How to (actually) treat hair loss!

By Dr. Guanchen Sun

Approximately 49% of women will be affected by hair loss throughout their lives, with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) being the most common cause of female alopecia. In men, significant balding affects one in five in their 20s, one in three men in their 30s and nearly half of men aged in their 40s and Australia has been declared to have the highest percentage of balding men in the world!

It is no doubt that we have seen the market grow with an overwhelming number of products promising the same thing, but consumers are more curious than ever especially when it comes to what we digest.

Doctor Guanchen Sun , Research & Development Director at Biogency explains: “The market is continuing to rapidly expand with a greater focus on organic, natural and Australian made products. Consumers are more aware and alert than ever, especially amongst supplements and vitamins which is why we created Piliant.” The hair care market is expected to grow to $1.44 billion this year but understanding what causes hair loss is the first step when determining what products will help us achieve the results, we’re after.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss is part of the normal ageing process but also comes in many forms for both males and females. Things such as hormonal changes, medical conditions, heredity, poor hair care, stress and childbirth can all onset the process of hair loss and how we treat each varies depending on the severity. In men specifically, hair loss is more common.

Do you know about the UV dangers to the scalp?

UV light produces a lot of reactive oxygen species which not only damage the grown hair, but also the hair follicles on the scalp. Wearing protective gear like a hat can offer some protection but UV lights still have the chance of penetrating through. Seeing as our UV is so high especially in Summer this can have detrimental effects on the quality of our hair (texture/colour) as well as hair loss.

Australia experiences some of the highest UV in the world being so close to the equator and coupled with clearer skies, the comparison is quite vast: in summer the UK has UV Index 6–8, while Australia has UV Index 10–14. With that said, the strong climate is definitely a factor that increases hair loss in Australia solely due to the UV light.

Dr. Sun’s top three recommendations:

1. Include a supplement specifically formulated for hair health into your daily routine for the body to absorb the nutrients it might not be receiving from foods

2. Consume foods high in protein, rich oils and antioxidants like nuts, eggs and blueberries

3. Limit direct UV exposure from the sun to the scalp, wear a hat/SPF when out

Can hair supplements help?

Hair supplements aid the process of restoring and strengthening hair and can largely help to achieve your hair health goals. They are great for individuals who lack or are low in a certain vitamin/level and can work harmoniously in conjunction with a balanced diet and consistent hair care. As everyone has different hair goals, types and experiences - results will depend solely on the individual and their upkeep as each supplement plays a different role.

It is also important to take note of the specific ingredients in supplements, I recommend Piliant to those who want to see an overall improvement in their hair type, texture and health. Containing not one but 5 essential nutrients for hair health, Piliant is formulated with Vitamin A, B and C as well as iron and zinc to recover hair damage, increase coverage, and maintain overall hair health.

What sorts of foods should we be eating to prevent hair loss?

Our diet plays a large role in the maintenance of healthy hair, where protein and rich oils like nuts and seeds should be consumed in conjunction with effective supplements to treat both hair loss and growth. It is recommended to consume foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids such as fish and nuts. Sufficient protein is also important for maintaining hair volume: eggs, seafood and lean meat are good choices and green vegetables and fruits high in antioxidants can help also fight reactive oxygen species to protect hair.

We should avoid highly processed food and keep foods with high sugar or unhealthy fats (i.e., deep fried food) in moderation. One supplement cannot undo poor health nor restore hair to its original condition, however more so supplements should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient water intake and a strong hair care routine to follow.

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