Key Points at a Glance
- In most cases, hair loss is caused by genetics.
- However, stress and diet also play a role.
- Genetic hair loss has a realistic chance of being halted by the active ingredient minoxidil.
- Home remedies, however, only strengthen healthy hair.
- Dietary supplements containing certain ingredients can help prevent hair loss if it is caused by stress or nutritional deficiencies.
Hair loss mainly affects men, although age does not always play a role. Even younger men sometimes experience hair loss. Women are also affected from time to time. There is no single cause of hair loss, but the risk increases with age. In most cases, hair loss has genetic causes; in some cases, poor nutrition or stress are the triggers—and occasionally, hormonal fluctuations as well.
What types of hair loss can be effectively treated?
It’s obvious: If your hair is thinning and genetics are the cause, hair loss is almost impossible to stop. However, hormonal imbalances, stress, and diet can be addressed—at least to some extent. In the Kanela online store, we’ve put together a selection of products to combat hair loss.
But there is also hope for people who suffer from genetically caused hair loss. Research and science have proven that the active ingredient minoxidil—a derivative of the pyrimidine compound Kopexil—can halt hereditary hair loss in men up to age 50 and in women. The success rate is relatively high for both sexes. Minoxidil, which is found in specialized shampoos, promotes blood flow to the hair follicles—the sheaths that surround the hair roots. This, in turn, ensures that nutrients are reliably transported to the hair roots.
What can you use from your home medicine cabinet to treat hair loss?
In the past, people tried to stop hair loss by massaging the scalp. Homemade tinctures were believed to help; a popular remedy, for example, was a decoction made from boiled nettle leaves, often mixed with a little vinegar.
It certainly strengthens the hair roots, and a homemade shampoo made from honey, brandy vinegar, and onion juice can have the same effect. At least this helps nourish and protect the hair that’s left. However, these remedies cannot stop hair loss—even Grandma’s old recipes are powerless against it.
What effect do dietary supplements have on hair loss?
Both in our personal and professional lives, we’re exposed to increasing amounts of stress. Often, this stress means we don’t eat a balanced diet. Most of the time, we just need something quick, and we simply want to feel full. If we don’t get enough vitamins C, D, and the B vitamins, skin functions can quickly become disrupted—and hair loss can be a consequence. Furthermore, anyone who doesn’t get enough zinc, iron, or biotin (vitamin B7 or vitamin H) risks weakening their hair follicles.
Some of these vitamins and nutrients are actually found in shampoos, tonics, conditioners, or serums. This allows the substances to reach the hair follicles directly. There is also a selection of tablets and capsules that contain the necessary nutrients. While regular use or intake of these products cannot prevent or even reverse hereditary hair loss, they can help manage hair loss caused by stress-related nutritional deficiencies.
