Make no mistake, bald is sexy! That being said, we understand if your plan is to keep a full head of healthy hair for as long as possible. This may be particularly top of mind if the men on either side of your family are bald. Taking a proactive approach is the best way to keep the hair you have. The tips below will help.
What Causes Balding?
Before we dive into how to be proactive, it is important to understand what causes balding. Hereditary-patterned baldness is the most common cause. Contrary to its name, it is not just a genetic cause—but part of the natural aging process. Hair loss typically begins in the 20s and 30s as hormones begin to fluctuate and is likely to get progressively worse.
There are a variety of factors that can cause or accelerate balding, including:
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Medical conditions
- Hair and scalp stress
- Prescription medications
- Genetics
Now, let’s dive into how to take a proactive approach.
#1 Know The Signs
Patterned baldness is gradual. By knowing what to look for, you will know when to kick things up a notch. By that, we mean scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist to create a strategic plan of action. Also, to ensure the condition is indeed patterned baldness, and not a scalp condition or medical condition.
Early signs of balding include:
- Slower hair growth
- Minor changes to your hairline
- More hair on your pillow, in your brush, or in the sink
- Hair feels thinner, even if it doesn’t look thinner
#2 Prioritize Your Nutrition
We don’t often think about it, but our hair is alive. Anything that is living, needs to be nourished. If your diet is high in processed sugars and trans fat, you aren’t providing your hair (or body) with the nutrients it requires to thrive.
Yes, splurge on your favorite less-than-healthy foods, but aim to keep at least 90% of your nutritional intake healthy.
In terms of your hair, prioritize:
- Leafy greens
- Omega-rich foods
- Lean proteins
- Eggs
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
Also consider daily supplements that contain biotin, zinc, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, omega fatty acids, and probiotics.
#2 Destress
Stress can cause and accelerate hair loss, so take a proactive approach to stress management. A few tips include:
- Exercise 4 to 6 days a week
- Massage therapy
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Take your vacations and time off
- Unplug at a set time each day
- Spend quality time with friends and family
#3 Natural Hair Care Products
The overwhelming majority of haircare products are formulated with harsh chemicals. This is a common strategy for keeping profit margins high. While these products may effectively style your hair, with consistent use—they can damage your hair, scalp, and hair follicles. This can cause and accelerate hair loss.
Instead, utilize products formulated with hair-healthy natural ingredients including honey, black seed oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and biotin.
#4 Treat Your Hair With Care
How you treat your hair matters, especially once you begin balding.
These tips will help:
- Wet and shampoo your hair with warm water, not hot water.
- Only shampoo straight or damaged hair once or twice a week.
- Only shampoo curly or kinky hair every 7 to 10 days.
- Condition your hair every time you shampoo.
- Condition your hair in-between wash days.
- Pat your hair dry, don’t rub too hard.
- Head to the barbershop every 6 to 8 weeks.
- Keep chemicals and heated styling to a minimum.
- Use styling products and tools designed for your hair type.
#5 Don’t Forget Your Scalp
We spend most of our time thinking about our hair, but you must not forget your scalp. If your scalp and hair follicles aren’t healthy, your hair won’t be healthy either. Nourish your scalp, strengthen your hair, and stimulate new growth with a Hair and Scalp Serum.
Scalp treatment—after you shampoo, condition, and pat your hair dry, part your hair into at least 4 sections. Apply a few drops of serum to each part line, then use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp. Massage for 3 minutes to stimulate circulation. Repeat daily or every other day.
Daily hair treatment—add 4 to 10 drops of serum to your palms, depending on the length of your hair. Rub your palms together and evenly distribute the serum throughout your hair. Apply daily or a few days a week for moisture, sheen, and to strengthen your hair.
#6 Light Therapy
An exciting new advancement in hair loss is medical-grade red light therapy. This FDA-approved treatment irradiates photons into scalp tissues, encouraging new hair growth. It is a safe, non-invasive, and pain-free way to keep your existing hair healthy and minimize hair loss.
Studies find that with regular use, at least 39% of users experience hair growth. However, consistency is key—so you’ll need to use red light therapy on a weekly basis. Heading to an esthetician each week is time-consuming. For ease and convenience, consider an at-home red light comb or cap.
#7 Consider Microblading
When your hair begins to thin, talk to your dermatologist about scalp microblading. This is the process of applying a semi-permanent dye to your scalp that is similar to a tattoo—but more natural in appearance.
Microblading is an effective way to “fill in” thinning areas by creating the illusion of more hair. It’s not the same thing as a block of ink, as the hair-like strokes mimic the look and color of your natural hair.
While most common in thinning areas, microblading can also be used to create a defined hairline. The ink is semi-permanent, so you only have to commit to a shape or color for 18 to 30 months. As if fades you can do touch-ups, or you can let if fade to rock your bald head with pride.
Looking For A Naturally Derived Men’s Haircare Line?
If you are searching for a Hair and Scalp Serum or a men’s grooming line that is formulated with natural ingredients—look no further than Uncle Jimmy. We have products for men with all hair textures and hairstyles, including straight, curly, and kinky hair.
WRITE FOR US
Think you've got a fresh perspective that will challenge our readers to engage and educate themselves on how to attain a healthier self, beard, hair, and skin included? We're always looking for authors who can deliver quality articles and blog posts. Thousands of men and women will read your work, and you will level up in the process.
