Reclaim Your Hair’s Health: Essential Tips for Combating Hair Loss and Breakage

August 27, 2024

Reclaim Your Hair’s Health: Essential Tips for Combating Hair Loss and Breakage

While hair loss and breakage can be distressing, gaining a clear understanding of the root causes and implementing the right treatments can bring a sense of relief and control. At the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal hair health by addressing these underlying factors. Here’s a guide to help along your journey to stronger, healthier hair.

Moisturizing and Hydration: The Foundation of Healthy Hair

Hydration is crucial for maintaining hair health. Without proper moisture, hair can become brittle, leading to breakage.

Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regularly incorporate deep conditioning treatments and hair masks into your routine. These treatments infuse moisture and help repair damaged hair.
Hydrating Ingredients: Look for products containing natural oils like argan oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and keratin. These ingredients are known for their moisturizing properties and help keep your hair soft and supple.

Gentle Hair Care: Protecting Your Hair from Damage

How you treat your hair daily can significantly impact its health and strength.

Limit Heat Styling: Excessive heat can weaken hair and cause it to break. If you must use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant to shield your strands from damage.
Choose the Right Tools: When combing your hair, especially when it’s wet, use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to minimize breakage.

Protein Treatments: Strengthening Your Hair

Protein treatments can reinforce the structure of your hair, making it less prone to breakage.

Hydrolyzed Protein Treatments penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen and repair it. Regular use can help improve hair resilience and reduce the likelihood of breakage.

Regular Trims: Preventing Split Ends

Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage over time. Regular trims are essential for keeping your hair healthy.

Routine Haircuts: Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove split ends and maintain the overall health of your hair.

Protective Hairstyles: Reducing Stress on Your Hair

How you style your hair can either protect it or cause further damage.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles: Tight ponytails, braids, and buns can lead to tension and breakage. Opt for loose, protective styles that reduce stress on your hair.

Avoid Chemical Treatments: Keeping Your Hair Strong

Chemical treatments like bleaching, perming, or relaxing can weaken your hair and lead to breakage.

When it comes to chemical treatments, it’s crucial to ensure they are performed by a professional who can apply protective treatments to minimize damage. This professional care can provide you with the reassurance and confidence that you’re making the right treatment choices for your hair health.

Nutrients That Could Be Missing: Fueling Hair Growth from Within

Your diet plays a critical role in the health of your hair. Certain nutrients are vital for hair growth and strength.

Protein: Hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. A diet low in protein can result in weak, brittle hair. Aim for a minimum of 90 grams of protein daily. (Sources: Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds)
Iron: Iron deficiency can contribute to hair loss and breakage. (Sources: Red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals)
Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for hair follicle health. If needed, consider a supplement of 5,000 IU of Vitamin D3 + K2 daily. (Sources: Sun exposure, fatty fish, fortified dairy products)
Zinc: Zinc supports hair tissue growth and repair. MitoCore can be a valuable supplement, with 2 to 4 capsules daily. (Sources: Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, and dairy)
Biotin (Vitamin B7): Biotin deficiency can cause hair thinning and breakage. MitoCore 2 to 4 capsules daily can help. (Sources: Eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, and sweet potatoes)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s help hydrate the scalp and support hair growth. OrthoMega Fish Oil is recommended, with 1 to 2 capsules daily. (Sources: Fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts)
Vitamin E: This vitamin supports scalp health and offers antioxidant protection. MitoCore 2 to 4 capsules daily can be beneficial. (Sources: Nuts, seeds, spinach, broccoli)
Vitamin A: Vitamin A, including hair cells, is crucial for cell growth. MitoCore 2 to 4 capsules daily can help. (Sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale)
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9): Folic acid supports hair growth by helping produce red blood cells. MitoCore 2 to 4 capsules daily is recommended. (Sources: Leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, fortified grains)

Note: Please have your levels checked before supplementing. Don’t guess.

Additional Tips for Healthy Hair

Balanced Diet: A varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for healthy hair.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and hair hydrated.
Supplements: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, consider taking a multivitamin like MitoCore.

Advanced Treatments at WIFM

If you’ve addressed these causes and are still experiencing hair loss or breakage, WIFM offers advanced procedures that can help:

Laser Therapy: Promotes hair growth by stimulating follicles.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: Utilizes your body’s growth factors to encourage hair regrowth.
Exosomes Therapy: A cutting-edge treatment that delivers influential growth factors to rejuvenate hair follicles.

Your hair reflects your overall health, and taking the time to care for it can yield significant benefits. By nourishing your hair from within and adopting healthy hair care practices, you can effectively combat hair loss and breakage. This empowerment can boost your confidence and make you feel more in charge of your hair health. At the Wisconsin Institute of Functional Medicine, we are committed to supporting you on your journey to healthier, stronger hair. Whether through personalized advice or advanced treatment options, we’re here to help you restore your hair’s vitality and confidence. Visit our website to explore how we can assist you in achieving your hair health goals.