I’m a doctor – a viral hair growth trend may be doing more harm than good, my tips for growing your tresses help
A DOCTOR has dished the details on a popular trend for growing locks long.
He warned that a popular haircare trend may be doing more harm than good for tresses.
Dr. Min-Qing Lee, the chief medical officer of Hair and Skin Science weighed in on current trends and better alternatives.
Particularly, he addressed the use of essential oils in combatting hair loss.
For Dr. Lee, the science to back up claims of essential oils making tresses grow is too slim for comfort.
“Some oils may have mild benefits for scalp health and hair conditioning but scientific evidence is limited to deem these as notable products for significant hair growth,” he said.
WHY NOT?
While the science on essential oils isn’t enough to make him a believer, Dr. Lee shared some tips on using them safely.
“Use essential oils cautiously to avoid skin irritation or potential allergic reactions, especially with undiluted or concentrated oils,” he said.
“Essential oils are suitable for individuals seeking natural options for scalp health and hair conditioning, but those with sensitive skin or allergies should perform a patch test first.
“To do so, dilute the essential oils in a carrier oil — for example, coconut oil or jojoba oil.
“Before you apply it to the scalp, perform a patch test on a small area of the skin to check for any adverse reactions before using or applying the oil on the scalp.
“Make sure to use essential oils sparingly and avoid direct contact with the eyes or mucous membranes.”
OTHER OPTIONS
Many blame stress for their hair falling out, but Dr. Lee says that’s not telling the whole story.
“While stress management techniques can promote overall well-being, scientific evidence for directly linking stress reduction to significant hair growth is limited,” he said.
“However, it is still advisable to practice daily positive routines to help reduce stress levels.
“Practice stress-reduction techniques regularly, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness to maintain long-term benefits.
“Combining stress management with other hair growth strategies for comprehensive support is also beneficial.”
He also recommended regular scalp stimulation as part of a holistic game plan to combat hair loss.
“Scalp massage is safe and easy, it’s great for improving blood flow to the scalp, potentially supporting hair follicle health, as well as being relaxing and stress-relieving,” he said.
What causes hair loss?
Alexander Armand is a celebrity hairstylist and the creator of hair loss oil Flourish by Alexander Armand.
“Some common causes for hair loss include stress, alopecia, hereditary hair loss, chemical treatments, high tension hairstyles, diet, and certain medications,” Armand told The U.S. Sun.
“Androgenetic Alopecia which is also known as pattern baldness, is the most common cause of hair loss and is a genetic condition that causes hair thinning on the crown and top of the head in women, and thinning and receding hairlines in men.
“Telogen Effluvium is the technical term for a temporary form of hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting (telogen) phase due to stress, illness, surgery, childbirth, or major life changes.
“Hair typically grows back within a few months.
“Alopecia Areata is another form of alopecia that is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss in patches.
“The severity varies, some people may lose all hair while others may experience regrowth.
“When it relates to your diet, deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, vitamin D, biotin, zinc, and protein can contribute to hair loss.
“Traction alopecia can occur due to tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, or buns that put stress on the hair follicles.
“Excessive heat styling or chemical treatments can also damage hair.
“Also, certain medications, like chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and some antidepressants, can cause hair loss as a side effect.”
“However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its full benefit for significant hair growth.”
He recommended staying consistent with the massages, given there are no scalp conditions.
“To do so, use your fingertips or a massage tool to gently massage the scalp in circular motions for several minutes daily,” he said.
“Customize the pressure and duration of massage based on personal comfort and tolerance.”
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
Dr. Lee also recommended paying close attention to meeting dietary needs for better hair.
“A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall well-being, including hair growth, and making dietary changes as a way to improve hair health should be approached holistically,” he said.
“I recommend making positive dietary changes for everyone as part of a healthy lifestyle, particularly for individuals with nutritional deficiencies or those seeking to optimize hair health.
“Include a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet, such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
“It is also worth consulting with a dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations to start implementing daily.
“Be consistent with dietary changes and maintain a balanced approach to nutrition.
“Remember that results will differ according to each individual based on their dietary habits and nutrient absorption, and dietary changes alone may not be enough for significant results.
“Sufficient outcome will take time, requiring patience and consistency.”
