Hair loss is a complex health issue, which can occur in various forms and affect every person differently. Unlike many other health conditions which may have a very straightforward treatment, hair loss treatments cover more of a grey area. Both men and women experiencing hair loss can use specific biohacking techniques to help manage hair loss symptoms.
While hair loss often has a genetic component, new research suggests people are not destined to experience the same pattern of hair loss that their parents have. Hair loss is greatly impacted by lifestyle choices, which can be modified using the most recent science and biohacking techniques.
By performing a deep dive into where hair loss comes from, biohackers are more easily able to target approaches for treatment.
Understanding the Origins of Hair Loss
As mentioned above, there are a variety of different reasons why a person may experience hair loss. One of the most common, known as androgenic alopecia, refers to genetic hair loss. This condition affects both men and women, who experience a gradual shrinking of hair follicles.
Hair loss can also be a direct result of stressors in a person’s life, such as mental, psychological, or emotional stress. Often, people may experience a condition known as telogen effluvium after a major or stressful event such as surgery, illness, loss of a loved one, childbirth, or other serious events. Nutritional deficiencies and hormonal balances also play a great role in hair loss.
Certain medical conditions or autoimmune diseases can also affect hair health. For example, individuals with alopecia areata may form circular patches of hair loss, caused by the body attacking its own hair follicles.
Identifying the Root Cause of Hair Loss
Before we can determine the appropriate biohacking techniques to manage hair loss, the root cause must be identified. Diagnosis of your type of hair loss may require consultation with a medical professional (often Dermatologist or Trichologist). With the type of hair loss identified, it’s then easier to enhance your chances of success by using targeted biohacking techniques.
Biohacking Techniques to Support Hair Growth
Regardless of what form of hair loss you have, proper nutrition is key to ensuring healthy hair and preventing further loss. Eating a well-rounded diet that contains adequate calories is important for many bodily processes, including hair growth.
Medications may be recommended to target specific causes of hair loss. For example, individuals with hair loss caused by DHT may benefit from medications that manage androgens such as Spironolactone. On the other hand, individuals with hair loss caused by a nutritional deficiency, such as low ferritin or iron, may need to alter their food intake and nutritional supplements to help support hair growth.
Research also supports the use of low-level laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP Injections) for certain types of hair loss. Other options include microneedling, hair injections, hair transplants, and other forms of therapies. As with any health concern, it’s important to do your research and seek guidance from a medical professional before trying hair loss treatments.
Supplementation for Healthy Hair
Nutritional supplementation can be a supportive tool to help address certain types of hair loss caused by deficiencies. For example, low Vitamin D may be a contributing factor to hair loss. Probiotics, Silicone, Zinc, Iron, and Pumpkin Seed Oil are other natural supplements that may help support healthy hair regrowth.
To take things one step further, biohacking your scalp health is also important when trying to regrow hair. After all, healthy hair requires a healthy scalp! Taking measures to create a healthy scalp environment can help encourage hair growth and limit additional hair loss. This involves considering environmental factors that impact your scalp, such as UV exposure, hair styling products that contain chemicals, and more. Incorporating new things into your routine, such as a daily scalp massage, may also help improve blood flow to the scalp and support improved hair loss/better hair growth.
