hair and skin health. You can find these nutrients from foods like salmon, flax seed, and almonds.
- Vitamins: Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are great for your hair. You can find these vitamins in foods like bananas, spinach, beans, and lentils.
#4: Seek Professional Help For Your Hair
If you’ve experienced sudden hair loss, or if you’ve tried many different strategies without seeing results, it is time to consult a professional. A dermatologist can help you determine the underlying reasons for your hair loss and address any medical issues that may be putting your health at risk. Similarly, if you struggle with stress and you are concerned about it, a therapist or social worker can work with you to put together a comprehensive plan to help you start feeling better.
Hair Regeneration: What to Do
If you’ve experienced hair loss, you may deal with a lot of emotions: confusion, embarrassment, frustration, and hope. You may want to know when, how, and if your hair can grow back.
While there’s no easy answer for hair regeneration, there is hope: depending on why and when you lost your hair, you can use specific strategies to improve the look, feel, and strength of your hair. It’s important to first understand the root cause, then look into treatment options based on that.
Take good care of your mind and body! Start by using a scalp treatment first and see if your hair improves. Your scalp is the source of hair, so you will go straight to the root of your hair issue. Also, check in with your dermatologist to exclude any underlying conditions that may affect hair loss.
To learn more about your hair and scalp, take our Hair Assessment Quiz.